Easy Vegan Air Fryer Indian Recipes

Indian cuisine is famous for its bold spices, rich flavors, and comforting dishes that bring people together. From crispy street food to hearty curries, there’s something to satisfy every craving. 

However, many traditional recipes rely on deep frying, which can be time-consuming and less healthy.

Enter the air fryer! This modern kitchen tool makes it easy to enjoy your favorite Indian dishes with less oil and no mess. 

We’ve put together a collection of delicious vegan air fryer recipes, ranging from crispy snacks to creative main dishes. 

These recipes are simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive in!

1. Pakora (Onion Bhajji)

This crispy, spiced fritter is a beloved Indian street food that’s perfect for chai-time or family get-togethers. Traditionally deep-fried, these pakoras are just as crunchy and delicious when made in the air fryer.

Ingredients: Red onions, green chili, red chili powder, cilantro, ginger, gram flour, water.

Method: Slice onions thinly and mix with green chili, cilantro, ginger, gram flour, and spices. Add water to form a thick batter. Shape into small fritters and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.

Tip: Add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) for an extra layer of authentic flavor.

2. Vegan Samosas

A classic Indian snack, samosas are flaky pastries filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. This air fryer version is lighter, quicker, and just as satisfying as the original.

Ingredients: Potatoes, peas, whole-wheat flour, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, water, and oil.

Method: Boil and mash potatoes, then mix with peas, garam masala, red chili powder, and turmeric. Prepare dough with whole-wheat flour, oil, and water, rolling it into thin circles. Cut into halves, fill with potato mixture, and fold into triangles. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. Serve with tamarind or green chutney.

Variation: Add crushed peanuts or raisins to the filling for a unique twist.

3. Bombay Potatoes

These golden, spiced potatoes are perfect as a snack or a flavorful side dish for curries. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Ingredients: Baby potatoes, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, chaat masala, red chili powder, ground coriander, oil.

Method: Parboil baby potatoes until tender, then toss with oil, turmeric, cumin seeds, and spices. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.

Tip: Pair with a cooling vegan yogurt raita for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Gobi Manchurian

A fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines, Gobi Manchurian features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a tangy, spicy sauce. It’s a showstopper for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients: Cauliflower, cornstarch, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, spring onions.

Method: Toss cauliflower florets in a slurry of cornstarch, soy sauce, and water. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes until crispy. In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger, then add chili sauce, soy sauce, and ketchup to create the sauce. Toss the cauliflower in the sauce and garnish with spring onions.

Variation: For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

5. Tandoori Broccoli

This smoky, spiced broccoli dish is a healthy take on tandoori cooking. The air fryer locks in the nutrients while giving the broccoli a delicious charred edge.

Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, vegan yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, lemon juice.

Method: Blanch broccoli florets in salted water, then pat dry. Coat with a marinade made of vegan yogurt and spices. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until slightly charred. Serve hot with a lemon wedge.

Serving Idea: Pair with naan or basmati rice for a complete meal.

6. Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy roasted chickpeas are a simple, protein-packed snack that’s easy to prepare. They’re great for movie nights, lunchboxes, or as a salad topping.

Ingredients: Cooked chickpeas, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, salt.

Method: Pat chickpeas dry and toss with oil and seasonings. Spread evenly in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Let cool for maximum crunch.

Variation: Add curry powder or nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost.

7. Kurkuri Bhindi (Crispy Okra)

This crispy okra dish is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and a favorite as a side dish or snack.

Ingredients: Okra, chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, fennel seeds.

Method: Slice okra lengthwise and coat with a mix of chickpea flour, rice flour, and spices. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tip: Ensure okra is completely dry before coating to avoid a slimy texture.

8. Vegan Paneer Tikka

This vegan take on paneer tikka uses firm tofu as a substitute. Marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, it’s air-fried to create a smoky, delicious dish.

Ingredients: Firm tofu, bell peppers, onions, vegan yogurt, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder.

Method: Press tofu and cut into cubes. Mix vegan yogurt with spices to make a marinade, then coat tofu, bell peppers, and onions. Skewer and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve with mint chutney or lime wedges.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy as an appetizer or with a side of flatbreads.

9. Savory Vegan Puff Pastry Turnovers

These flaky, golden turnovers are filled with a savory spiced mixture that’s rich and satisfying. Store-bought puff pastry makes them quick and easy to prepare, while a vegan filling ensures they’re completely plant-based.

Ingredients: Vegan puff pastry sheets, tofu (crumbled), onions, tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and oil.

Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a pan, sauté onions and tomatoes until soft. Add crumbled tofu, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the mixture is dry and well-spiced. Cut puff pastry into squares, fill with the mixture, and fold into triangles. Seal edges with water and air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden.

Tip: Add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime to the filling for a fresh burst of flavor.

10. Vegan Seekh Kabab

Seekh kababs are traditionally made with meat, but this vegan version uses jackfruit and chickpeas for a hearty, smoky flavor. These kababs are perfect as an appetizer or served with naan and chutney.

Ingredients: Canned jackfruit, cooked chickpeas, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, breadcrumbs, salt, and oil.

Method: Blend jackfruit and chickpeas into a coarse mixture. Mix with ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, breadcrumbs, and salt. Form into kabab shapes around skewers. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until lightly charred.

Variation: Add smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.

11. Crispy Vegan Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a beloved Indian street food made from spiced potato patties. This air fryer version uses less oil and creates a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, spiced interior.

Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, soaked and drained poha (flattened rice), red chili powder, dry mango powder, cumin powder, cilantro, and oil.

Method: Mash boiled potatoes and mix with poha, chili powder, mango powder, cumin, and cilantro. Shape into patties and lightly brush with oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with mint chutney or vegan yogurt mixed with tamarind.

12. Sabudana Vada

These crispy fritters made from sago (or tapioca pearls) are traditionally enjoyed during Indian fasting festivals. This vegan version works well as a snack or appetizer with a tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients: Soaked tapioca pearls, boiled potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chilies, cumin seeds, salt.

Method: Mix soaked tapioca pearls with mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, and salt. Shape into small patties and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy.

Tip: Serve with sweet tamarind chutney for a delicious contrast of flavors.

13. Vegan Samosa Chaat Phyllo Cups

This modern take on samosa chaat uses crispy phyllo cups filled with a spiced potato mixture and topped with chutneys and garnishes. It’s an easy, fun snack for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients: Store-bought vegan phyllo cups, boiled potatoes, peas, chaat masala, garam masala, red chili powder, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles).

Method: Mash boiled potatoes and mix with peas and spices. Fill each phyllo cup with the potato mixture. Top with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and a sprinkle of sev. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to warm through.

Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and pomegranate seeds for a colorful presentation.

14. Masala Fries

These crispy, spiced fries are an Indian twist on a classic favorite. They’re perfect as a snack or side dish and come out beautifully golden in the air fryer.

Ingredients: Russet potatoes, garlic powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, oil.

Method: Cut potatoes into fries and soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Toss with oil and spices, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Variation: Sprinkle with chaat masala and serve with vegan aioli for dipping.

15. Vegan Funfetti Nankhatai

These colorful, festive cookies are a modern twist on traditional Indian shortbread. They’re perfect for celebrations or as a fun treat for kids.

Ingredients: Besan (chickpea flour), powdered sugar, vegan butter, cardamom powder, funfetti sprinkles.

Method: Mix besan, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder with softened vegan butter to form a dough. Add funfetti sprinkles and shape them into small cookies. Air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

Tip: Cool completely before serving to allow the cookies to firm up.

Final Thoughts

Using an air fryer to prepare vegan versions of classic Indian dishes is a fantastic way to enjoy healthier, hassle-free cooking. 

From crispy pakoras to smoky tandoori broccoli, these recipes offer something for everyone—whether it’s a quick snack or a dish for a special meal.

Experiment with spices, dips, and sides to make these recipes your own, and share them with family and friends for a flavorful feast. Happy air frying!