Best vegetarian air fryer recipes — quick, easy and delicious

If you’ve been looking for the best vegetarian air fryer recipes, you’re in the right place. The air fryer is a game-changer for plant-based cooking — it gets vegetables beautifully crispy without much oil, and most dishes are on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or simply trying to eat a little less meat during the week, these recipes are crowd-pleasers that the whole family will enjoy.

From crispy cauliflower bites to cheesy stuffed mushrooms, there’s something here for every occasion — weeknight dinners, weekend snacks, or impressive dishes for guests. The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced cook to pull any of these off. The air fryer does most of the heavy lifting for you.

Here are our favourite vegetarian air fryer recipes, tried and tested in a home kitchen.

1. Mini cauliflower pizza crusts

This cauliflower pizza crust recipe works brilliantly in the air fryer — just shape the mixture into personal-sized rounds that fit comfortably in the basket with space around the edges. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully in a fraction of the oven time, giving you that satisfying bite without the heavy base. Top with your favourite sauce and vegetables for a fun weeknight dinner everyone can customise.

2. Crispy air fryer tostones

Tostones are twice-fried green plantains — a staple in Caribbean cooking — and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without the mess of deep frying. Our air fryer tostones recipe is simple, satisfying, and pairs brilliantly with a fresh salsa or guacamole on the side. Serve them as a starter, a snack, or alongside a main for something a little different.

3. Stuffed mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms look far more impressive than the effort required. Fill large portobello or chestnut mushrooms with a herby cream cheese mixture, pop them in the air fryer for 12 minutes, and you’ve got a gorgeous starter or light lunch. They’re endlessly customisable — try adding sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, or a handful of grated cheddar for extra richness.

4. Cauliflower fried rice

Our cauliflower fried rice is a clever low-carb swap that genuinely doesn’t feel like a compromise. The air fryer gives it a lovely roasted flavour you just can’t replicate in a pan. Add peas, sweetcorn, and a drizzle of soy sauce for a quick, filling dinner ready in under 20 minutes. It’s also great for using up leftover veg from the fridge.

5. Crispy cheese balls

If you’re after a crowd-pleasing party snack, these crispy cheese balls are hard to beat. The air fryer gets them golden and crunchy on the outside while the inside stays wonderfully gooey. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice — a smoky sriracha mayo or a simple tomato relish both work a treat. They disappear fast, so make a double batch.

6. Roasted cabbage burgers

These roasted cabbage burgers are a brilliant meat-free alternative that even committed carnivores tend to love. Thick slices of cabbage are seasoned and air-fried until caramelised and tender, then served in a bun with all your favourite toppings. Simple, hearty, and genuinely satisfying — a great one to add to your weeknight rotation.

7. Air fryer halloumi

Halloumi is one of the great vegetarian ingredients — salty, squeaky, and incredibly versatile. Our air fryer halloumi recipe gives you golden, slightly crispy slices in just 8 minutes, with none of the oil spatter you get from a frying pan. Serve it tucked into a flatbread with salad and a drizzle of honey, or alongside roasted vegetables for a quick dinner.

8. Air fryer falafel

Homemade falafel can feel a little daunting, but the air fryer makes it far more approachable. Our air fryer falafel recipe gives you that crispy outside you’d expect from the deep-fried version, with less oil and none of the mess. Serve in a warm pitta with hummus, cucumber, and a good squeeze of lemon for a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Tips for vegetarian air fryer cooking

Don’t overcrowd the basket

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you pile too much in at once, things steam rather than crisp — which is exactly what you don’t want. Cook in batches if needed; it’s worth the extra few minutes for the right result.

A light oil spray makes a real difference

Even though air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying, a quick spray of cooking oil helps vegetables and coatings achieve that satisfying crunch. Olive oil spray or rapeseed oil both work well. Go easy — you only need a very light coating.

Flip or shake halfway through

Most air fryer recipes benefit from a shake or a flip at the halfway point. This ensures even cooking and prevents any patches from going soft. Set a timer as a reminder — it makes a noticeable difference to the final texture.

Adjust for your model

Air fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary between models. The timings in these recipes are a solid starting point, but check on things a few minutes early the first time you make them. Once you know your air fryer, you’ll nail it every time.