10 Best Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes from Instagram
Let’s be honest, the air fryer was the best invention since sliced bread! It harnesses the power of rapidly circulating hot air to mimic the results of deep frying, allowing vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior with minimal oil use.
The ease of air frying opens up a realm of culinary creativity, enabling cooks of all skill levels to experiment with a variety of recipes—from crispy air fryer tofu and golden-brown cauliflower wings to savory vegetable fritters and crispy chickpeas.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack or a full meal, the air fryer proves to be an indispensable tool in the modern kitchen. And if you’re vegetarian, you’re in luck! We curated 10 of the tastiest vegetarian recipes we could find on Instagram that are hand-crafted for your air fryer.
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1. Air fryer Brussel sprouts with lemon honey butter by @rachelgurjar
This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and enhanced flavor that can be achieved when cooking vegetables in an air fryer. Brussels sprouts, known for their potential to become deliciously crunchy, are the perfect candidate for air frying. The method sued by Rachel Gurjar ensures that their leaves get incredibly crispy.
To elevate the dish further, the sprouts are tossed in a luscious glaze made from turmeric, honey, lemon, ginger, and butter, which adds a warm, spicy, and sweet dimension reminiscent of holiday flavors. Cooking them in the air fryer not only simplifies the process but also might yield a better taste and texture compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods. This is due to the air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air around the sprouts, cooking them evenly and quickly while achieving maximum crispiness. The added step of shaking the basket halfway through ensures that each sprout is perfectly golden brown. This method contrasts with the stovetop or oven, where achieving such an even crisp can be more labor-intensive and less consistent.
2. Air fryer brown sugar sweet potatoes by @veganbunnychef
Inspired by the traditional Chinese dessert, Ba Si Di Gua, this sweet potato recipe offers a delightfully easy-to-make treat that combines the crispiness of a caramelized exterior with the soft, sweet interior akin to crème brûlée.
With only three simple ingredients required, this snack requires minimal preparation and cooking effort. For an optimal experience, Japanese sweet potatoes are recommended due to their lighter flesh, enhanced sweetness, reduced moisture content, and a subtle chestnut scent that elevates the dish. To prepare, simply steam the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, slice them, lightly coat with avocado oil, and generously apply brown sugar. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes to achieve a crunchy top, or extend to 15 minutes for a deeper caramelization. Adding white sesame seeds is optional but can enhance the flavor and presentation.
3. Air fryer avocado fries by @the_clunky_chef
This recipe is modern and health-conscious twist on the classic fried snack, offering a crispy exterior and creamy interior that’s sure to satisfy your crunch cravings. These fries are seasoned with everything bagel spice, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. Perfect as a stand-alone snack with your favorite dipping sauce or as a unique addition to burgers or sandwiches, these avocado fries are a versatile side dish.
The recipe stands out for its simplicity, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation. The air fryer method ensures a healthier outcome by using less oil than traditional frying, resulting in a snack that’s both delicious and guilt-free. Avocado lovers will appreciate this innovative way to enjoy their favorite fruit, especially since it transforms the avocado’s naturally creamy texture into a crispy delight. This recipe is an intuitive choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
4. Air fryer stuffed portobello mushrooms by @goodnessavenue
This portobello mushroom recipe is a vegetarian delight, easily prepared with just seven ingredients and featuring goat cheese as the dish’s shining star. The combination of tender portobello mushrooms filled with a savory mix of cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, all topped with a rich slice of goat cheese, creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavors. The goat cheese, in particular, becomes wonderfully melty and creamy, perfectly complementing the firmness of the mushroom and the tanginess of the tomatoes.
This dish is not only gluten-free but also straightforward to assemble, making it an excellent choice for a healthy appetizer or a light weeknight meal. The use of an air fryer ensures the mushrooms are cooked to perfection, achieving a tender texture with a lightly golden and melty goat cheese topping. Remember, choosing cold goat cheese is key for easy slicing and optimal melting, enhancing this dish’s appeal as a delicious and nutritious option for any occasion.
5. Air fryer fried green tomatoes by @kennethtemple_
These fried green tomatoes offer a healthier alternative to the traditional frying method, achieving a delightful crispy and crunchy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This dish, ideal for a savory summer snack or appetizer, utilizes the convenience and efficiency of an air fryer to create a golden, flavorful crust around tender, flavorful green tomatoes. By seasoning the tomatoes with Cajun spices and coating them in a light batter before air frying, you can enjoy the classic comfort of fried green tomatoes with a guilt-free twist. The air fryer technology ensures that each slice is cooked to perfection, providing a crispy texture that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something crunchy.
Paired with a homemade Creole mustard dipping sauce, these air fryer fried green tomatoes are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with vibrant flavors, making them a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite dishes in a healthier way.
6. Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites by @beccaludlum
These air fried buffalo cauliflower bites are an irresistibly tasty and healthier alternative to traditional snacks, making them an excellent choice for game day or any snack time. Made from either raw or frozen cauliflower, these bites are not only simple to prepare but are also packed with flavor thanks to a generous coating of buffalo sauce. When finished in the air fryer, they achieve a delightful crispiness that rivals that of their chicken counterparts, making them a hit even among those who typically prefer meat-based snacks. The use of nutritional yeast as a breading option adds an extra layer of cheesy and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these buffalo cauliflower bites might just become your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower, possibly even more than traditional chicken wings!
7. Air fryer falafel by @veganrecipeideas
Air fried falafel makes for a delightful vegetarian (and vegan) option that promises a crispy and flavorful meal, ideal for pairing with pita bread and a creamy garlic white sauce. Starting with dried chickpeas, which are soaked for 18-24 hours to ensure the perfect texture, the recipe incorporates a blend of fresh herbs, spices, and garlic to achieve a rich and aromatic flavor profile. After processing these ingredients into a fine mixture and allowing it to chill, the falafel is shaped into balls or patties, lightly sprayed with cooking oil, and then air-fried until golden brown and crispy.
This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes it healthier by reducing the amount of oil needed. The resulting falafels can be enjoyed on their own or nestled in a pita with toppings like tahini, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
8. Air fryer fried pickles by @melissarosebruner
Enjoy a guilt-free snack with these air fryer fried pickles, which are delightfully crispy and come in under 100 calories per serving. Perfect for those who love a bit of crunch, these pickles might need a bit longer in the air fryer than the suggested five minutes per side, especially if you prefer them extra crispy.
To prepare, simply coat your sliced dill pickles in a flavorful blend of flour, garlic powder, Cajun spice, and cayenne pepper. After preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees, arrange the coated pickles in a single layer on the greased air fryer basket. A light spray of cooking spray or olive oil before and midway through cooking ensures they turn out perfectly golden and crispy. Serve these air fryer fried pickles with a creamy dill sauce for the ultimate combination of crunchy, spicy, and cool flavors.
9. Air fryer crispy tofu bites by @everygreenkitchen
This crispy air fried tofu recipe is a healthier alternative to enjoy golden brown and delicious tofu with barely any oil. Utilizing panko breadcrumbs for the coating achieves a texture and taste reminiscent of deep frying, without the actual need for it. Seasoned with tamari for depth and pepper for a kick, this tofu becomes a delightful snack or a versatile plant-based protein addition to various dishes.
Elevate these crispy tofu bites further by tossing them in a sweet chili sauce, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that enhances the flavor profile. Ideal for snacking on their own or as a protein-packed addition to rice bowls and salads, this air fryer method ensures tofu that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
10. Air fryer crunchy French fries by @gemtakesfoodpics
With just 1-2 tablespoons of oil, you can achieve deliciously crispy French fries in your air fryer, making this method both simple and efficient. This recipe is perfect for serving two, so adjust accordingly if you have more mouths to feed. The process involves slicing Maris Piper potatoes into classic French fry strips and soaking them in water to remove excess starch—a step that can be shortened if time is tight. After patting the potatoes dry, they’re tossed with a blend of mustard powder, garlic granules, paprika, and olive oil before being air fried at 200°C for 15 minutes, until they’re perfectly crispy. Serve these with a selection of your favorite sauces—ketchup, burger sauce, mayo, or mustard, along with fried onions for an extra flavor kick!
Try these new air fryer recipes today!
Connect Grocer’s List to your Instagram profile, for free.
Tag @grocerslist in the IG comments of a recipe you like.
We’ll email your recipe ingredients instantly.
Checkout with Instacart and start air frying the same day!
