Air Fryer Roasted Veggies: Healthy, Quick, And Easy!

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables. Air-fried vegetables are a quick, easy, and healthy option that can be served as a side dish or used in sandwiches, pasta sauces, or salads. They are also a more nutritious alternative to pan-fried or deep-fried vegetables due to the minimal use of oil and shorter cooking time. By using an air fryer, you can transform everyday vegetables into a delicious and crispy treat with less fat and calories.

Air fryer roasted vegetables: a healthy, delicious side dish

Air fryers are taking over kitchens across the nation, and for good reason. They are mini convection ovens that fry foods with little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories. A heating element and fan bathe the food in hot air to produce a crispy finish.

Air-fried vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish that the whole family will love. They are perfectly tender-crisp, with a depth of flavour that can't be beaten. They are also incredibly versatile: as well as a side dish for meats and fish, they can be used in sandwiches, pasta sauces, and salads.

How to air-fry vegetables

First, prep your vegetables. You can use just about any vegetables you like, but a mix of firm and tender vegetables works well. Firm vegetables include carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, and tender vegetables include zucchini and peppers. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch/2cm thick.

Next, place the vegetables in a large bowl and add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies in the oil and seasonings.

Then, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Air fry the vegetables at 360-400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned, tossing halfway through.

Finally, season to taste and serve. You can squeeze the air-fried veggies with fresh lemon juice, and top them with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot air must be able to contact the vegetables on all sides to caramelize and crisp them. Work in batches if necessary.
• If you are cooking a mix of firm and tender vegetables, place the firm vegetables in the air fryer first and cook for 5 minutes before adding the tender vegetables.

How to prepare vegetables for air frying

Preparing vegetables for air frying is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables

Select a variety of vegetables to create a colourful and nutritious mix. Some popular options include zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. You can also add in some firm vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or root vegetables, but keep in mind that they will take longer to cook.

Step 2: Chop and Season the Vegetables

Chop the vegetables into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and add extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or onion powder to enhance the flavour. Toss the vegetables well to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can spray the basket insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Arrange the Vegetables in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry the Vegetables

Cook the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender and browned. For firmer vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you may need to increase the cooking time to 20-30 minutes. Be sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, transfer them to a serving dish and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan on top. Serve the air fryer vegetables as a delicious and healthy side dish, or use them in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.

Best vegetables for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious side dish.

The best vegetables for air frying are those that are tender, such as zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, green beans, and peppers. Broccoli is also a great option, but it's important to cut it into small florets so it cooks evenly. These vegetables will cook through in the air fryer without needing a longer cook time.

You can also air fry firmer vegetables like carrots, but they need to be cut into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Other firm vegetables that can be air-fried include cauliflower, mushrooms, and red onions.

When preparing vegetables for the air fryer, it's important to cut them into equally sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to contact the vegetables on all sides, creating a caramelized and crisp texture.

For seasoning, a simple combination of extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavor of the vegetables. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.

Seasoning and flavouring your air fryer roasted vegetables

Air fryer roasted vegetables are a delicious, quick, and easy way to cook veggies. They are perfectly tender, with crisp, caramelized edges. The right seasoning and flavouring can take your roasted veggies to the next level. Here are some tips and ideas to make your air fryer roasted vegetables even more tasty:

Choose your vegetables:

Select a mix of colourful and tasty vegetables that you like. You can use zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or any other vegetables of your choice. Just keep in mind that tender veggies like zucchini, peppers, and asparagus will cook faster than firmer root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, or carrots. So, you might need to cook them separately or add the firmer veggies first and then add the tender ones later.

Seasoning and flavouring:

Now, let's get to the fun part—seasoning and flavouring your veggies! Here are some ideas and tips:

• Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. The oil will help the vegetables brown and soften in the air fryer. Don't use too much oil, though, as it can make the veggies mushy instead of crispy.
• Italian seasoning: This is a great store-bought option, or you can make your own mix with dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savoury, umami flavour that goes well with roasted veggies.
• Salt and pepper: A must-have to make all the other flavours pop!
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavour to your veggies.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of your veggies for added flavour and crispness. You can also use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan as a substitute.
• Spices: Feel free to add some spice with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or crushed jalapeno.
• Other toppings: Try adding some crunch with toasted nuts like almond slices or cashew halves. You can also use crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.

Preparing and cooking:

Once you've chosen your veggies and seasonings, it's time to cook! Here are the steps:

• Prep your vegetables by chopping them into equal bite-sized pieces.
• Place the veggies in a large bowl and add your chosen oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Toss well to coat the veggies evenly.
• Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the veggies to steam instead of browning. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 360-400°F for 8-15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetables and your air fryer. Toss or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Once tender and browned, transfer the veggies to a serving dish and give them a final squeeze of lemon juice. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles. Enjoy your healthy and delicious air fryer roasted vegetables!

Oil types and amounts for air fryer roasted vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional oven roasting. The key benefit of air fryers is that they require little to no oil, which means less fat and fewer calories in your food.

When roasting vegetables in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a small amount of oil to help the spices stick and to ensure a crispy texture. The amount of oil will depend on the type of vegetable and its firmness. For example, firmer vegetables such as root vegetables and winter squash may require a bit more oil to prevent burning. Tender vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers are less likely to burn, so you can use less oil or even none at all.

In terms of oil types, extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer roasted vegetables. It helps the vegetables to brown and soften. Avocado oil and vegetable oil are also good options.

• For firmer vegetables, such as carrots, beets, potatoes, and winter squash, use about 1-2 teaspoons of oil for every cup of vegetables.
• For tender vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, use about 1/2-1 teaspoon of oil for every cup of vegetables.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer roasted vegetables is to use just enough oil to coat the vegetables lightly. Too much oil can lead to sogginess and uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer and cook the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even browning. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions