Air-Fryer Veggies: Healthy, Quick, And Easy?

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. They produce a similar result to roasting, but with a crispier crust and in less time. You can cook almost any vegetable in an air fryer, but different textures require slightly different cooking methods. Soft vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli are quick to cook and can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. Firm vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin take a bit longer, but can still be cooked in under 30 minutes. You can even cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, but you'll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing.

Which vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, with most types of veggies suitable for air frying. The method is quick, easy, and healthy, producing a similar result to roasting but with a crispier crust.

Nearly all vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but different textures require slightly different cooking methods.

Tender/Soft Vegetables

Quick-cooking tender veggies include:

• Zucchini/Courgette
• Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Asparagus
• Green Beans
• Eggplant/Aubergine
• Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower

To cook tender vegetables in an air fryer, preheat the device to 375°F (190°C). Chop the veggies to the desired size and optionally drizzle with olive oil for a roasted taste. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice to promote even cooking.

Firm Vegetables

Firm vegetables take a bit longer to cook but are still delicious when air-fried. Examples include:

• Root Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Potatoes, Parsnips)
• Winter Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Pumpkin)

To cook firm vegetables, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the veggies into small pieces, which will cook faster. Optionally drizzle with oil, add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket a few times for even cooking.

Frozen Vegetables

You can also cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. First, determine whether they are soft or firm, then add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing. Ensure there is space between the veggies to allow water to evaporate, which will help them become perfectly roasted.

How to cook soft vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook vegetables in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to cook soft vegetables in an air fryer:

First, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is warming up, prepare your soft vegetables of choice, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, or asparagus. Chop the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Next, place the chopped vegetables into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add your choice of seasonings. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are well coated. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or onion powder.

Once your air fryer is preheated, spray the basket insert with non-stick cooking spray. Then, place the vegetables into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the vegetables at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until tender, shaking the basket or tossing the vegetables halfway through to promote even cooking.

Finally, season the vegetables to taste and serve immediately. You can also add toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or feta cheese for extra flavor.

Tips for Cooking Vegetables in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent the vegetables from steaming and becoming soggy instead of crispy.
• Cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Use a light coating of oil; too much oil will cause the vegetables to become oversaturated and affect crispness.
• Shake or toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking process to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
• Depending on the type of vegetable, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Firmer vegetables like root vegetables and winter squash will take longer to cook than softer vegetables.

How to cook firm vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook vegetables in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to cook firm vegetables in an air fryer:

First, select your firm vegetables. Firm vegetables include root vegetables such as carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips, and turnips, as well as winter squash like pumpkin, butternut, and acorn squash.

Then, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Next, prepare your chosen firm vegetables by chopping them into small pieces. Remember that the smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. If desired, you can also drizzle a little oil over the vegetables and add any seasonings of your choice.

After that, place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This is important because if the basket is too crowded, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning.

Finally, cook the vegetables for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to promote even cooking. For specific types of firm vegetables, like potatoes and beets, additional guidelines are provided below:

• Potatoes: The type of potato matters. Sweet potatoes are firmer and will take longer to cook, while white potatoes are softer and will cook quicker. As a rule of thumb, air fry potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Beets, Carrots, and Parsnips: Cut these vegetables into small pieces, toss them with a little oil and seasonings, and air fry in a single layer at 375°F (190°C).

And that's it! You now have a delicious batch of crispy, tender firm vegetables cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a side dish or incorporate them into a larger meal.

How to cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Vegetables

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This helps the vegetables crisp up and ensures they don't stick to the basket.
• Place your chosen frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to thaw them first—in fact, it's better if you don't!

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

• Drizzle or spray the vegetables with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured cooking oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and mixed herbs all work well.

Step 3: Air Fry the Vegetables

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
• Toss the vegetables, then air fry for another 4-6 minutes.
• Check the vegetables during the last two minutes to ensure they are cooked to your liking. Add more time in one-minute increments if needed.
• If your vegetables are on the larger side, such as whole Brussels sprouts, you may need to increase the cooking time to around 20 minutes in total.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the vegetables from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you're using a small amount of vegetables, keep them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the vegetables to steam instead of crisp up.
• Different air fryer models may cook at different speeds, so keep an eye on your vegetables to prevent burning.
• If you want to add cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan over the vegetables during the last minute of cooking.

Tips for roasting vegetables in an air fryer

Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy, delicious side dish. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Choose your vegetables: You can air fry just about any vegetable, but some good options include bell peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onion, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. You can also air fry frozen vegetables, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for roasting vegetables. However, some recipes call for a higher temperature of 400°F.
• Prepare your vegetables: Chop your vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces. This will help ensure that they cook evenly. You can also drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or other spices of your choice.
• Arrange the vegetables in the air fryer: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow hot air to circulate. You may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the desired level of doneness. Tender vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers will cook faster (about 10-15 minutes) than firmer vegetables like carrots and potatoes (about 20-30 minutes). Be sure to shake the air fryer basket or toss the vegetables halfway through cooking to promote even cooking.
• Serving suggestions: Air fryer vegetables can be served as a side dish, snack, or added to salads, bowls, or stir-fries. They can also be tossed in different sauces or seasonings, such as taco seasoning, soy sauce, or balsamic glaze, for added flavour.

By following these tips, you'll be able to roast vegetables in your air fryer to perfection!

Frequently asked questions