Are you looking for an air fryer? You and the rest of the world it would seem! Seriously, though, as the popularity of air fryers continue to rise, more and more people are discovering their versatile capabilities in the kitchen. Vegans can benefit greatly from these appliances, as air fryers can help you to prepare delicious and healthy plant-based meals with minimal oil usage, like the popular Tiktok trend Corn Ribs or a hearty Stuffed Acorn Squash, they offer a lot of cooking options.
Jump to:
- 📋 Best Air Fryers (table)
- 🤔 What is an air fryer?
- 1. Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
- 2. Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer
- 3: Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] 3.8 Litres
- 4: Philips Viva Collection Airfryer XXL
- 5: COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L, 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer
- 6. Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer
- 7. Philips Airfryer 5000 Series XL
- 8. Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Oven
- 👀 What to Look for
- 💭 FAQs
- ➡️ Summary
- 💬 Comments
In this article, we will explore some of the best air fryers for vegans on the market. We will delve into their features, pros, and cons, and enable you to make an informed decision when selecting the perfect air fryer for your vegan cooking adventures. And we'll let you know which one(s) we have too!
📋 Best Air Fryers (table)
Here's a quick guide start to the best air fryers for sale today, and the things to consider when buying a new air fryer.
| Air Fryer for Vegans | Capacity | Weight | Presets | Temperature | Baskets | Price |
| Ninja Foodie Dual | 7.6L | 9.86kg | 6 | 40°C – 240°C | 2 | Check Price |
| Lakeland Dual Air Fryer | 9L | 9.21kg | 8 | 80°C – 200°C | 2 | Check Price |
| Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] | 3.8L | 4.4kg | 4 | 40°C – 210°C | 1 | Check Price |
| Philips Viva Collection Airfryer XXL | 7.3L | 10.3kg | 6 | 80°C – 200°C | 1 | Check Price |
| COSORI Air Fryer | 4.7L | 5.44kg | 9 | 75°C – 230°C | 1 | Check Price |
| Pro Breeze Air Fryer | 4.2L | 4.7kg | 7 | 80°C – 200°C | 1 | Check Price |
| Phillips Air Fryer 5000 Series XL | 6.2L | 5.55kg | 6 | 60 – 200°C | 1 | Check Price |
| Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer | 10L | 7.6kg | 5 | 33°C – 250°C | 3 shelves | Check Price |
🤔 What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy and golden exterior without the need for excessive oil. Despite its name, an air fryer doesn't actually fry food in the traditional sense of submerging it in oil. Instead, it uses a high-powered fan and heating element to rapidly circulate hot air within a contained cooking chamber.
The cooking process in an air fryer involves three main components: the heating element, the fan, and a cooking basket or tray. The heating element produces the heat, while the fan circulates the air around the food, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. The air fryer basket or tray holds the food and allows the hot air to circulate through and around it.
One of the main advantages of an air fryer is its ability to achieve a crispy texture similar to fried food using significantly less oil. Most air fryers require only a small amount of oil, usually just a spritz or a teaspoon, to achieve the desired texture and flavor. This makes air frying a healthier alternative to deep fat frying, as it reduces the overall fat content of the food.
So let's find out what the best air fryer models are...
1. Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is a unique and innovative air fryer that offers the convenience of cooking two different dishes simultaneously. Ninja claim that this air fryer cooks 75% quicker than a conventional oven! And they say this could help lower electricity bills.
It features two independent air fryer baskets with separate temperature controls, allowing you to cook foods with different cooking requirements at the same time.
This is particularly useful for vegans who may want to cook vegetables and plant-based proteins separately to achieve optimal results. In addition, it's great for households where not everyone is vegan or vegetarian. This means that one air fryer basket can be solely for vegan items, and one for non vegan items, to prevent cross contamination.
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer also includes a range of cooking functions, such as air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating, making it a versatile kitchen companion.
Rating: 10/10 - if we were to buy a new air fryer today, it would be this one.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 13.8D x 14.8W x 12.4H centimetres
- Functions: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate
- Cooking temperature range: 40°C – 240°C
- Capacity: 7.6L
- Dishwasher safe parts
Pros:
- Dual-zone cooking capability
- Independent temperature controls, that can also sync
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy-to-use controls and interface
- 2 year guarantee
Cons:
- Larger size may require more counter space
- Higher price compared to some other air fryers
- Some negative reviews on Ninja website for the manufacturing and overall visual quality of this air fryer
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer offers a unique solution, allowing you to maximize your cooking efficiency and prepare multiple dishes simultaneously. Whether you're looking to cook different components of a meal or want to multitask in the kitchen, this air fryer provides flexibility and convenience.
Please note that prices and availability of air fryers may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information and customer reviews.
2. Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer
The Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer is a versatile air fryer that features two independent cooking baskets, allowing you to cook two different dishes simultaneously.
This is particularly useful for vegans who may want to cook different types of vegetables, tofu, or other plant-based proteins at the same time. Or even for households where there are mixed dietary needs - one air fryer basket can be vegan and one non-vegan.
As this air fryer is another large capacity air fryer with two baskets, it has similarities with the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, however it is quite a bit cheaper. Offering a very similar product for a smaller budget, making it very good value.
The dual basket design saves time and allows for efficient meal preparation and even offers presets for cooking specific items like cakes, fries and pies. The Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer also offers a range of cooking functions, including air frying, grilling, baking, and roasting.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 40 x 36 x 31cm H
- Functions: no clear information, but offers presets
- Temperature range: 80 – 200°C
- Capacity: 9L (5.5 litre and 3.5 litre baskets)
- No information on if it's dishwasher safe (or not)
Pros:
- Dual cooking baskets for simultaneous cooking
- Independent temperature controls
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy-to-use controls and interface
- Good value for money when compared to higher end models (such as Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer)
Cons:
- May require more counter space due to its larger size.
- The price may be higher compared to standard (single basket) air fryers.
- Cleaning seems to be an issue, when reading the reviews on the Lakeland website. It does not seem to be dishwasher safe.
- When Dan used this model, he found that the gaps in the trays are quite big so it meant that chickpeas can fall through them (vegan problems!).
Personal experience: Dan's parents have the Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer and they love how easy it is to use, and especially love the convenience of two air fryer baskets. This makes it ideal for vegan cooks who want to maximize their time and productivity in the kitchen. With its versatile functions and generous cooking capacity, this air fryer provides the flexibility to create delicious plant-based meals with ease.
3: Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] 3.8 Litres
The Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] is a compact yet powerful air fryer that offers a 3.8-litre cooking capacity, making it suitable for smaller households or individuals. We recently got this model and have to say we are not disappointed. Despite its smaller size, it doesn't compromise on performance. The Ninja Air Fryer utilizes rapid warm air circulation to deliver crispy and evenly cooked results. It features a range of adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to customize the cooking process for various vegan recipes.
With its simple interface and easy-to-use controls, it offers a hassle-free cooking experience. We especially love that this air fryer features a dehydrator mode. Perfect for making your own banana chips or even vegan jerky!
Key details:
- Dimensions: 11D x 13.6W x 13.3H centimetres
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate
- Temperature range: 40°C (in Dehydrate) to 210°C (in Air Fry)
- Capacity: 3.8L
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for smaller households
- Powerful performance for even cooking
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Easy-to-use controls and interface
- 50% Faster Than Fan Ovens - according to Ninja website
- Removable parts are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Smaller cooking capacity may not be suitable for larger batches
- Limited cooking options compared to more advanced models
Personal experience: The Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] 3.8 Litres is a reliable and efficient option for vegan cooking, especially if you have limited kitchen space or require a smaller cooking capacity. Its compact design, along with its ability to deliver crispy and delicious results, makes it a great addition to any vegan kitchen. And as it has multiple modes and uses, we think this is a fantastic model and a great kitchen gadget. It's a model that we personally recommend.
We got this air fryer recently and we would say it is the best air fryer for vegans who live alone or in a 2-person household.
4: Philips Viva Collection Airfryer XXL
The Philips Air Fryer is a powerful and spacious large capacity air fryer that offers ample room to cook larger quantities of food. Its Twin TurboStar technology allows for easy fat removal, meaning you can create meals with even less fat. However, according to the Philips website, this has only been tested on meat - sausages and chicken, so this doesn't necessarily apply for a vegan consumer.
The Philips XXL Airfryer has a range of preset cooking functions that make it easy to prepare a variety of air fryer favorites, such as 1.4kg of fries at once! It also boasts a digital interface, allowing for precise temperature control and cooking time adjustments.
The Philips Viva Collection Air Fryer XXL also offers a wifi connected model, which connects to the NutriU app. This allows remote control via wifi from wherever you are.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 39.5D x 39.5W x 39.8H cm
- Functions: Air Fry, bake, grill, roast
- Temperature range: 80 – 200°C
- Capacity: 1.4kg
Pros:
- Large air fryer - 1.4kg cooking capacity
- Wifi connect model option
- Twin TurboStar technology to remove fat
- Multiple preset functions
- Cooks up to 6 portions at once
- World's best selling air fryer - 7 million sold
Cons:
- Bulky size may require more counter space.
- Higher price compared to some other air fryers.
- For the wifi model, not sure how much better it makes it, or how useful this smart feature is in reality.
5: COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L, 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer
The COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L is one of the smaller air fryers on the market. It's a versatile and compact air fryer that offers a 4.7-liter cooking capacity, making it suitable for small to medium-sized households. This 9-in-1 air fryer provides a range of cooking options, including air frying, roasting, baking, grilling, and more.
It features a digital control panel with 9 preset programs for convenient cooking and precise temperature control. The COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L also includes a removable nonstick basket, making it easy to clean after use.
And Cosari even created 'air whisper' technology meaning that you can barely hear the air fryer when it's in use!
Plus, the personalised shake reminders can be programmed to make sure that you don't forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time! This allows the food to be evenly cooked.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 38.4D x 27.4W x 30.7H
- Functions: 9 preset functions, Temperature Control, Personalised Shake Reminders
- Temperature range: 75-230℃
- Capacity: 4.7L
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for small to medium-sized households
- 9 cooking options
- Digital control panel
- Air Whisper Technology
- Dish washer safe nonstick air fryer basket
- Comes with an exclusive cookbook and online recipes in the VeSync app
- Modern matte design
Cons:
- Smaller cooking capacity may not be suitable for larger batches or large families
- Some users may prefer a larger control panel display for easier readability
The COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L, 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer is a reliable and feature-packed option for vegan cooking. With its compact design, multiple cooking options, and user-friendly controls, it offers a convenient way to prepare a variety of delicious and healthy vegan dishes. Best air fryer for a small household.
6. Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer
The Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer is a compact and efficient kitchen gadget with a 4.2-liter cooking capacity, making it suitable for small to medium-sized households. On Amazon, its technology is described as a 'cyclone of rapidly heated air to cook low fat versions of your favourite foods'.
The Pro Breeze Air Fryer features adjustable temperature settings and a built-in timer, allowing you to easily customize the cooking process. It also includes a removable nonstick basket, making cleaning up a breeze. In addition to a drip tray to collect any bits that fall off during the air frying process.
As well as coming with 7 preset cooking modes, this model also has enhanced safety features. That means cooking with more confidence as we know that the heating elements, and the air fryer overall, won't overheat.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 29.3D x 34.3W x 33.2H centimetres
- Functions: 7 preset cooking modes, enhanced safety features
- Dishwasher safe
- Temperature range: 80 – 200°C
- Capacity: 4.2L
Pros:
- Compact design ideal for small to medium-sized households
- Efficient cooking with a cyclone of rapidly heated air
- Adjustable temperature settings and built-in timer
- Removable air fryer basket that's dishwasher safe
- Advanced In-Built Safety Features
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Smaller cooking capacity may not be suitable for larger batches or large families
- Limited cooking options compared to more advanced models
The Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer offers a budget-friendly option for vegan cooking enthusiasts. It has over 9,000 glowing Amazon reviews and (at the time of writing) 76% are 5 star. We have this model and we love making crispy air fryer chickpeas in it. When working with limited space it is fantastic, as it's on the smaller side of all the air fryers in this list. With its compact size, adjustable settings, and efficient cooking performance, it provides a convenient way to prepare a variety of delicious and healthier vegan meals. We love to use it to make crispy tofu nuggets, air fryer tempeh and even brocoletti! Great as a first air fryer for small households.
7. Philips Airfryer 5000 Series XL
The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series XL is a popular and high-quality air fryer that offers a larger cooking capacity, making it suitable for medium to large-sized households or for those who like to cook in larger batches. It features a spacious cooking basket that can hold up to 6.2 liters of food, allowing you to prepare more servings at once. The Philips Airfryer utilizes Rapid Air Technology to evenly circulate hot air, creating crispy and delicious results with minimal oil. It also offers adjustable temperature settings and a digital interface for easy control and precise cooking.
Key Details:
- Dimensions: 40.3D x 30.7W x 31.5H centimetres
- Functions: Wifi Connected, Rapid Air Technology
- Dishwasher safe
- Temperature range: 60-200°C
- Capacity: 6.2L
Pros:
- Large capacity suitable for medium to large-sized households
- Rapid Air Technology for even and crispy cooking results
- Bigger than most air fryers
- Adjustable temperature settings and digital interface for precise control
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Trusted brand known for quality and durability
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space due to its larger size
- Higher price point compared to some other models
The Philips Airfryer 5000 Series XL is a reliable and versatile air fryer that caters to the needs of large households or those who require a larger cooking capacity.
With its advanced cooking technology and user-friendly features, it provides an excellent option for vegan cooks who want to enjoy crispy and healthier versions of their favorite dishes.
8. Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Oven
The Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of an air fryer and a countertop oven.
It offers a spacious cooking capacity with multiple cooking levels, like an oven rack, allowing you to cook larger quantities, multiple dishes, or components of recipes, at the same time.
The Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of an air fryer and a countertop oven.
It offers a spacious cooking capacity with multiple cooking levels, like an oven rack, allowing you to cook larger quantities, multiple dishes, or components of recipes, at the same time.
The Chefman Air Fryer Oven features a digital control panel with preset cooking programs, making it easy to select the desired cooking mode for different recipes. It also includes accessories such as a rotisserie spit and a dehydrating rack, expanding its capabilities beyond air frying.
Key details:
- Dimensions: 30D x 31W x 37H centimetres
- Functions: air fryer, rotisserie, oven and dehydrator
- 1 year air fryer assurance from Chefman
- Temperature range: 33 -250°C
- Capacity: 10L
Pros:
- 17 touch-function presets
- Internal light
- No preheating needed
- Multifunctional design with air frying and countertop air fryer oven capabilities
- Extra large capacity and multiple cooking levels
- Digital control panel with preset cooking options
- Dishwasher safe accessories
Cons:
- Larger size may require more countertop space
- Higher price point compared to standard air fryers
The Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer Oven provides a convenient and versatile solution for an air fryer oven. With its combination of air frying and countertop oven features, it allows you to prepare a variety of dishes, from crispy fries to baked goods, all in one appliance, especially for a large family.
This one is Dan's favorite, and he would suggest it's one of the best air fryers in this list, maybe of all air fryers on the market.
👀 What to Look for
Temperature control - to air fry well, we think you need control over the temperature settings of the machine, as well as a timer function and presets. Understanding the temperature controls means that you can use the air fryer for better results. Plus, there won't be a preset option for vegan burgers or nuggets programmed in. So, getting to know how it cooks is a must.
Capacity - the capacity of an air fryer varies from model to model. A smaller air fryer cooks around 4 litres, while a larger one will go up to 9 litres or even 1.4kg of French fries! Tailoring this to your household needs will be integral to finding the best air fryer for you.
Additional features - some of these air fryer models don't just air fry (the great option that produces similar results to a deep fryer). They can also be used as a dehydrator, toaster oven, baking, roasting or grilling too. It's important to consider whether you want to use your purchase for just air frying or for other cooking methods too. As vegan food is so varied, we would recommend looking for these additional features too. We often use our air fryer in place of a convection oven for roasting - you don't even need a baking tray for that!
Presets - personally, we never use presets. Often the presets are for cooking items that are not vegan. When you have a good knowledge of plant based cooking, you don't really need to rely on the presets. That's why it's important to also look for a model that has temperature control and a separate timer, not just presets.
Add-ons - while we know that all of the air fryers in this are pretty fantastic, what sets them apart is their additional features. Some come with a recipe book or app, others have special in-built technology like being really quiet or extra safety controls. While this doesn't have much impact on how food cooks in each individual model, it is worth considering which additional features you value most.
💭 FAQs
Is air frying healthy?
Air frying is generally considered a healthier cooking method compared to traditional deep frying. Air fryers use warm air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil. This significantly reduces the amount of added fats and calories in an air fryer meal.
Air frying can produce crispy and delicious results with a fraction of the oil traditionally used in deep frying. However, it's important to note that the overall healthiness of the food still depends on the ingredients used. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods and minimizing the use of some oils or junk food further enhance the health benefits of air frying. But we say everything in moderation.
Is an air fryer good for vegan cooking?
Yes, an air fryer can be an excellent tool for vegan cooking. It offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare a wide range of vegan dishes. Air fryers can achieve a crispy texture on plant-based proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan, without the need for excessive oil.
They are also great for cooking vegetables, creating a delicious roasted or lightly fried result with minimal oil usage. From veggie chips to falafels and even baked goods like vegan donuts, air fryers provide versatility and healthier cooking options for vegans.
You can also cook pre-bought items like vegan burgers, french fries, plant based foods like nuggets or sausages and even oven snacks in air fryers. They crisp up so good in an air fryer!
What foods to avoid in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile and can cook a variety of foods, there are some foods that may not be suitable or yield optimal results.
Foods with a high moisture content, like fresh fruits or leafy greens, are not recommended for air frying as they can become limp or lose their texture. Lightweight foods like spinach or leafy items may also fly up into the heating element. That's because it's so light and air fryers circulate air, so without weight it's hard for very light items to stay put in the air fryer basket.
Additionally, foods coated in wet batter may not crisp up well, as batter can slip off before it cooks. It's also important to avoid putting items wrapped in plastic or with non-air fryer safe materials into the appliance. It's always best to consult the specific recommendations and guidelines provided by the air fryer manufacturer for the best cooking practices and safety precautions.
➡️ Summary
Air fryers can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, frozen foods, potatoes, tofu, vegan nuggets, and even desserts like crispy fruit chips or vegan cakes. Air fryers are particularly popular for preparing dishes that are typically fried, such as French fries, onion rings, and falafels, but can be used for baking, roasting, and grilling as well.
In addition to their health benefits, air fryers offer convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. They often come with pre-set cooking programs and adjustable temperature controls, making it easy to achieve consistent results. Many air fryers also have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making the cleanup a breeze.
Overall, we think the Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK] is the best air fryer for vegans in smaller households, and the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is best air fryer for vegans in bigger households.
However, there are so many air fryers on the market to choose from, so we hope this guide to the best air fryers for vegans has helped you to figure out which air fryer is best for you!
