Vegan Air Fryer Cauliflower Nachos

Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Guilt-Free: Vegan Cauliflower Nachos Made in the Air Fryer

If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy snack without the guilt, these Vegan Cauliflower Nachos made in the air fryer are the perfect solution! Packed with roasted cauliflower and topped with delicious plant-based ingredients, this healthier take on nachos will satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or a fun meal to share with friends, these air fryer nachos are the perfect choice. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and incredibly customizable to suit your taste. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and entirely plant-based, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to eat more plant-forward meals. Ready to enjoy a healthier twist on your favorite nachos? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cauliflower Nachos:

✔ Healthy and Guilt-Free: With cauliflower as the base instead of tortilla chips, these nachos are a lighter, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional nachos. You can enjoy the delicious crunch without feeling heavy afterward!

✔ Crispy and Satisfying: Thanks to the air fryer, the cauliflower gets perfectly crispy, making each bite feel like a true indulgence, but without the extra oil or calories.

✔ Totally Customizable: From choosing your favorite plant-based cheese to adding extra toppings like avocado, salsa, or vegan sour cream, this recipe is completely adaptable to your taste preferences. Want more veggies or a spicier kick? The options are endless!

✔ Quick and Easy: Made in the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something flavorful but don’t want to spend much time cooking. Plus, there’s no oven preheating needed, making cleanup even easier!

✔ Allergen-Friendly: These nachos are vegan, gluten-free, and free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, making them perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities.

✔ Fun to Make and Share: These cauliflower nachos are ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s game day, a movie night, or just a fun snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

✔ Packed with Flavor: With a combination of savory, spicy, and creamy toppings—from salsa to plant-based queso and fresh veggies—these nachos are bursting with flavor in every bite. You won’t miss the tortilla chips!

Ingredients needed

• Cauliflower: 1 head, sliced into thin strips or 2 bags of cauliflower florets.
• Vegan Refried Beans: Be sure to check the label to ensure they’re vegan-friendly, as traditional refried beans may contain lard.
• Salsa: Your favorite variety, whether mild or spicy.
• Garlic Salt: For added flavor and seasoning.
• Onion Powder: A key ingredient for that savory base.
• Vegan Shredded Cheese or Plant-Based Vegan Queso: Choose your preferred dairy-free cheese or queso for a melty, cheesy topping.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of green and yellow, chopped for crunch and color.
• Chopped Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor.
• Diced Roma Tomatoes: For a juicy, fresh topping.
• Chopped Red Onion: For a bit of bite and color.
• Lettuce Shreds: For a light, crisp finish.
• Optional Vegan Sour Cream: For a creamy, tangy touch.
• Optional Nutritional Yeast: For an extra cheesy, nutty flavor (perfect for enhancing the vegan cheese!).

How to Make Cauliflower Nachos in the Air Fryer

Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by washing and patting dry your cauliflower. Slice it into thin strips or florets. If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-bagged cauliflower florets.

Season the Cauliflower: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup) and lightly spray the top basket with cooking spray. Place the cauliflower in the basket and mist it with a light coating of cooking spray. Sprinkle with garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper to taste.

Air Fry the Cauliflower: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the cauliflower for 5-8 minutes, or until it starts to crisp up, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Prepare the Refried Bean Mixture: While the cauliflower is air frying, combine 1 can of refried beans with ½ cup salsa and, if desired, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in a medium bowl. Stir until fully combined.

Assemble the Nachos: Once your cauliflower is crispy, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Spread an even layer of the refried bean mixture over the cauliflower, then top with vegan cheese shreds (or dollops of plant-based queso), diced roma tomatoes, yellow and green bell peppers, and diced red onion.

Air Fry Again: Place the cauliflower nachos back in the air fryer for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Add the Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and top with lettuce shreds, chopped avocado, salsa, and vegan sour cream. Let cool for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your crispy, cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Nachos!

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Looking for more tasty recipes? Check out our recipe for Seven Layer Bean Dip as well as our Creamy Queso Dip that would pair perfectly with this dish!

Vegan Cauliflower Nachos

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Equipment

• Air fryer These could also be made in the oven.

Ingredients

  

• 1 head of cauliflower cut into strips  or 2 bags of bagged florets
• 1/2 cup salsa for bean mixture
• 1/2 cup salsa for topping
• 16 oz. vegan refried beans
• 1 cup vegan cheese shreds or plant based queso
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 finely diced red onion
• 1/2 medium diced yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 medium diced green bell pepper
• 4 diced roma tomatoes
• 1/2 chopped avocado
• shredded lettuce
• dollop vegan sour cream

Instructions

 

• wash and pat dry one head of cauliflower and cut into thin strips. You could also use two prewashed bags of florets (fresh NOT frozen)
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spritz with cooking oil.
• Start by placing cauliflower onto parchment sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil.
• sprinkle with onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper.cook for 5-8 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, stir together refried beans, salsa, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You could also add in a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Dice tomatoes, onion, and peppers.
• One cauliflower has been in the airfryer 5-8 minutes, remove and spread the top of your cauliflower with a layer of bean mixtures, vegan cheese, peppers, onion, and tomatoes.
• Place back into air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. 
• Remove and top with shredded lettuce, avocado, and a dollop of vegan sour cream if desired.
• Let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy.