Let’s be real—Lent dinners can feel like a repetitive cycle of sad salads and boiled veggies. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the air fryer, vegetarian meals suddenly become crispy, flavorful, and downright exciting.
These 15 vegetarian air fryer meals for Lent are quick, fun, and perfect for meatless Fridays. Even if you’re not fully vegetarian, I promise these recipes will win you over.
And if you’re a seafood fan, don’t forget to check out my 12 Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for Meatless Fridays and 10 Easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes Perfect for Lent—perfect rotation options so dinner never feels boring.
1. Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Why it’s awesome: Crunchy, spicy, and perfect as a snack or main.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Paprika & garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Toss cauliflower with oil and spices.
- Coat lightly in panko and parmesan.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Why You’ll Love It
Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and a hit with kids (and adults pretending to be kids 😉).
2. Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
Why it’s awesome: Veggie-packed, hearty, and Insta-worthy.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers
- Quinoa or rice
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cheese or vegan cheese
- Salsa
Instructions
- Mix quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa.
- Stuff into bell peppers.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfectly tender, colorful, and way more exciting than a side salad.
3. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Why it’s awesome: Crunchy snack meets healthy veggie.
Ingredients
- Zucchini sticks
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Dip zucchini in egg, then coat with panko and cheese.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Even zucchini skeptics will go back for seconds. Bonus: dip in marinara sauce for extra oomph.
4. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Why it’s awesome: Comfort food vibes, minus the oven sweat.
Ingredients
- Eggplant slices
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Coat eggplant in breadcrumbs and parmesan.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes.
- Top with sauce and mozzarella, air fry 2–3 more minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy edges, melty cheese, total crowd-pleaser. FYI, I tried swapping mozzarella for vegan cheese once—let’s just say some things are sacred.
5. Air Fryer Falafel
Why it’s awesome: Crispy outside, tender inside, perfect with tahini.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas
- Onion & garlic
- Parsley & cilantro
- Cumin & paprika
- Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor.
- Form into balls and air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Way less oil than frying, and they taste like a restaurant version without the mess.
6. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, salty, and addictive.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (cut into fries)
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Salt
Instructions
- Toss fries with oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy edges, soft centers, perfect side to basically anything.
7. Air Fryer Veggie Tacos
Why it’s awesome: Flavorful, customizable, and quick.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers, onions, zucchini
- Taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Avocado & lime crema
Instructions
- Toss veggies in oil and taco seasoning.
- Air fry at 380°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Assemble tacos with toppings.
Why You’ll Love It
Taco night, but easier. Some people add beans—I do sometimes, sometimes not. Balance matters 😉.
8. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Why it’s awesome: Bite-sized, savory, and fancy-looking.
Ingredients
- Large mushrooms
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic & herbs
- Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Mix breadcrumbs with garlic and herbs.
- Stuff mushrooms and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect appetizer or snack—your friends will assume you worked way harder than you did.
9. Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
Why it’s awesome: Crispy, smoky, and plant-based taco magic.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Slaw or avocado
Instructions
- Toss cauliflower in taco seasoning.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes.
- Assemble tacos.
Why You’ll Love It
If you love Air Fryer Fish Tacos, this veggie version is just as satisfying—no fish required.
10. Air Fryer Chickpea Nuggets
Why it’s awesome: Protein-packed, crunchy, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas (mashed)
- Breadcrumbs
- Spices
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Form mixture into nuggets.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Great for lunchboxes or dinner—super versatile. Pair with dipping sauces for maximum enjoyment.
11. Air Fryer Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes
Why it’s awesome: Juicy, cheesy, and full of Italian flavor.
Ingredients
- Large tomatoes
- Mozzarella or vegan cheese
- Basil
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Hollow tomatoes, stuff with mozzarella and basil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 7–8 minutes.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Why You’ll Love It
Elegant, fast, and surprisingly hearty for a tomato.
12. Air Fryer Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Portobellos
Why it’s awesome: Low-carb, filling, and super savory.
Ingredients
- Portobello mushrooms
- Spinach
- Ricotta or cream cheese
- Parmesan
Instructions
- Mix spinach with cheese.
- Stuff mushrooms and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Even picky eaters will devour this one. Personal tip: add a pinch of nutmeg—it changes the game.
13. Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
Why it’s awesome: Crunchy, colorful, and portable.
Ingredients
- Spring roll wrappers
- Shredded veggies
- Soy sauce or hoisin
- Sesame oil
Instructions
- Roll veggies in wrappers.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, turning once.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy snack or dinner—dip in peanut sauce and thank me later.
14. Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheese Bites
Why it’s awesome: Snackable, cheesy, and veggie-packed.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets
- Cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
Instructions
- Mix broccoli with cheese and egg.
- Form bites, coat with breadcrumbs, air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Bites hit the perfect crunchy-cheesy balance. Serve with ranch or marinara.
15. Air Fryer Ratatouille Veggies
Why it’s awesome: Vibrant, flavorful, and healthy.
Ingredients
- Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions
- Olive oil
- Herbs (thyme, oregano)
Instructions
- Toss veggies in olive oil and herbs.
- Air fry at 390°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Why You’ll Love It
Bright, filling, and great as a main or side. Bonus: pairs perfectly with Air Fryer Fish or Shrimp Recipes for Lent if you’re rotating proteins.
Final Thoughts: Lent Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
These 15 Vegetarian Air Fryer Meals for Lent prove meatless Fridays can be exciting, flavorful, and fast. Rotate them with 12 Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for Meatless Fridays, 10 Easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes Perfect for Lent, or even 8 Air Fryer Salmon Recipes That Feel Gourmet for variety.
And if you’ve got kids (or picky eaters), don’t forget 10 Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Seafood Recipes—they’re the secret to peaceful dinners.
With these recipes in your rotation, Lent is officially delicious—and easy enough to enjoy without stressing over dinner. 😄
