Gourmet Vegan Air Fryer Side Dishes: 5 Restaurant-Worthy Recipes

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🍽️🌱 Elevate your weeknight dinners with these five high-end vegan air fryer side dishes—each delivering bold flavors, perfect textures, and effortless prep. From crispy polenta fries to smoky stuffed mushrooms, these recipes are faster than oven-baking and packed with gourmet appeal.

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1. Crispy Rosemary-Garlic Polenta Fries with Lemon Aioli 🍟✨

Flavor Profile: Herbaceous, garlicky, with creamy citrus dip

Ingredients

• 1 tube (18 oz) pre-cooked polenta, sliced into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• Lemon Aioli:
  • ½ cup vegan mayo
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season Polenta:
   • Toss fries with oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Air Fry:
   • 400°F (200°C) for 15 mins, flipping halfway.
3. Make Aioli:
   • Whisk mayo, lemon zest, and mustard. Chill.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, dust polenta with cornstarch before air frying.

2. Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms with Walnut & Sage 🍄🌰

Flavor Profile: Umami-rich, nutty, with earthy sage

Ingredients

• 12 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
• ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make Filling:
   • Pulse walnuts, nooch, liquid smoke, and sage in a food processor.
2. Stuff & Cook:
   • Fill mushrooms, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 mins.

Hack: Brush mushrooms with truffle oil before stuffing for luxury.

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3. Harissa-Roasted Carrots with Tahini Drizzle 🥕🌶️

Flavor Profile: Spicy-sweet, creamy, with Middle Eastern flair

Ingredients

• 1 lb rainbow carrots, halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Tahini Sauce:
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat Carrots:
   • Toss with harissa and syrup.
2. Air Fry:
   • 390°F (200°C) for 12 mins, shaking once.
3. Drizzle:
   • Whisk tahini sauce ingredients, thin with water as needed.

Pro Tip: Garnish with pomegranate seeds for crunch.

4. Crispy Salt & Pepper Tofu Cubes 🧂🌶️

Flavor Profile: Savoury, lightly spicy, with Sichuan peppercorn tingle

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat Tofu:
   • Toss tofu with cornstarch and spices.
2. Air Fry:
   • 400°F (200°C) for 14 mins, shaking every 5 mins.

Hack: Serve with quick-pickled cucumbers to balance heat.

5. Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Brussels Sprouts 🍋🧀

Flavor Profile: Tangy, cheesy, with caramelized edges

Ingredients

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup vegan parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season Sprouts:
   • Toss with oil, lemon juice, garlic powder.
2. Air Fry:
   • 380°F (193°C) for 12 mins until charred.
3. Finish:
   • Toss with parmesan while hot.

Pro Tip: Add toasted pine nuts for richness.

Air Fryer Side Dish Pro Tips

✔ Preheat for 3 mins for extra crispiness.
✔ Use parchment liners for easy cleanup (with holes for airflow).
✔ Spritz with oil sparingly—air fryers need less than ovens.

Sources:

• Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook by Nisha Vora
• The Global Vegan by Ellie Bullen

Flavor Badges:

• 🍟 Polenta Fries → Crispy, Herb-Infused
• 🍄 Stuffed Mushrooms → Umami, Elegant
• 🌶️ Harissa Carrots → Bold, Creamy
• 🧂 Salt & Pepper Tofu → Spicy, Addictive
• 🍋 Lemon Brussels → Bright, Cheesy

Which side will steal the spotlight at your dinner? Let us know below! 👇

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