Whether you’re just looking for more Meatless Monday options or you’re testing out a vegetarian diet, we’re here to help you bulk up your list of vegetarian recipes. The air fryer can actually be a wonderful tool when it comes to whipping up more vegetarian snacks and meals. It works by using superheated air to “crisp” foods the way that oil in a fryer would—but in a much healthier way.
Here are 18 plant-powered air fryer vegetarian recipes to try.
1. Homemade Air Fryer Veggie Tots >
We love a good dippable, poppable tot, but we don’t love all the added fat and calories that typically accompanies this snack time favorite. Fortunately, our homemade Air Fryer Veggie Tots are much more nutritious while still packed with flavor. Full of nutrients and fiber from the zucchini and carrots, they still have the wonderful crunch you love about tots—all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
2. Air Fryer Orange Tofu >
If you’ve been unsure about trying tofu in the past, this is the recipe that will win you over. Tofu has fiber and protein and contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs, which is why it’s a good meat substitute. But a lot of people write off tofu as “too mushy.” This Air Fryer Orange Tofu recipe will change all of that by helping to make some crispy tofu that is packed with flavor.
3. Air Fryer Italian Spaghetti Squash >
Spaghetti squash is known for being high in vitamins and nutritional value. Thanks to its stringy insides, it’s often used as a healthy substitute in pasta dishes. In this vegetarian air fryer recipe, you’ll whip up an Italian dish featuring spaghetti squash, spinach and Italian staples like marinara sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheese. It’s all air-fried until golden brown and deliciously bubbly. Try our delicious Air Fryer Italian Spaghetti Squash recipe!
4. Air Fryer Asparagus >
Asparagus is low in calories and a great source of fiber, folate and vitamins. But many people don’t like asparagus when it’s mushy. That’s where the air fryer can really shine. You can crisp asparagus (and other veggies) to perfection. Simply toss your asparagus in olive oil, garlic and black pepper, then pop it in the air fryer basket. This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe is also delicious with some parmesan cheese on top.
5. Air Fried Pickles >
If you’re in the mood for some of those deep-fried pickles from your favorite restaurant, why not whip up a much healthier version in the air fryer? These Air Fried Pickles have all the flavor and crunch that you love but without all that artery-clogging, deep-fried fat. In fact, a serving of Air Fried Pickles is just 98 calories. All you’ll need is pickle slices, whole wheat flour, panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese and a beaten egg to put together this yummy appetizer.
6. Air Fryer Parmesan Carrots >
These “roasted” carrot sticks are so packed with flavor that you’ll find yourself popping them like French fries. And as a nutrient-rich vegetable, that’s something you can feel good about. Simply slice up carrots like sticks and coat them in some breadcrumbs and spices. Then pop in the air fryer and crisp to perfection. A serving of Air Fryer Parmesan Carrots is just 61 calories.
7. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks >
Who doesn’t love a delicious mozzarella stick appetizer? Of course, these deep-fried treats are traditionally a diet detour. But the air fryer can help give you your cheesy, crunchy mozzarella stick fix. These homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are easy to make and much healthier than anything that comes out of the deep fryer. That means you can snack without the guilt.
8. Air Fryer Tofu Tikka Masala >
Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish typically featuring chicken. But we’ve put together a vegetarian version that can be easily whipped up using the air fryer and a blender. You’ll cook most of this dish in the air fryer while using your blender to make a creamy, delicious sauce. It just goes to show that your air fryer can do so much more than crispy French fries or veggies. It can assist you in making a full-blown, healthy meal. Check out this awesome recipe for Air Fryer Tofu Tikka Masala.
9. Air Fryer Cauliflower Tater Tots >
Here’s another tot recipe using riced cauliflower as the base instead of shredded potato. It makes for a much more nutrient-rich, healthy snack than traditional deep-fried tots. With parmesan cheese in the mixture, these Air Fryer Cauliflower Tater Tots are cheesy and delicious—but a serving is just a mere 140 calories.
10. Air Fryer Baked Eggs >
Looking for something different for breakfast? This simple, four-step Air Fryer Baked Eggs recipe helps you bake a protein-packed breakfast that will start your day off on the right foot. You’ll use a ramekin and a few simple ingredients to make a flavorful dish that clocks in at only 81 calories per serving.
11. Air Fryer Protein Pasta Chips >
Ever since pasta “chips” became TikTok famous, it’s been the must-try air fryer recipe that everyone is talking about. Our Air Fryer Protein Pasta Chips recipe takes a high protein pasta and just the right seasonings to make a crispy pasta chip that is dunkable in your favorite dip—or just as delicious on its own. Personally, we love pasta chips with some classic marinara dipping sauce. It’s a healthy snack for your next get-together or movie night. Plus, you can keep switching it up with different kinds of pasta or dips.
12. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn >
Traditional Mexican Street Corn features full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. But we lightened it up with light mayonnaise and lots of spices to add plenty of flavor. The air fryer helps to crisp the corn to delicious perfection. Try this Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn recipe!
13. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots with Honey Mustard Sauce >
This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tot recipe uses vitamin C-rich sweet potatoes to make lighter, healthier tater tots in the air fryer. While you can serve tots with any of your favorite dips, we’ve also included a recipe for delicious homemade honey mustard made from light mayonnaise, some honey and Dijon mustard. A serving of tots with honey mustard is a mere 101 calories, helping you to remain on track with your weight loss.
14. Air Fryer Caprese Sweet Potato Crostini >
These cute Crostini appetizers make a presentable—and delicious—treat. But instead of using a sliced baguette, they use healthy sweet potato slices as a base. Simply place the slices in the air fryer to crisp and then top each slice with fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and basil. One serving of Air Fryer Caprese Sweet Potato Crostini is just 161 calories.
15. 4-Ingredient Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks >
With this recipe, you’ll be able to turn an ordinary string cheese stick into a delicious and healthy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks meal. Start with a slice of whole-grain bread which you’ll roll out until flat. Then add a cheese stick to the top of the bread and sprinkle with garlic powder. Next, roll up the cheese stick in the bread and crisp it in the air fryer with some cooking spray. Voila! It’s a healthy grilled cheese roll-up that clocks in at only 159 calories.
