Best Air Fryer Vegan Recipes for Families
If there’s one kitchen gadget I reckon every parent needs, it’s an air fryer. As a dad of two young boys, I know how hectic mealtimes can get - between school drop-offs, sport, homework and trying to get everyone fed - sometimes you just want dinner on the table without the fuss and time that is often needed when cooking. That’s where the handy Air Fryer comes in.
This little beauty isn’t just about crisping up chips (although trust me, it makes the best hot chips you’ll ever taste). It’s about making quick, healthy, family-friendly meals that are actually fun to eat and are easy to prepare. And when you’re raising vegan kids, or just trying to eat more plant-based meals yourself, the air fryer makes it a whole lot easier.
I’ve shared a lot of tips around raising vegan kids in my Guide to Raising Vegan Kids ebook, and the air fryer is one of those tools that makes life smoother for any parent, vegan or not.
So let’s dive into why air fryers are such a game-changer, and I’ll share some of my favourite vegan air fryer recipes that you can whip up in no time.
Why You’ll Love Using an Air Fryer as a Parent
There really are a bunch of reasons to own an air fryer as a vegan parent, but here are some of my favourites:
Time-Saving: Meals are ready in half the time of the oven. Air fryers require minimal pre-heating compared to an oven, making them perfect for those weeknights when everyone’s starving for dinner a bit earlier than usual.
Healthier Cooking: You can cook with little to no oil, but still get that golden crunch kids love.
Easy Clean-Up: Most baskets are dishwasher safe, and no scrubbing pans for half an hour. I take it one step further and have Air Fryer Mats to keep the process even cleaner.
Kid-Friendly: From nuggets to cookies, the air fryer really is versatile in making food extra appealing for little ones.
Versatile: It’s not just for chips, you can bake, roast, reheat, or even make desserts!
Air fryer puff pastry pizza twists are a total hit in our house, especially when it comes to school lunchboxes. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.
Get creative with the kids and switch up the fillings to match your kids’ favourite flavours - think pesto, vegemite or even make a burger twist using gherkins!
I usually keep it classic with tomato paste, vegan cheese, and some vegan ham, but you could just as easily add in extras like olives, pineapple, or whatever toppings your little ones are into.
The best part? These twists cook beautifully in the air fryer, they freeze well, and they make the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings or after-school snacks.
Making these extra crispy wedges are an absolute lifesaver in our house - especially when the kids are hungry right now!
I used to stock up on those massive 2kg bags of wedges and chips from Costco, but once I started making my own, I honestly never looked back. Not only do homemade chips taste better, but they also save freezer space and you can season them exactly how you like.
This recipe isn’t overly complicated, with the wedges being seasoned simply with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy, savoury kick. While I’ve cut these into wedges, you can honestly slice the potatoes however you prefer – thick-cut chips, skinny fries, or even chunky potato cubes all work beautifully in the air fryer.
The air fryer makes it easy to get that perfect crunch without the long oven wait, and you can experiment with timings depending on how crispy you like your chips.
As I mentioned earlier, they are so simple to make yourself that you’ll never feel the need to buy frozen hot chips ever again!
Air fryer Vegemite pinwheels are one of those vegan air fryers recipes that tick all the boxes. They are quick, tasty, and perfect for the kids’ lunchboxes. All you need to do is roll out some puff pastry, spread with Vegemite, sprinkle on grated vegan cheese, and pop them in the air fryer. In just minutes, you’ve got a warm, golden, savoury snack ready to go.
I like to give mine an extra boost with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Most nutritional yeast is fortified with vitamin B12, which is a great way to support healthy blood and nerve cells – something especially handy for vegan families.
It seems to be the growing trend with all my recipe suggestions so far, but this recipe is completely versatile too. If your kids aren’t big on Vegemite, you can easily swap in pizza flavours with tomato paste, vegan cheese, and their favourite toppings. They’re such a reliable go-to for busy mornings or after-school snacks.
Here’s a healthy snack winner to try out yourself, with these crunchy cheesy tofu bites.
Tofu really is a nutritional powerhouse. Tofu is loaded with protein, calcium, and iron, making it a brilliant option for growing kids who need those essential nutrients to keep them fuelled throughout the day.
The best part is how easy this recipe is. Just toss cubes of tofu in a splash of soy sauce and a coating of nutritional yeast, then pop them straight into the air fryer. In minutes, you’ve got golden, cheesy-tasting bites that are completely oil-free and perfect for school lunchboxes or after-school snacks that are full of protein.
They’re simple enough to throw together in the morning rush, but still feel like something special. Honestly, once you start making these, you’ll see just how easy it is to keep tofu on regular rotation in your family’s weekly meals.
If you’re after a quick and crunchy snack, air fryer chickpeas are a game changer.
These air fryer chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, take less than 15 minutes, and are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
I like to toss chickpeas with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour and extra B vitamins, but you can mix it up with smoked paprika, lime zest, or curry powder – the options are endless.
The air fryer makes them golden and crispy without oil, and they’ll stay crunchy for days if stored in an open container. Once you start making these, you’ll always have a batch on hand!
Free Vegan Kids Lunchbox Ebook
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my free Vegan Kids Lunchbox ebook! It’s packed with 10 easy and delicious ideas for your vegan kids' lunchboxes. There are photos and recipes to give you a bit more variety in your lunchbox routine, making vegan lunches more exciting and enjoyable for your little ones.
7 Weeks of Vegan Kids Lunchboxes Spreadsheet
For even more ideas, my 7 Weeks of Vegan Kids Lunchboxes spreadsheet has got you covered for almost an entire school term. This comprehensive guide breaks down seven weeks' worth of ideas for recess and lunch, with recipes, tips, and even shopping guides.
The stress of wondering what to pack is practically eliminated!
Nuggets are always a family favourite, and these tofu nuggets are no exception. They’re crunchy, golden, and perfect for dipping into your favourite sauces - the kids smash a bowl of these every time I make them.
The best part about this tofu nuggets recipe? They’re budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch with way less oil than deep frying. Firm tofu, a simple crumb coating of cornflakes or panko, and a bit of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavour are all you need.
These tofu nuggets cook in under 20 minutes, making them a great weeknight dinner, lunchbox filler, or even a snack while watching the footy. They freeze and reheat well too, so you can always have a batch ready to go.
Once you try these, you’ll never look at tofu the same way again!
These cherry tomato and tofu skewers are one of my favourite quick snacks. They are simple, colourful, and ready in under 20 minutes. They’re crispy, protein-packed, and perfect for vegan kids lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even as a fun side at dinner.
The air fryer gives the tofu that golden crunch while keeping the inside tender, and the cherry tomatoes blister beautifully for a burst of sweetness. My kids used to turn their noses up at tofu, but when I started serving it up on skewers like this, it became a whole new food to them – now they happily scoff it down!
You can keep them as simple as tofu and tomatoes, or add extras like zucchini, capsicum, or even a smoky seasoning for a BBQ vibe. They’re great served warm straight out of the air fryer, or packed cold into a vegan lunchbox with a side of hummus or sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
If you’re looking to add another vegan air fryer recipe to your snack list then these crispy vegan cauliflower wings deserve a spot at the top of your list. They’re crunchy, flavour-packed, and a total crowd-pleaser – perfect for game night, parties, or when those vegan snack cravings hit.
Cauliflower really shines here. Once tossed in a light batter, coated in panko, and cooked in the air fryer, you get golden, crunchy bites that rival any takeaway wings. With simple pantry staples like flour, garlic, paprika, soy milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this vegan air fryer recipe proves you don’t need anything fancy to whip up one of the easiest vegan snacks.
The air fryer makes all the difference. Unlike oven-baking, it circulates heat around every floret, giving you a crispier coating in less time. Cook in a single layer, shake halfway through and, in 15–20 minutes, you’ll have crispy vegan cauliflower wings ready to dunk into your favourite sauce.
I’m calling it now, but these stuffed pizza dough balls are guaranteed to impress. Fluffy on the outside and packed with melty, savoury fillings, they’re the ultimate easy vegan snack for lunchboxes, parties, or a quick family dinner.
The beauty of this vegan air fryer recipe is its simplicity. Grab some store-bought dough (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy), roll it out, and cut into circles. Fill with tomato paste, vegan cheese, and vegan ham, then pinch into little balls. A quick brush with garlic butter, a few minutes in the air fryer, and you’ve got golden, bite-sized pizza goodness.
Once again, these are endlessly customisable too! Swap the vegan ham for olives, pineapple, or mushrooms to suit your taste. Quick, fun, and super tasty, these stuffed vegan pizza dough balls will become a go-to in your vegan air fryer snack rotation.
I’m a big fan of using puff pastry, and this recipe for vegan puff pastry pizza pockets are a flaky, cheesy, flavour-packed snack that’s perfect for school lunchboxes or those late-night cravings.
Using store-bought puff pastry makes this one of the easiest vegan air fryer snacks you can whip up.
Just cut your pastry into rectangles, spread with tomato paste, add vegan cheese and your favourite fillings, fold into a pocket, and seal with a fork. A few minutes in the air fryer and you’ll have golden, crispy pizza goodness ready to enjoy.
The best part? They’re another completely customisable recipe. Keep it classic with tomato and cheese, or mix it up with BBQ jackfruit, olives, or sautéed mushrooms. You can even freeze them ahead for quick grab-and-go snacks.
Customisable for Every Family
One of the best things about air fryers is how customisable they are. Got picky eaters? Throw in a handful of veggie nuggets alongside chips. Want to boost protein? Air fry some tofu or chickpeas. Need lunchbox snacks? Bake a small batch of cookies or vegemite pinwheels.
Because everything cooks quicker, you can experiment without worrying about wasting hours of your time.
If you’re keen to experiment more with your air fryer, try these variation ideas:
Air Fryer Gnocchi: Toss uncooked gnocchi with olive oil and garlic.
Air Fryer Veggie Burgers: Reheat homemade patties in minutes without drying them out.
Air Fryer Apple Chips: A healthy sweet option for lunchboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegan foods cook best in an air fryer?
Chips, nuggets, pies, tofu, chickpeas, and baked treats all work brilliantly.
Is an air fryer worth it for vegans?
Absolutely. It’s not just about convenience, it makes veggies and plant proteins crisp and delicious, which is great for both adults and kids.
Can you bake in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Cookies, scrolls, even mini pies bake beautifully in it.
What’s the easiest vegan air fryer meal for busy parents?
Tofu nuggets with chips! It’s quick, healthy, and always a hit with the kids.
As a dad raising vegan kids, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make mealtimes easier, healthier, and more fun. Having an air fryer in the kitchen has become one of my go-to tools. It saves me time, makes veggies and tofu more appealing for the kids, and even lets me whip up quick sweet treats without turning on the oven.
With after-school sports being a big part of our routine now, having convenient food options ready to whip up is so important.
If you’re a parent (vegan or not) or just someone looking for more convenience, this is one kitchen gadget that’s worth the investment. I’ve been using the Nutri Ninja Deluxe Air Fryer for a few years now, and it’s been so handy: large 5.2L basket, multiple cooking functions, compact but powerful and always consistent results.
*This blog includes affiliates links where I may receive a commission