Vegan Air Fryer: Healthy, Tasty Options To Explore

Air fryers are a great way to make healthy, vegan food. You can make delicious meals with little to no oil, and they're so versatile that you can even make desserts with this cooking method. From tofu nuggets to lentil patties, air fryers can be used to make a variety of vegan dishes. They're also perfect for making healthier versions of comfort foods like cinnamon rolls and potato wedges.

Crispy veggies

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthy food, as they use hot air to cook food, rather than submerging it in oil. This means that the resulting dish is usually much healthier, as it has a lower fat content.

You can cook plenty of vegetables in an air fryer, including crispy Brussels sprouts, veggie chips, and even homemade falafels. These can be used to make falafel sandwiches, which are super easy to prepare in an air fryer.

You can also cook convenience foods like vegan sausages, nuggets, and French fries in an air fryer. However, it's important to remember that the air fryer won't make these foods healthier. For a truly nutritious meal, opt for nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, which are just as nutritious in the air fryer as they are in the oven.

Crispy brussels sprouts

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of healthy, vegan foods. While they won't make French fries or other convenience foods like nuggets and vegan sausages healthy, they can be used to cook plenty of vegetables in a healthier way than deep frying. This is because air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, rather than heating large amounts of oil. This means that the resulting dish is usually much healthier because the fat content is lower.

One such vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer is brussels sprouts. Crispy brussels sprouts are super-healthy and easy to make. To make them, start by trimming the ends off of the sprouts and cutting them in half. Then, toss them in a bowl with a small amount of oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the sprouts out in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour to your sprouts. For example, you could try adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the bowl before tossing them in oil. Just be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can cause the sprouts to steam instead of crisp. So, if you're making a large batch, cook them in batches to ensure they get nice and crispy.

Healthy homemade falafels

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthy vegan food. They work by circulating hot air around the food, giving it a crispy layer without the need for large amounts of oil. This means that the resulting dish is usually much healthier because the fat content is lower.

• Chickpeas
• Fresh herbs, such as parsley and coriander
• Garlic
• Onion
• Lemon juice
• Spices, such as cumin and coriander
• Flour (gluten-free if desired)
• Baking powder

First, soak the chickpeas overnight, then drain and rinse them. Blend the chickpeas with the herbs, garlic, onion, lemon juice, and spices until a thick paste forms. Add in the flour and baking powder, and mix until combined. Form the mixture into small balls or patties, and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve the falafels in a sandwich with hummus, tahini, and vegetables, or as part of a salad or grain bowl.

Vegan sausages

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegan food, as they can give a crispy texture to food without the need for lots of oil. You can cook plenty of vegetables in the air fryer, such as crispy Brussels sprouts, and falafel sandwiches. You can also cook vegan sausages in the air fryer.

To cook vegan sausages in the air fryer, preheat the fryer for about 5 minutes. Then, put the sausages in the basket or tray in a single layer and lightly coat them with oil spray. Air fry at 380°F/193°C for 5 minutes, then flip or shake the basket and continue to air fry for another 2-5 minutes, or to your liking. If you're serving the sausages as hot dogs, you can warm the buns separately in the fryer for 1 minute, or place the sausages in the buns and put them back in the air fryer for about 1 minute to warm and crisp the buns.

Nuggets

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of vegan foods, including nuggets. Nuggets are a convenient food that can be cooked in an air fryer, and they are a healthier option than deep-fried nuggets as they have a lower fat content.

To make vegan nuggets in an air fryer, you can use a variety of plant-based proteins such as tofu, seitan, or tempeh. These proteins can be cut into nugget-shaped pieces and coated in a breading or batter before being cooked in the air fryer. The air fryer will give the nuggets a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying in oil.

When preparing vegan nuggets for the air fryer, it is important to ensure that the coating is secure so that it does not fall off during cooking. You can use a variety of breading options, such as breadcrumbs, cornflakes, or a flour-based batter. Seasonings and spices can also be added to the breading to enhance the flavour of the nuggets.

Vegan nuggets can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a vegan ranch dressing. They can be served as a main course or an appetiser, and they are a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets.

In addition to nuggets, air fryers can be used to cook a variety of other vegan foods. Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower can be roasted in the air fryer to create a crispy and healthy side dish. You can also use the air fryer to make homemade falafels, which are a tasty and protein-rich option for vegan meals.

Frequently asked questions