Source: Arundhati, AdobeStockAn air fryer greatly simplifies cooking, especially when you want to quickly make something delicious without excess oil. Even Lenten dishes are no exception here, and all this – with practically no effort! We've gathered recipes that are easy to replicate and don't require you to stand by the stove for long or constantly monitor the process!
1. Roasted Vegetables in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA versatile side dish that pairs well with any meal.
You will need: 1 zucchini, 1 eggplant, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, spices, aromatic herbs.
Preparation: Cut the vegetables into large pieces, mix them with olive oil and spices. You can add any other vegetables or a frozen mix to taste. Cook everything together for 15-20 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Lenten Potato Casserole with Mushrooms in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA hearty and simple dish for the whole family.
You will need: 5 potatoes, 300 g mushrooms, 1 onion, 2-3 tbsp soy sauce, 2/3 cup flour, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and fry the onion with mushrooms until the moisture evaporates. Pour in a spoonful of soy sauce and heat for another 1 minute. Grate the potatoes and mix with flour, the remaining soy sauce, salt, and spices.
Check the consistency of the mixture – you might need less flour. Place half of the potatoes in a baking dish, spread the mushrooms, and cover with the remaining potatoes. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
3. Breaded Zucchini in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA light appetizer with a crispy crust.
You will need: 2 zucchinis, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp flour, salt, spices.
Preparation: Slice the zucchinis into rounds, coat them in flour, spices, and breadcrumbs. Arrange on the air fryer rack and bake for 12-15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
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4. Chickpea Falafel in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockCrispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and oil-free too!
You will need: 400 g chickpeas, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp flour, herbs, salt, ground black pepper, cumin, paprika, and other spices.
Preparation: Soak and boil the chickpeas in advance. Mince the chickpeas, onion, garlic, and herbs using a blender or pass everything through a meat grinder. Add flour, salt, and spices, form into balls, and bake for 15-18 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
5. Lenten Tofu Casserole in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA wonderful alternative to classic cottage cheese casserole.
You will need: 500 g tofu, 100 ml plant-based milk, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1.5 tbsp flour, 1.5 tbsp starch, 5 tbsp sugar, vanilla, raisins or other filling.
Preparation: Blend the tofu, plant-based milk, coconut oil, and sugar until smooth. Add the dry ingredients, mix the mixture, and fold in washed raisins or other filling. Place the casserole in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
6. Lenten Pumpkin Patties in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockTender inside and with a golden crust outside.
You will need: 250 g pumpkin, 180 g potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 bunch herbs, 50 g breadcrumbs, flour, salt, spices.
Preparation: Grate all vegetables finely, season, salt, and let stand for 10 minutes. Then drain excess juice, squeeze lightly, and add minced herbs with garlic.
Gradually add flour to the vegetable mixture until it is dense enough. Form and coat the patties in breadcrumbs, place them on the air fryer rack, and bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
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7. Eggplant in Tomato Sauce in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockSimple, delicious, and very healthy!
You will need: 2 eggplants, 200 ml tomato sauce, 2 cloves garlic, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, other spices to taste.
Preparation: Slice the eggplants into rounds or sticks, brush with oil, and bake for 10 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius. Then transfer them to a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over them, season to taste, and cook for another 10 minutes.
8. Roasted Cauliflower with Paprika in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockBoth fresh and frozen cauliflower will work.
You will need: 1 head cauliflower, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, paprika, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Break the cauliflower into florets, mix with vegetable oil and spices. Place in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius until beautifully golden.
9. Buckwheat with Mushrooms in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA clear and simple dish, and inexpensive too.
You will need: 1.5 cups buckwheat, 350 g champignons, 1 onion, 1 carrot, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and fry the onion with carrots and mushrooms until soft. Rinse the buckwheat, place it in a baking dish, and arrange the vegetables on top. Salt, season, and pour in about 3.5 cups of boiling water. Cover the dish with foil and cook the buckwheat for 30-35 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
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10. Vegetable Casserole with Beans in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockSo nutritious that no meat will be needed.
You will need: 100 g dry beans, 2 potatoes, 200 g celery root, 2 carrots, 1 tbsp flour, 120 ml plant-based milk, salt, spices, aromatic herbs.
Preparation: Soak the beans overnight, then rinse them. Grate the vegetables finely and mix with salt and spices. Separately mix plant-based milk with flour until smooth, pour over the vegetables, and bake for 35-40 minutes in the air fryer at 190 degrees Celsius.
11. Baked Apples with Cinnamon in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA healthy dessert with a delicate texture and pleasant aroma.
You will need: 4 apples, 2 tbsp sugar or sugar syrup, ground cinnamon.
Preparation: Remove the core from the apples, sprinkle the fruit with sugar and cinnamon. Place them in a baking dish and cook for 12-15 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius until soft.
12. Rice with Vegetables in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockEverything cooks in one dish – no downsides.
You will need: 200 g rice, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Rinse and mix the rice with finely chopped vegetables, vegetable oil, salt, and spices. Transfer everything to a baking dish, pour in about 400 ml of water, cover with foil, and cook for 30-40 minutes in the air fryer until the rice is soft.
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13. Lenten Calamari Patties in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockJuicy, delicious, and simply a discovery!
You will need: 500 g calamari, 1 onion, 80 g white bread, 2 tbsp semolina, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, salt, spices.
Preparation: Soak the bread in water and squeeze lightly. Pass the calamari, onion, and bread through a meat grinder, salt, season, and add semolina.
Mix and let the mixture stand for 15 minutes, then form small patties, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake for 15-18 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius. Flip the patties once during cooking.
14. Lenten Oatmeal with Bananas in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockAn excellent recipe for tea or breakfast.
You will need: 1 cup rolled oats, 2 bananas, 250 ml plant-based milk, 1-2 tbsp sugar syrup or sweetener, 1 pinch of salt.
Preparation: Mash the bananas with a fork and mix them with oats, plant-based milk, salt, and syrup to taste. Place the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
15. Lenten Muffin in an Air Fryer
Source: AdobeStockA basic recipe that can be supplemented with nuts or dried fruits to taste.
You will need: 300 g flour, 150 ml orange juice, 80-100 ml vegetable oil, 100 g sugar, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp semolina, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp orange zest, vanilla, salt.
Preparation: Mix orange juice with vegetable oil and vinegar, and separately combine the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture, knead the dough until smooth, but ensure it's not too runny or too thick. Transfer it to a baking dish and bake for 35 minutes in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius. You can check the muffin's readiness with a toothpick.