Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetarian food. They use less oil than traditional frying methods, making food healthier and lighter. Air fryers are also easy to clean and can cook food in less time. You can cook a wide variety of vegetarian dishes in an air fryer, from roasted vegetables to crispy snacks and sweets.
What to cook in an air fryer (vegetarian options)
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Carrots, Okra, Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Spinach, Kale, Eggplant/aubergine |
| Fruit | Apples, Peaches |
| Breads | Pizza, Garlic bread |
| Snacks | Crisps/chips, Churros, Mozzarella sticks |
| Pulses | Chickpeas |
| Meat alternatives | Quorn nuggets, Quorn roast, Sausage & bean melt |
| Cakes and puddings | <co: 9> |
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Roasted vegetables
You can roast almost any vegetable in an air fryer, including root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, as well as softer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. You can even roast fruits like apples!
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Wash and chop your chosen vegetables into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the vegetables. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the oil and seasonings.
- Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to roast them in batches.
- Cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired crispness. For firmer vegetables, cook for around 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Softer vegetables will take less time, around 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations!
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Crispy snacks
Air fryers are perfect for creating crispy vegetarian snacks without the grease. Try making your own potato chips, which are healthier than store-bought alternatives, and serve them with a creamy dip. You can also air-fry kale, converting any kale-haters with its tasty, crunchy texture.
For a healthier chip option, try apple chips. These are crispy, sweet wedges that are only 48 calories per serving. Or, for a more decadent snack, try making churros. Fry strips of sweet pastry dough until fluffy inside and crunchy outside, then dust with cinnamon sugar and serve with a creamy sauce.
If you're looking for something more savoury, try air-frying chickpeas. Toss them in oil, season, and throw them into the fryer. In 20 minutes, you'll have crunchy golden balls. You can also make spicy, crunchy cauliflower florets by air-frying cauliflower with smoked paprika and cayenne.
If you're craving pizza, try making a Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza in the air fryer. This fusion pizza is made with marinated paneer, red peppers, onions, and grape tomatoes. You can also make potato fritter sliders, or baby potatoes marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked on skewers.
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Vegetarian alternatives
There are plenty of vegetarian alternatives you can cook in an air fryer. For a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal, roasted vegetables are a great option. You can air-fry almost any vegetable, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and baby potatoes. If you're craving something crispy, try making potato chips or fries, or even apple chips, which are a healthier alternative.
For a more substantial meal, you could try making a Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza, or a Savory Puff Pastry Turnover with a paneer filling. You can also make protein-rich chickpeas in an air fryer, which are a nice alternative to nuts when you're craving something savory and crunchy. Just toss them in oil, season, and throw them in the fryer.
If you're looking for a meat alternative, you can try air-frying vegetarian products like Quorn. Quorn nuggets, a homemade sausage and bean melt, or a Quorn roast are all possible in an air fryer.
Lastly, if you're craving something sweet, you can try making churros in an air fryer. Fry some sweet pastry dough until it's fluffy inside and crunchy outside, then dust with cinnamon sugar and serve with a creamy sauce.
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Fusion recipes
If you're looking for some fusion recipe inspiration for your air fryer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
This delicious and quick fusion pizza is perfect for when you're craving pizza! It's made with marinated paneer, red peppers, onions, and grape tomatoes, and can be easily customized with your choice of toppings.
Savory Puff Pastry Turnovers
These turnovers have a flaky golden crust with a spicy and flavorful paneer filling. They make the perfect appetizer for a party and can be prepared ahead of time.
Air Fryer Baby Eggplants
These baby eggplants are stuffed with aromatic spices and cooked in very little oil in the air fryer. It's a quick and delicious way to enjoy eggplants!
Masala Fries
These fries are bursting with the flavors of India! They make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
These cauliflower wings are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish. They're tossed in a delicious teriyaki sauce.
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal to make in the air fryer. They come out crispy and are perfect for lunch or dinner.
Air Fryer Vegetables
You can cook a variety of vegetables in the air fryer, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and peppers. Season them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Healthy treats
If you're looking for some healthy vegetarian treats to cook in your air fryer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Air fryers are a great way to make delicious food without the extra calories and they're so convenient! Here are some ideas for healthy treats:
Crispy Veggies
Air fryers are perfect for cooking a variety of vegetables, giving them a delicious crispy texture while retaining their tenderness. Try zucchini/courgette, yellow squash, red bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower. You can season them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or lemon juice for extra flavour.
Chickpeas
Cooking chickpeas in an air fryer is a quick and healthy snack option. Drain a can of chickpeas, toss them in olive oil, and season with spices like cumin, paprika, and salt. Fry them until crispy and enjoy as a snack or salad topping.
Potato Dishes
Air fryers are great for making potatoes crispy and fluffy. Try roasted baby potatoes, potato fritters, or smashed potatoes with your choice of seasonings. For a cheesy option, make Hasselback potatoes with cheese. You can also make potato-based dishes like hash browns or French fries in the air fryer.
Tofu
Cooking tofu in an air fryer gives it a crispy texture. Try coating it in garlic and paprika breadcrumbs or sesame seeds, or serve it with quinoa and an edamame, cabbage, and apple salad.
Fritters and Filo Pastry
Make some fritters with sweetcorn, spring onion, or spinach and feta. You can also fill filo pastry with spinach and feta for a light and crispy treat.
Sweet Treats
For a healthier dessert option, try air fryer apple chips. Simply slice apples, sprinkle them with cinnamon, and air fry until crispy. You can also make baked apples with a delicious filling.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple vegetarian recipes that can be made in an air fryer:
- Crispy roasted sweet potatoes
- Crispy Brussels sprouts
- Air fryer broccoli
- Homemade French fries
- Crispy baby potatoes marinated in yogurt and spices
- Savory puff pastry turnovers with a paneer filling
- Air fryer baby eggplants stuffed with spices
If you're looking for vegetarian air fryer recipes that are high in protein, try making chickpeas in the air fryer. Toss them with oil, season them, and throw them into the fryer. In 20 minutes, you'll have crunchy golden chickpeas. You can also air fry Quorn products like nuggets, sausage, and roast.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making tandoori paneer naan pizza, potato fritter sliders, or apple chips in your air fryer. You can even make churros in the air fryer—fry the dough until it's fluffy inside and crunchy outside, then dust it with cinnamon sugar.
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook vegetarian meals. They use less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in lighter and healthier dishes. Air fryers are also easy to clean and can cook a variety of vegetarian foods, from roasted vegetables to cakes and puddings.
