Learn how to use your air fryer to create delicious plant-based recipes with these best air fryer cookbooks written by leading experts.
So you bought an air fryer. Now what?
The best way to learn how to use this handy small appliance is to dive right in and try some air fryer recipes. But many of the popular cookbooks contain meat-based recipes that aren't suitable for those on a plant-based diet.
That's where this guide comes in. Here you'll find my choices for the best air fryer cookbooks for vegans.
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Top choice
My #1 choice for the best plant-based air fryer cookbook is The Vegan Air Fryer: The Healthier Way to Enjoy Deep-Fried Flavors by JL Fields.
Pros: Contains a wide variety of recipes including both everyday staples and those from various cuisines
Cons: Uses some brand-specific processed ingredients that may be difficult to find; Not all recipes can be made gluten-free
Some of my favorite recipes include Miso-Style Vegetables, Basic Air-Fried Tofu, and Gourmet Grilled Cheese. You'll also find recipes for Baked Spaghetti, Fried Sushi Rolls, and Baked Apples.
First runner up
Coming in a close second is Kathy Hester's Vegan Cooking in Your Air Fryer: 75 Incredible Comfort Food Recipes with Half the Calories. If you follow a whole-food, plant-based diet or SOS-free diet (salt/oil/sugar-free), this is the book for you.
Pros: All recipes include gluten-, soy-, and oil-free options and are clearly labeled; includes seasoning and sauce recipes you can use with other recipes
Cons: Fewer recipes are included in this cookbook
Some of my go-to recipes in this book are Cornmeal Battered Tofu, Easy Sweet Potato Fries, and Lime Corn on the Cob. And be sure to check out the Stuffed Artichoke with Fresh Herbs, Fried Green Olives Stuffed with Tangy Cashew Cheese, and Cranberry Orange Muffin in a Mug.
Honorable mention
My third choice is The Essential Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook: 75 Whole Food Recipes to Fry, Bake, and Roast by Tess Challis. Even though I reach for the books by JL Fields and Kathy Hester more often, I do enjoy many of the recipes in this cookbook.
Pros: Color codes indicate the which recipes are healthy everyday choices and which are for special occasions
Cons: Many recipes only contain components such as toppings that are cooked in the air fryer; fewer photos than most cookbooks
Again, even though it isn't my top recommendation for an all-purpose cookbook, many of the recipes are incredibly delicious such as the Low-Fat, High-Flavor Buffalo Cauliflower, Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu, and Air-Fried Spring Rolls. In addition, the dessert recipes are drool-worthy.
More vegan air fryer cookbooks
These other books are worth a look as well, especially if you are looking to add to your collection.
- The Complete Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook: 150 Plant-Based Recipes for Your Favorite Foods by Susan LaBorde and Elizabeth Hickman
- Healthy Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook: 100 Plant-Based Recipes with Fewer Calories and Less Fat by Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
- Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook: Veggies made Easy: 250 Air Fryer and Vegan Recipes for Newbies by Diana Parker
- Plant-Based Air Fryer Cookbook: 75 Whole-Food Vegan Recipes by Janet and Maddie Dockery
FAQ
It circulates hot air around the food to make it crispy on the outside.
Because less oil can be used for cooking, or in some cases, no oil, the food may contain less fat and calories than deep fried food.
For the most part, anything you can bake in an oven you can prepare in an air fryer. Avoid overly wet foods or those that require a lot of liquid like uncooked rice and grains.
More air fryer recipes
While you're waiting for your cookbook to arrive, try some of these popular air fryer recipes:
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
Joann Lakes
I have to pick Kathy Hester’s book(s) as my absolute favorites. She includes everyone with her books without judgement. She doesn’t care what your reason is why you’re eating a vegan plant based recipe, she just wants you to eat the meal and enjoy it. We all come to the table for different reasons. It’s great to be here with a delicious meal and no judgment.
Amy Katz
I love Kathy, too. She's a wonderful human and really knows how to create amazing recipes.
Isabel Forbes
What is your recommendation for an air fryer?
Thank you,
Isabel
Amy Katz
Hi Isabel, there are my top picks for air fryers:
​1. Small, budget-friendly GoWISE if you are starting off and aren't sure an air fryer is for you.
​2. Cuisinart compact combination air fryer toaster oven if you have a little more to spend but want a smaller model.
3. Top-of-the-line Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Countertop Convection Oven that has settings for cookies, pizza, bread proofing, and more...I recently upgraded to this model and absolutely love it.
Kate
Are these books purely American or do they have metric / English names for vegetables? Nothing against Americans I've just been using one but I've had to google every single recipe... zuccini, eggplant, cilantro etc.. all things I've never heard of as we don't have them in the UK (we have the items but different names) we don't use cups or fluid ounces over here either, so it can be stressful figuring out recipes into mls and grams. I do want to buy a vegan airfryer cookbook but ideally one with conversions
Amy Katz
Hi Kate, Great question! You will want to skip the book by JL Fields. I recommend getting the one by Kathy Hester which does have metric conversions to grams and mls. I checked my copies of both books to be sure. I hope you enjoy it!