The 5 Best Air Fryers for Vegan Cooking

Originally posted on 8 January 2024 @ 15:08

Are you looking to add an air fryer to your vegan kitchen but not sure which one is the best option? With so many air fryers on the market, it can be tricky to decide which model will work best for your plant-based cooking needs.

In this blog post, we’ll review the top 5 best air fryers for vegans in 2024 based on size, features, versatility, and ease of use. We’ll provide an overview of each air fryer along with the pros, cons, and who it’s best suited for so you can find your perfect match!

Best Air Fryers for Vegan Cooking

Air Fryer, 10 Quart Family Size Large Airfryer by Cozyna

The Air Fryer by Cozyna is one of the largest air fryer models, with a 10-quart capacity basket. This makes it a great option for cooking larger batches or bigger foods like roasts and whole chickens.

Some key features of this air fryer include:

• 6 one-touch digital preset cooking functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate
• Temperature control from 170 – 400°F in 5° increments
• 60-minute timer with auto shut-off
• Dishwasher-safe basket and drawer

Pros:

• Very large 10-quart capacity
• Many preset functions
• Wide temperature range
• Large digital display and controls

Cons:

• Bulky, takes up a lot of counter space
• Not ideal for smaller servings
• Shorter 1 year warranty

The extra large Air Fryer by Cozyna is perfect for big families or meal-prepping multiple servings at once. The presets and big basket make it easy to cook a variety of foods. Just keep in mind it is on the bigger side.

CAYNEL Air Fryer Oven Oil Free Nonstick Cooker with 8 Cook Presets

This air fryer from Caynel combines an air fryer and a small oven into one compact kitchen appliance. It is easy on counter space with a 5-quart capacity detachable basket for making air-fried or baked dishes.

Features of the Caynel Air Fryer Oven include:

• 8 preset cooking functions for frying, baking, roasting, and more
• Digital touch controls with a 60-minute timer
• Temperature from 170°F – 400°F
• Aluminum oxide & teflon-free nonstick basket and pan

Pros:

• Saves space by combining air fryer and oven
• Good 5-quart capacity
• Nonstick and PFOA-free

Cons:

• Lower wattage at 1500W
• Controls could be more intuitive
• Accessories are not dishwasher-safe

The dual functionality of air frying and baking makes this a great all-in-one appliance. The Caynel Air Fryer Oven is a good pick for vegans looking for a compact machine with a range of cooking options.

DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer by Dash

The DASH air fryer is a budget-friendly option with a smaller 2.6-quart basket capacity. It has air frying technology to make crispy vegan foods like tofu, cauliflower wings, and french fries with less oil.

Key features:

• Digital touch screen with 6 preset programs
• Adjustable temperature up to 400°F
• Auto shut-off function
• Cool touch housing stays safe

Pros:

• Affordable price
• A small footprint great for limited space
• Simple to operate

Cons:

• Small 2.6-quart basket
• Presets could be more versatile
• No dishwasher-safe parts

This is one of the best air fryers for a single person or a couple looking for a basic model that won’t break the bank. The compact size and digital interface make it user-friendly for cooking smaller batches.

CHEFMAN 2 Quart Compact Air Fryer by Chefman

Another compact pick, the CHEFMAN 2 quart air fryer is lightweight and easy to store but can still cook up crispy foods with little to no oil.

Features:

• 2-quart capacity stainless steel basket
• Adjustable temp up to 400°F
• 60-minute timer with auto shut-off
• Dishwasher safe parts
• Small footprint at 11 x 9 inches

Pros:

• Very affordable price
• Straightforward controls
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup

Cons:

• Low capacity for larger servings
• No presets for air frying
• Short power cord

This budget buy is the perfect first air fryer for vegans with smaller kitchens. It lets you air fry crispy tofu, veggies, and more with minimal oil. Just be aware of the smaller basket size.

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart by Ninja

The Ninja Air Fryer offers a good balance of size and features, with a 4-quart basket and crisp air frying technology. Ninja is a top brand known for quality appliances.

Features:

• 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket
• Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods
• Digital panel with 4 programs – air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate
• Temperature range 105°F – 400°F

Pros:

• Reputable brand
• Nice range of preset programs
• Dishwasher safe parts
• Good 4-quart capacity

Cons:

• Bulky size
• Controls could be simpler
• High price point

This is one of the best air fryers for vegans looking for a versatile model with multiple cooking options. The 4-quart size can feed small families, and it produces crispy fried foods with little oil needed.

Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Vegan Cooking

When selecting an air fryer for plant-based cooking, here are some key factors to consider:

• Capacity – Make sure to choose a basket size that fits your needs. 2-4 quarts for individuals or couples, 5-8 quarts for families.
• Functions & Settings – Look for air fryers with adjustable temps and cooking presets like air fry, bake, roast, reheat, etc.
• Ease of Use – Pick an air fryer with simple controls and settings you’ll use. Digital touchscreens offer precision.
• Size & Storage – Consider your kitchen space. Larger capacity air fryers tend to have bigger footprints.
• Cleanup – Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets, and crisper plates make cleanup a breeze.
• Brand – Stick with reputable small appliance brands known for quality.
• Budget – Air fryer prices range from $50 – $200+. Determine how much you want to spend.
• Warranty – A 1-year minimum warranty is standard. Look for extended coverage.

Summary – Best Air Fryers for Vegan Cooking

Here’s a quick recap of the top air fryer models for plant-based cooking in 2024:

• For large families or meal prepping – Cozyna 10 Quart Air Fryer
• For compact all-in-one baking & frying – Caynel Air Fryer Oven
• For students and singles on a budget – Dash 2.6 Quart Air Fryer
• For easy crisping in small spaces – Chefman 2 Quart Compact Air Fryer
• For versatile cooking and trusted quality – Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer

Any of these top-rated air fryers can help take your vegan recipes to crispy and delicious new heights. Consider capacity, size, and features to find your perfect fit. Happy oil-free frying!

FAQs

Q: What is the best air fryer for vegan cooking?

A: The best air fryers for vegan cooking are those that are versatile, have a large cooking capacity, and offer even cooking. Some popular options are the Cuisinart air fryer, Ninja Foodi dual-zone air fryer, and Cosori air fryer.

Q: What are the key features to look for in an air fryer for vegan cooking?

A: When choosing an air fryer for vegan cooking, consider features such as cooking capacity, convection technology, easy-to-clean design, and the ability to grill or cook food with minimal oil.

Q: How does an air fryer compare to a conventional oven for vegan cooking?

A: An air fryer is a compact and versatile kitchen gadget that uses hot air and convection to cook food, making it great for cooking vegan dishes. It cooks food faster than a conventional oven and can replicate the effects of a grill or toaster oven.

Q: Is the Ninja Foodi dual-zone air fryer a good option for vegan cooking?

A: Yes, the Ninja Foodi dual-zone air fryer is an excellent option for vegan cooking as it offers two air fry baskets, allowing you to cook different vegan dishes simultaneously. It also has versatile cooking modes and programs.

Q: What makes the Cosori air fryer suitable for vegan cooking?

A: The Cosori air fryer is suitable for vegan cooking due to its even cooking, easy-to-clean design, and versatile cooking options. It allows you to cook a variety of vegan foods with minimal oil.

Q: Can you cook plant-based or vegan food in an air fryer?

A: Yes, air fryers are great for cooking plant-based and vegan food. They offer a healthy alternative to deep-frying and can be used to cook a wide range of vegan dishes, from vegetables to meat substitutes.

Q: How does the Lakeland dual basket air fryer cater to vegan cooking needs?

A: The Lakeland dual basket air fryer is suitable for vegan cooking as it offers two air fry baskets, allowing you to cook different vegan dishes simultaneously. It also has multiple cooking programs for versatile cooking.

Q: What cooking methods are possible with an air fryer for vegan cooking?

A: With an air fryer, you can grill, roast, bake, and air fry vegan dishes using hot air and convection. This makes it a versatile appliance for cooking plant-based meals.

Q: How do I choose an air fryer that is great for cooking vegan food?

A: Look for an air fryer with features like a large cooking capacity, easy-to-clean design, multiple cooking programs, and the ability to grill or cook with minimal oil. These features make it great for cooking a variety of vegan dishes.

Q: Can I use an air fryer to cook vegan punks?

A: Yes, an air fryer is a versatile appliance that allows you to cook vegan punks and a wide range of other vegan foods. It provides even cooking and allows you to cook with minimal oil, making it a great choice for vegan cooking.