5 Delicious High-Protein Vegan Meal Prep Ideas Using an Air Fryer

Meal prep has become increasingly popular in recent years as people aim to eat healthier, save time, and reduce food waste. It involves preparing meals in advance and storing them for later consumption. For vegans, meal prep is especially important as it can be challenging to find high-protein plant-based meals on the go. With the help of an air fryer, meal prep can be made even easier and more efficient.

Why Meal Prep?

Meal prep offers a range of benefits, including:

1. Time-saving: With meal prep, you can prepare meals in advance, reducing the time spent cooking during the week. This is particularly helpful for busy individuals who may not have the time to cook every day.
2. Healthier meals: When you meal prep, you have greater control over the ingredients in your meals, making it easier to ensure you are consuming a balanced and nutritious diet.
3. Cost-effective: By preparing meals in advance, you can reduce the amount of food waste and save money by buying ingredients in bulk.

The Importance of Protein for Vegans

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting a healthy immune system. For vegans, it can be challenging to consume adequate protein as most plant-based sources are not complete proteins, meaning they do not contain all nine essential amino acids.

To meet their protein requirements, vegans should consume a variety of protein-rich foods, such as beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds. By incorporating these foods into their meals and snacks, vegans can ensure they are consuming sufficient amounts of protein to support their overall health and well-being.

How an Air Fryer Helps with Meal Prep

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious meals without the need for excessive oil. For vegans, an air fryer can be a valuable tool for meal prep, as it can cook a range of high-protein plant-based foods quickly and efficiently.

For example, air fryer tofu is an easy and protein-rich addition to any meal. Simply marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce and spices and air fry for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Similarly, chickpeas, lentil burgers, and buffalo cauliflower wings can all be prepared in an air fryer, making meal prep more convenient and hassle-free.

5 Recipe Ideas for Vegan Mel Prep, which are high in Protein and can be made using an air fryer

1. Air Fryer Tofu

Ingredients:

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Macronutrient breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 7g
• Calories: 157

Alternative ingredients: Instead of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. You can also switch up the spices with your favorite herbs and seasonings.

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Best time to eat: This high-protein meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, as it provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat.

2. Crispy Chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt

Macronutrient breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 4g
• Calories: 135

Alternative ingredients: Instead of chickpeas, you can use any type of beans or legumes you prefer. You can also add different spices or seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, or nutritional yeast.

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Best time to eat: These crispy chickpeas make a great protein-packed snack or can be added to salads for extra crunch.

3. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegan buffalo sauce
• Vegan ranch dressing

Macronutrient breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 2g
• Calories: 108

Alternative ingredients: Instead of cauliflower, you can use broccoli or zucchini. You can also make your own vegan buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce with melted vegan butter or coconut oil.

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Best time to eat: These vegan buffalo cauliflower wings are perfect as a game-day snack or as a side dish for a dinner party.

4. Air Fryer Lentil Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Macronutrient breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 2g
• Calories: 136

Alternative ingredients: Instead of lentils, you can use chickpeas, black beans, or any type of cooked beans or legumes. You can also add different veggies, such as grated carrots or zucchini.

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Best time to eat: These air fryer lentil burgers are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and they pair well with sweet potato fries or a side salad.

5. Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl

Ingredients:

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 cups steamed broccoli

Macronutrient breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 16g
• Calories: 376

Alternative ingredients: Instead of tofu, you can use tempeh or seitan. You can also switch up the veggies, such as adding carrots or bell peppers, and use quinoa instead of brown rice.

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Best time to eat: This spicy peanut tofu bowl makes a satisfying and filling dinner, as it contains a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s also a great meal to fuel you after a workout.

Meal	Macros (per serving)	Serving Size	Cooking Time	Best Time to Consume
Air Fryer Tofu	Protein: 17g	2-3 oz	15-20 min	Lunch or Dinner
	Carbs: 7g
	Fat: 7g
	Calories: 157
Crispy Chickpeas	Protein: 7g	1/2 cup	15-20 min	Snack or Salad Topping
	Carbs: 21g
	Fat: 4g
	Calories: 135
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower	Protein: 5g	1 cup	15-20 min	Snack or Side Dish
Wings	Carbs: 20g
	Fat: 2g
	Calories: 108
Air Fryer Lentil Burgers	Protein: 11g	1 burger	10-15 min	Lunch or Dinner
	Carbs: 21g
	Fat: 2g
	Calories: 136
Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl	Protein: 23g	1 bowl	15-20 min	Dinner or Post-Workout
	Carbs: 44g
	Fat: 16g
	Calories: 376

Meal prep is an excellent way for vegans to ensure they are consuming a balanced and nutritious diet. By incorporating high-protein plant-based foods into their meals and snacks, vegans can meet their protein requirements and support their overall health. With the help of an air fryer, meal prep can be made even easier, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to save time and eat healthier.