From Tots to Doughnuts: 10 Recipes That Are Better Baked Than Fried!

We all love a good fried recipe – crunchy, crispy dishes full of flavor are amazing. However, you can get the same amount of flavor and awesome texture out of a properly baked recipe as well, and you’ll save yourself some of the unhealthy aspects of fried dishes. Satisfy your cravings for all the fried foods you could ask for with these recipes from our Food Monster App that swap out the fry basket for a baking sheet!

1. Baked Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Chip Doughnuts

Image Source: Baked Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Chip Doughnuts

Just because you crave a doughnut doesn’t mean you need to resort to a greasy, fried one. Sure, those taste good but they are not the healthiest choice. These Baked Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Chip Doughnuts from The Vegan 8: 100 Simple, Delicious Recipes Made With 8 Ingredients or Less are fluffy, moist, and super soft!

2. Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

Image Source: Sweet Potato Tots

Super easy. Kid Friendly. Delicious. These Sweet Potato Tots from Diana Johnson are a great snack filler – they taste sweet, cheesy, and “unhealthy,” but are simply a combination of sweet potato, nutritional yeast, and spices.

3. Baked Zucchini Fries

Image Source: Baked Zucchini Fries

Try not to thank yourself after you bake this incredible french fry substitute. Really, should we even call it a substitute? How about new, fantastic, love of your life? These Baked Zucchini Fries from Kinda Vegan: 200 Easy and Delicious Recipes for Meatless Meals (When You Want Them) mimic your traditional fast-food favorites, but they are also healthy, crunchy, and packed with the nutritional benefits of olive oil. Heart-stopping—in a good way.

4. Oven-Baked Vegetable Samosas

Image Source: Oven-Baked Vegetable Samosas

These Oven-Baked Vegetable Samosas from Alenoosh Matakupan are great for cocktail parties and brunches, and guaranteed that both vegans and non-vegans will love these yummy pastries filled with vegetables and classic Indian flavors!

5. ‘Chicken’ Tofu Strips and Waffles

Image Source: ‘Chicken’ Tofu Strips and Waffles

Think its impossible to emulate the crispy fried deliciousness of chicken strips using only plant-based ingredients? Think again. These breaded tofu strips are warm and textured, flavorful thanks to basil and thyme, and very dip-able, just like your typical chicken strip. Serve these with waffles for a vegan version of the comfort favorite or with fries for a classic diner dish. There you go: ‘Chicken’ Tofu Strips and Waffles from Kiran Shahbaz!

6. Crunchy Tofu Popcorn Bites With Sweet Mustard Sauce

Image Source: Crunchy Tofu Popcorn Bites With Sweet Mustard Sauce

See tofu in a whole new way with these crispy, cornmeal-crusted tofu bites! Tofu is first steeped in a cheesy Sriracha-spiked marinade, then tossed in a mixture of cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs, and finally baked until crispy and golden brown. Served alongside a creamy, sweet mustard sauce, these Crunchy Tofu Popcorn Bites With Sweet Mustard Sauce from Cruelty Free Family are the perfect movie night snack.

7. Zucchini Tater Tots

Image Source: Zucchini Tater Tots

You probably remember tater tots, those coveted (and greasy) pillows of potato-y goodness served at school lunches. This Zucchini Tater Tots recipe from Kirsten Kaminski is a healthier take on those and they’re so good, you’ll want to carry them around in your pocket so you can have them all to yourself. It’s as easy as mashing potato and grated zucchini together, forming them into tots, and baking them until golden and crispy.

8. Lemon Baked Donuts

Image Source: Lemon Baked Donuts

These vegan Lemon Baked Donuts from Fabio Gallo are full of delicious lemon flavor. They are fluffy, moist and the flavor is delicious – so fresh and citrusy. These donuts are baked and then covered in a tart lemon glaze, everything can be done in about 40 minutes.

9. Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo

Image Source: Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo

Empanadas are an undeniably delicious finger food. This Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo recipe from Travis Piper shows you how to make your own empanada dough and filling without breaking too much of a sweat. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Munch on these refried black bean and bell pepper stuffed empanadas with some freshly made pico de gallo.

10. Greek Style Oven Fries

Image Source: Greek Style Oven Fries

The difference between an okay basket of fries and an amazing one is all in the seasoning. These Greek Style Oven Fries from Cruelty Free Family are sprinkled with fresh dill, lemon, oregano, parsley, paprika, and plenty of garlic. Served with creamy and flavorful tzatziki, these fries are a delicious change to the typical ketchup, mustard combo.

Need more delicious recipes? We highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!