When I first heard about vegan cottage cheese, I’ll admit I was curious — and a little skeptical. Cottage cheese has such a specific texture and comfort factor, especially for someone who’s cooked for a family her whole life. But after a bit of experimenting in my kitchen, this Air Fryer Vegan Cottage Cheese surprised me in the best way.
It’s creamy, lightly savory, and incredibly versatile. I started making it for my plant-based days and for family members who don’t do dairy anymore, and now it’s one of those recipes I quietly keep in the fridge because it works with just about everything. My husband even tried it on toast and said, “I wouldn’t have guessed this was vegan.”
That’s always a win in my book.
This recipe uses simple ingredients and the air fryer to gently warm and set the mixture, giving it a comforting, spoonable texture that feels familiar but still fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely dairy-free and plant-based
- Creamy, savory, and satisfying
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for bowls, toast, wraps, and meal prep
- Gentle and comforting, not overly processed
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (soy or cashew works best)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh chives
- Dill
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, then crumble it into small curds using your hands.
- In a bowl, mix plant-based yogurt, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil until smooth.
- Gently fold the crumbled tofu into the mixture, being careful not to mash it too much. You want soft curds, not a paste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease an air fryer–safe dish and spread the mixture evenly inside.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until warmed through and lightly set.
- Remove and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
The first time I made this, I blended everything — and it turned into more of a spread. Still tasty, but not quite what I wanted. Crumbling the tofu by hand makes all the difference and gives that cottage-cheese-like texture.
I like this warm, but it’s just as good chilled. Sometimes I’ll make a batch in the morning and use it throughout the day.
If you want it extra creamy, add another spoonful of plant-based yogurt. For a firmer texture, air fry it a minute or two longer.
Ways to Use Vegan Cottage Cheese
- Spoon it onto toast with tomatoes and herbs
- Add it to grain bowls or salads
- Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches
- Stir into warm pasta or roasted vegetables
- Top with fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet version
My grandkids like it with crackers, which honestly surprised me — but they kept coming back for more.
Flavor Variations
Herbed Cottage Cheese
Add fresh chives, dill, or parsley for a classic savory flavor.
Garlic Pepper
Add cracked black pepper and an extra pinch of garlic powder.
Mediterranean Style
Stir in olives, cucumber, and a little lemon zest after cooking.
Sweet Version
Skip garlic and onion powder, add vanilla and maple syrup, and serve with berries.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Enjoy cold or gently reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes
- Stir before serving to refresh the texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it taste exactly like cottage cheese?
Not exactly, but it has a similar curdy, creamy feel and a comforting savory flavor.
Can I skip the air fryer?
Yes, you can enjoy it without heating, but the air fryer gives it a warmer, more familiar texture.
Is it kid-friendly?
Very. Just keep the flavors mild, and it works well as a snack or spread.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Vegan Cottage Cheese is one of those quiet little recipes that doesn’t shout for attention but earns its place in the fridge. It’s comforting, nourishing, and flexible — the kind of food you reach for when you want something simple and satisfying.
I love having recipes like this on hand — ones that meet people where they are, whether they’re eating plant-based, dairy-free, or just curious to try something new. It reminds me that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. Sometimes, it just needs to be made with care and shared with love. 🌱💛
