10 Flavorful Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Make in Your Air Fryer

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and incredible food. But what if you’re hosting vegan guests, or you’re simply looking to cut back on animal-based products? Don’t worry—your air fryer is here to save the day! With its ability to create crispy, flavorful dishes using minimal oil, it’s the perfect tool for crafting plant-based Thanksgiving delights. This guide brings you 10 incredible vegan recipes that are festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to whip up.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes?

The air fryer is a game-changer for Thanksgiving cooking, especially when you’re focusing on vegan recipes. Here’s why:

1. Healthier Cooking: Say goodbye to heavy oils and fats. Air fryers use hot air to create crispy textures without the added calories.
2. Faster Meals: Cut your cooking time significantly—perfect for Thanksgiving’s hectic kitchen vibes.
3. Versatility: From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, your air fryer can do it all.
4. Eco-Friendly: Vegan recipes already lower your environmental footprint, and the air fryer helps by using less energy compared to an oven.

10 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Love

1. Air-Fried Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized delights are the perfect appetizer to start your Thanksgiving feast.

• Ingredients: Button mushrooms, vegan cream cheese, spinach, garlic, nutritional yeast.
• Why You’ll Love It: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor without any dairy!
• Pro Tip: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan before air frying for an extra kick.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Button mushrooms, vegan cream cheese, spinach, garlic, nutritional yeast.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove mushroom stems and hollow out caps.
  3. Mix vegan cream cheese, sautéed spinach, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
  4. Stuff each mushroom cap and place in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
• Notes: Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. Serve immediately for best texture.

2. Crispy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Reimagine this classic Thanksgiving dish with an air fryer twist.

• Ingredients: Green beans, almond milk, mushrooms, crispy onions.
• Why You’ll Love It: A lighter, healthier version that still delivers on comfort.
• Pro Tip: Cook the green beans separately to maintain their crunch before adding sauce.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Green beans, almond milk, mushrooms, crispy onions.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Steam green beans for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Make a sauce by sautéing mushrooms with almond milk until thickened.
  4. Toss green beans in the sauce and place them in a baking dish that fits your air fryer.
  5. Top with crispy onions and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Notes: Add more crispy onions halfway through cooking for extra crunch.

3. Sweet Potato Fries with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Sweet, crispy, and utterly addictive, these fries will be a hit at the table.

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cinnamon, maple syrup, a pinch of salt.
• Why You’ll Love It: The perfect balance of savory and sweet.
• Pro Tip: Soak sweet potatoes in cold water before cooking for ultimate crispiness.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cinnamon, maple syrup, a pinch of salt.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut sweet potatoes into even wedges or thin fries.
  3. Soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
  4. Toss with a light spray of oil, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  6. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
• Notes: For extra crispiness, cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding.

4. Vegan Air-Fried Cauliflower Wings

These spicy, crispy “wings” are sure to wow even the meat-lovers.

• Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, hot sauce, almond flour, breadcrumbs.
• Why You’ll Love It: Packed with flavor and perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
• Pro Tip: Serve with a vegan ranch dip to cool down the heat.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, hot sauce, almond flour, breadcrumbs.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Dip florets in almond milk, then coat with a mixture of almond flour and breadcrumbs.
  4. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
  5. Toss with hot sauce and cook for another 3–5 minutes for a saucy finish.
• Notes: Use parchment paper in the basket to prevent sticking.

5. Air-Fried Vegan Stuffing Balls

Turn your traditional stuffing into bite-sized treats.

• Ingredients: Whole-grain bread, vegetable broth, sage, onions, celery.
• Why You’ll Love It: Easy to portion and eat—perfect for a Thanksgiving buffet.
• Pro Tip: Add dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Whole-grain bread, vegetable broth, sage, onions, celery.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté onions and celery with sage until soft.
  3. Mix with cubed bread and enough vegetable broth to moisten.
  4. Form into golf ball-sized stuffing balls and place in the air fryer.
  5. Cook for 12–15 minutes, until crispy on the outside.
• Notes: Add dried cranberries or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

6. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized to perfection, these sprouts will convert even the skeptics.

• Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, pecans.
• Why You’ll Love It: Sweet, tangy, and crunchy in all the right ways.
• Pro Tip: Toss in pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, pecans.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with a small amount of olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
  3. Air fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Add pecans in the last 2 minutes for a roasted crunch.
• Notes: Serve immediately to enjoy the caramelized glaze at its peak.

7. Air-Fried Vegan Mac and Cheese Balls

A creamy, cheesy classic turned into crispy, indulgent bites.

• Ingredients: Vegan cheese sauce, pasta, breadcrumbs.
• Why You’ll Love It: Comfort food, but make it finger food!
• Pro Tip: Use nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor boost.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Vegan cheese sauce, pasta, breadcrumbs.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta and mix with vegan cheese sauce. Chill until firm.
  3. Form into small balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and place in the air fryer.
  4. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Notes: Freeze the balls for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

8. Vegan Lentil Loaf Bites

A modern take on the traditional meatloaf, but completely plant-based.

• Ingredients: Lentils, oats, tomato paste, garlic, onions.
• Why You’ll Love It: Hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein.
• Pro Tip: Pair with vegan gravy for a classic Thanksgiving taste.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Lentils, oats, tomato paste, garlic, onions.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix cooked lentils with sautéed garlic, onions, oats, and tomato paste.
  3. Form into small loaf shapes or balls.
  4. Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Notes: Serve with vegan gravy or cranberry sauce for a festive twist.

9. Air-Fried Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These mini rolls are the perfect sweet ending to your feast.

• Ingredients: Vegan crescent dough, apples, cinnamon, sugar.
• Why You’ll Love It: Warm, gooey, and ready in minutes.
• Pro Tip: Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Vegan crescent dough, apples, cinnamon, sugar.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out crescent dough and fill with thinly sliced apples, cinnamon, and sugar.
  3. Roll up, seal edges, and place in the air fryer.
  4. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Notes: Drizzle with vegan caramel or powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.

10. Crispy Vegan Pumpkin Fritters

A unique and festive dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.

• Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, chickpea flour, spices, breadcrumbs.
• Why You’ll Love It: The ultimate fall flavor in a crunchy package.
• Pro Tip: Serve with a spiced vegan yogurt dip for added flavor.

Key Steps And Notes

• Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, chickpea flour, spices, breadcrumbs.
• Key Steps:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix pumpkin puree with chickpea flour and spices.
  3. Form into small patties and coat lightly with breadcrumbs.
  4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes: Serve with a spiced vegan yogurt dip for a delightful contrast.

FAQs About Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

1. Can I Use Regular Thanksgiving Recipes and Make Them Vegan?

Absolutely! Many traditional recipes can be adapted using plant-based substitutes. For example, swap out butter for vegan butter, or use almond milk instead of dairy milk.

2. What’s the Secret to Crispy Air-Fried Dishes?

The key is a light coating of oil (or oil spray) and spacing out the food in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results.

3. How Do I Make Vegan Dishes Appealing to Non-Vegans?

Focus on flavor and texture. Use seasonings generously and highlight umami flavors with ingredients like nutritional yeast, soy sauce, or mushrooms.

4. Can I Prepare These Dishes Ahead of Time?

Many air fryer dishes can be prepped in advance and reheated in the air fryer right before serving.

5. What Air Fryer Size Should I Use for Thanksgiving?

A larger air fryer (like 5+ quarts) is ideal for Thanksgiving recipes, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a challenge for vegan cooks. With these air fryer recipes, you can create a feast that’s just as indulgent and satisfying as any traditional meal—without compromising your values or health. Whether you’re hosting vegans, vegetarians, or meat-lovers, these dishes are guaranteed to impress. So fire up that air fryer and get ready to celebrate a flavorful, plant-based Thanksgiving!

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