There is no better time to become a vegetarian; The lifestyle is rapidly gaining popularity around the world and vegan options abound. However, now that virtually every junk-food dish has been veganized, a generic vegan diet doesn’t always equate to a healthy diet. If your New Year’s resolution involves a little less fast-food and fewer trips to your favorite bakery, it might be time to invest in an air fryer. From fried rice to brownies, recreate your favorite foods with this innovative device that will quickly earn a permanent place on your countertop.
How do air fryers work?
Despite their name, air fryers don’t actually exist fried Food. In fact, they are actually more similar to ovens. But there are key differences in their size and efficiency. Air fryers are small, compact and easy to place on the countertop and then put away after use. Also, they heat up much faster than an oven.
“A heating element near the top of the fryer emits heat into the air in the cooking chamber (radiation), while a fan rapidly circulates the heated air around it (convection),” explains BBC Science Focus. “This combination creates a very intense heat transfer, resulting in a cooking method that is closer to frying than baking.”
Is it healthy to use an air fryer?
Air fryers are considered much healthier than the alternative, which is deep-frying. And that’s because, like the latter, they don’t require the foods to be completely immersed in oil, resulting in less fat content. In fact, research suggests that deep fat fryers use up to 50 times more oil than air fryers.
That said, how healthy your food is still depends on the food you cook. Air fryers are a healthier option for cooking items like french fries or hash browns, but they won’t cook these foods. healthy, For example. (It can’t reduce the amount of salt, for example!)
Vegan Air Fryer Recipe
Frozen foods aside, from tofu to cauliflower to brownies, you can make a variety of ingredients delicious using an air fryer. Whether you’ve just bought yours, or you’re looking to try something new, here are some of our favorite vegan recipes.
Save the vegetable day
1 Orange tofu
This oil-free tofu is sweet and spicy, crunchy yet tender—perfectly reminiscent of fast-food orange chicken but without the cruelty or extra calories. It’s also quick to throw together. You can have dinner at the table rather than the postmates arriving at your door, and when your food is homemade, there’s no need to tip. Serve with steamed broccoli and regular or cauliflower rice for a delicious nutrient-dense weeknight meal.
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Glue and glitter
2 Fried rice
Another takeout classic, fried rice gets a healthy, veganized spin with an air fryer. Swapping cauliflower rice for white rice also cuts calories and increases fiber so you’ll feel full, not deprived. The recipe is rounded out with tofu (or your favorite vegan protein) and a generous portion of veggies, making for a complete meal you can keep floating in your stomach while watching Netflix all night.
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The Foodie Eats
3 Buffalo Cauliflower
Buffalo cauliflower has become a trend in restaurants; Even non-vegan places have added it to their menu. While a cauliflower sub for chicken is a great start, many of these establishments still deep-fry this delicious appetizer and use eyebrow-raising amounts of butter in the sauce. This recipe skimps on the vegan butter and skips the deep-fryer altogether. The result is an equally satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down later.
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4 Golden yellow falafel
Falafel is a vegetarian staple, but many store-bought and restaurant varieties can deep-fry these traditional chickpea patties. Get the same crispy edges with a soft and creamy interior by using your air fryer instead. Add some turmeric for some color and flavor, then serve your perfectly “fried” fries with vegan tzatziki sauce and tabouli.
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5 Fried animal style
Who says you can’t enjoy the occasional french fries during a health kick? Just use your air fryer. But don’t settle for plain ketchup and mustard to dress up these fries—make them animal-style. It may sound a bit indulgent, but both this homemade special sauce and caramelized onions are oil-free. Go ahead, get wild. A sustainable diet is one that you enjoy!
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6 Apple blueberry crumble
For some people, leftover pie in the fridge becomes breakfast. It’s a fun occasional treat, but not exactly healthy eating allowed. When craving dessert, treat yourself to a personable, air-fried fruit pie, and you won’t have to worry about any leftovers calling to you in the morning.
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Save the vegetable day
7 Small Batch Brownies
Craving a brownie, but don’t have the time, energy, or willpower to resist over-indulging in a whole batch? These oil-free, small-batch bars of chocolatey goodness come together quickly and use basic ingredients you probably have on hand. You can customize them (add chocolate chips, nuts, or a little espresso powder for a personalized mocha brownie). Whatever you choose, be sure to serve with a tall glass of non-dairy milk.
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For more vegetarian air-fryer recipes, read:
Tanya Flink is a digital editor for VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.