From vegoutmag.com
By Maya Flores
Discover how one countertop gadget can turn ordinary veggies and grains into golden, restaurant-worthy meals in minutes
When the air fryer first went viral, I’ll admit I rolled my eyes. Did we really need another gadget crowding our countertops?
But then I tried it—and like so many plant-based home cooks, I got hooked.
The air fryer isn’t just a time-saver. It’s a flavour booster, a crisp-maker, and, if you ask me, one of the best friends a weeknight cook could have. Especially when you’re plant-based, it helps vegetables, beans, and tofu transform into golden, craveable meals in minutes.
Here are seven vegan meals that prove your air fryer can do so much more than make fries—and they just might reshape your weeknight routine.
1. Crispy tofu bowls
The first time I tossed cubes of marinated tofu into the air fryer, I couldn’t believe the transformation.
What came out was crisp on the outside, tender on the inside—the kind of texture that usually takes half an hour in the oven.
Once you’ve got your tofu, the rest is easy: build a bowl with rice or quinoa, sautéed greens, pickled veggies, and a drizzle of peanut sauce. It’s hearty, balanced, and endlessly customizable.
And the kicker? Leftovers stay crisp enough to toss into a salad the next day, making this a two-for-one weeknight wonder.
2. Air-fried veggie tacos
I grew up in a taquería, so tacos are in my blood. But making a filling that’s both quick and flavourful on a weeknight can be a tall order. Enter the air fryer.
Think strips of bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and even cauliflower, all tossed with cumin and smoked paprika, then crisped in 12 minutes flat.
Pile them into warm tortillas, top with guacamole or cashew crema, and you’ve got dinner that tastes like it took hours.
The first time I made these for my nieces, they each ate three and asked for more. That’s how you know a weeknight meal is a keeper.
3. Falafel without the fuss
Falafel used to be my “weekend only” project—soaking chickpeas, frying in batches, splattering oil everywhere. But the air fryer changes that equation.
You can pulse soaked chickpeas with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices, form them into balls, and air fry until golden. No greasy mess, no babysitting the pan.
Serve with pita, tahini sauce, and a quick cucumber-tomato salad, and you’ve got a Middle Eastern-inspired dinner in under 30 minutes.
Personally, I keep extra falafel in the freezer. On nights when I’m too tired to think, I can drop a few into the basket and have dinner sorted before I’ve even set the table.
4. Stuffed peppers
One of my favourite weeknight tricks is taking a humble vegetable and making it the star. Bell peppers, halved and stuffed with a mix of quinoa, beans, and salsa, become something special in the air fryer.
The peppers soften without going mushy, the filling gets hot and fragrant, and if you sprinkle on vegan cheese before cooking, you’ll get that irresistible melt and sizzle on top.
I once made these on a Wednesday night when friends dropped by unexpectedly. They thought I’d been cooking all day—but really, the air fryer had done the heavy lifting in just 15 minutes.
5. Air fryer “fried” rice cakes
Here’s a question: do you ever crave takeout-style crispy rice cakes, but without the oil-slicked aftermath? The air fryer nails it.
Press leftover rice into patties, brush lightly with sesame oil, and cook until the edges turn golden and crisp.
Top with stir-fried veggies and a drizzle of soy-sesame glaze, and you’ve got something that tastes indulgent but is light enough for a weeknight.
The first time I made this, I realized it was also a brilliant way to rescue leftover rice from going to waste—sustainability bonus points included.
6. Buffalo cauliflower wraps
If there’s one air fryer dish that’s gone viral for good reason, it’s cauliflower wings. Toss florets in a light batter, crisp them up, then coat in buffalo sauce. They’re addictive, tangy, and a little bit messy in the best way.
To make it a weeknight meal, I wrap the cauliflower in tortillas with lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of vegan ranch. It’s spicy comfort food that’s still fresh enough for a Tuesday night.
I’ll never forget the time I brought a platter of these to a neighbourhood potluck. Not only did they disappear first, but someone asked where I’d bought them. That’s the air fryer magic—it makes homemade taste store-bought.
7. Dessert apple hand pies
Yes, the air fryer can even do dessert. In fact, one of my guilty pleasures is air fryer apple hand pies—little pockets of pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, baked golden in minutes.
Use store-bought vegan pastry dough if you’re in a hurry, or make your own when you have time. Either way, they’re the perfect way to finish a meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
I once made a batch of these on a weeknight “just to test,” and by the time my partner came home, there were only two left. That’s how dangerously good they are.
Air fryer tricks for perfect plant-based meals
Before you dive into these recipes, a few small adjustments can make your air fryer meals even better.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Food needs space for the hot air to circulate—otherwise it steams instead of crisps. Cook in batches if you have to.
Use a light oil spray. Even a quick mist helps seasonings stick and creates that golden crust without drowning your veggies in oil.
Shake or flip halfway. The air fryer does a great job, but giving things a toss mid-cook ensures even crisping on all sides.
Preheat when you can. A short 2–3 minute preheat helps lock in texture, especially for tofu and potatoes.
Line with parchment (sparingly). It keeps sticky foods from clinging, but don’t cover the basket completely—airflow is what makes it work.
These little tweaks are the difference between “good enough” and “why didn’t I start using this sooner?”
Final words
The air fryer isn’t just a gadget—it’s a gateway to faster, crisper, more flavourful plant-based meals. From tacos and falafel to wraps and hand pies, it can turn weeknight cooking from a slog into something you look forward to.
So if your air fryer has been gathering dust, pull it out. Let it earn its countertop real estate. With a little imagination, it just might transform your evenings—and prove that plant-based cooking can be as easy as it is delicious.
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