As a vegetarian, there are some staples you know you’re going to have on hand: tofu, grab-and-go snacks full of protein for your gym bag, and a good bacon substitute. If you haven’t been using the air fryer to make all of the above (and more), your meal prep game is about to be forever changed.
Rounded up here are seven vegetarian air fryer recipes that are bound to make their way into your regular rotation. From a bomb four-minute French toast recipe (with no eggs!) to snacks and protein-based meals, you’ll keep turning to them again and again. The best part: Nothing takes more than 20 minutes to make.
Keep reading for 7 quick and easy vegetarian air fryer recipes.
1. Italian-style air fried tofu
It can be tricky and time-consuming to get tofu perfectly crispy on the stove, but if you put the OG vegetarian protein in the air fryer, all the hard work is done for you. Season with a few key Italian spices, and you have your protein spiced up and ready-to-eat for the next few days.
2. Air fryer Brussels sprouts
A plate of perfectly crisp Brussels can set you back as much as an entree now at a restaurant. Well, you can feel just as fancy at home—for next to nothing—by dumping your sprouts in the air fryer. They’ll be just as crisp, and even healthier than the oil-cooked way they’re traditionally made.
3. Air fryer falafel bowls
This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is packed with protein, making it the perfect meal to make after a workout. If you eat dairy, the side sauce of Greek yogurt ups it even more, while adding a creamy topping to the crispy bites.
4. Air fryer vegan mozzarella sticks
The only thing better than fried cheese is faux-fried nut-based cheese—it’s your favorite childhood food healthified. Pro tip: Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for extra cheesiness.
5. Smoky air fried chickpeas
The key from taking crunchy chickpeas from okay to amazing is all in the spice blend, which this recipe has down. Here’s what you need: paprika, cumin, garlic, granulated onion, and sea salt. Pack a serving of this snack in your purse for a quick hit of protein at work or at the gym.
6. Air fryer tempeh bacon
Spend ten minutes making this meat substitute in the air fryer and you’ll find yourself adding it to everything: wraps, salads, avocado toast… There’s never a bad time for veg-bacon.
7. Air fryer toasted coconut French toast
Oh yes, this is happening. The benefit to making French toast in the air fryer is that it gives it a fluffy, lighter texture. This recipe is also vegan (no eggs!) and can be gluten-free if you use GF bread.
For more vegetarian recipes, check out these using the Instant Pot. And for more healthy meal inspo, join Well+Good’s Cook With Us Facebook group.
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