5 Delicious Vegan Air Fryer Recipes to Cook with Ninja Air Fryers

Vegan air fryer recipes

In recent years, the kitchen landscape has witnessed a culinary revolution, one marked by a device that’s taken the world by storm – the air fryer. The appeal lies not only in its ability to create delectably crispy dishes but also in its health-conscious approach to cooking. With minimal oil, air fryers have won the hearts of food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike, revolutionizing how we prepare our favorite meals.

In our quest to explore the full potential of air fryers, we’ve embarked on a flavorful journey with a specific focus in mind: vegan cuisine. The intersection of the air fryer and veganism has paved the way for a world of possibilities, where plant-based ingredients are transformed into mouthwatering, crispy delights.

But before we dive into the delicious world of vegan air fryer recipes, we’d like to introduce the top two Ninja Air Fryers that you might consider for your kitchen: the Ninja Air Fryer AF161 Max XL and the Ninja Air Fryer AF101. These Ninja air fryers have earned their reputation for exceptional performance and convenience. Here are some of the standout features that make Ninja air fryers a top choice:

  1. Wide Temperature Range: Ninja air fryers are equipped with a wide temperature range, allowing you to precisely control the cooking temperature for various recipes. Whether you’re air frying, roasting, baking, or dehydrating, you can fine-tune the heat to achieve the perfect results.
  2. 4-in-1 Versatility: These air fryers offer 4-in-1 functionality, going beyond traditional air frying. You can also use them for roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, making them versatile appliances that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks.
  3. Easy-to-Clean: Ninja understands the importance of hassle-free cleanup. The components of their air fryers, such as the cooking basket and crisper plate, are designed to be dishwasher safe. This means that after enjoying your delicious meals, you won’t have to spend excessive time on cleaning up.
  4. Healthy Cooking: Ninja air fryers are designed with health-conscious individuals in mind. They use rapid air circulation technology to cook food evenly and achieve that coveted crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This results in healthier, lower-fat versions of your favorite dishes.
Ninja Air Fryers
Ninja Air Fryers

Also we’d like to extend an invitation to revisit our previous article, where we introduced two of the best Ninja Air Fryers currently available in the market. If you’re new to Ninja Air Fryers or just curious about what makes them stand out in the world of air frying, you can read our detailed guide HERE. Armed with the knowledge of these exceptional kitchen companions, you’ll be ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.

Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

Now, let’s embark on this culinary journey together as we present you with five tantalizing vegan air fryer recipes that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also leave you marveling at the versatility and efficiency of Ninja Air Fryers. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just venturing into plant-based cuisine, these recipes are bound to become staples in your kitchen.

Vegan Air Fryer Recipe 1: Crispy Air-Fried Vegan Tofu Nuggets

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of extra-firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (vegan-friendly)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or a light coating of oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  2. In a bowl, mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Gently toss tofu cubes in the seasoning mix and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Roll marinated tofu cubes in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  5. Preheat Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Lightly grease the air fryer basket, place breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer.
  7. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

Vegan Air Fryer Recipe 2: Ninja Air-Fried Vegan Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer.
  3. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
  4. Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden.
  6. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces, such as vegan mayo, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha aioli.
Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

Vegan Air Fryer Recipe 3: Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

  • 12 large mushroom caps
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (ensure they are vegan)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach or kale
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

  1. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, chopped onion, bell pepper, spinach or kale, minced garlic, vegan cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
  5. Lightly brush the stuffed mushrooms with olive oil.
  6. Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden.
  8. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.

Variations: You can customize the stuffing with ingredients like vegan sausage, chopped nuts, or different herbs for added flavor.

Photo by Doris Morgan on Unsplash

Vegan Air Fryer Recipe 4: Vegan Air-Fried Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (vegan)
  • 1/4 cup vegan grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup vegan marinara sauce
  • 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
  2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and vegan Parmesan cheese.
  4. Coat each eggplant slice with the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Place the coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket.
  6. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy and golden.
  7. Top each eggplant slice with marinara sauce and vegan mozzarella cheese.
  8. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve hot with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.

Vegan Air Fryer Recipe 5: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
  5. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the air fryer basket, leaving space between each cookie.
  7. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before serving.

Variations: You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough for extra flavor.

These recipes showcase the versatility of Ninja Air Fryers, allowing you to create a wide range of vegan dishes with ease. Enjoy your culinary adventures in air frying!

Photo by K8 on Unsplash

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey through these five delectable vegan air fryer recipes, we hope you’ve discovered the delightful intersection of plant-based cooking and the remarkable efficiency of Ninja Air Fryers. These kitchen marvels have undoubtedly transformed the way we approach healthy and flavorful cuisine.

From the crispy perfection of our Vegan Tofu Nuggets to the savory indulgence of Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms, the Ninja Air Fryer’s precision and versatility have shone through, making each dish a culinary masterpiece. And let’s not forget the comforting satisfaction of Vegan Sweet Potato Fries, the Italian flair of Vegan Eggplant Parmesan, and the sweet finale of Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies – all achieved with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

Thank you for joining us on this flavorful adventure of vegan air fryer recipes, and here’s to many more delectable vegan creations in the world of air Ninja air fryers!