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

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen vegetables, and they can be used to cook a variety of veggies, from broccoli and cauliflower to zucchini and kale. The cooking time depends on the type of vegetable and the specific air fryer model, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook frozen veggies in an air fryer.

To cook frozen veggies in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer, and then toss the frozen veggies with olive oil or avocado oil and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. Place the veggies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around them for even cooking. Air fry at around 375-400°F for 5 minutes, then toss or shake the basket and air fry for an additional 5-9 minutes, until crispy.

So, if you're looking for a fast and easy way to cook veggies, give the air fryer a try!

Seasoning options

Seasoning your frozen vegetables is a crucial step in the air-frying process. It ensures your veggies are tasty and full of flavour. The great thing about seasoning is that you can get creative and experiment with different spices and herbs to find a combination that suits your taste buds.

A simple seasoning option is to use pantry staples like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add Parmesan cheese to your veggies for an extra kick of flavour. If you want to get more creative, here are some seasoning blends you can try:

• Spicy: Add 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce before roasting.
• Hot honey: Add 2 tablespoons of hot honey or 1.5 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce before roasting.
• Garlic Parmesan: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese before roasting. In the final minute, top with an additional 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
• Sesame soy: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and substitute olive oil with 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
• Za'tar: Swap the spices for 1 tablespoon of za'atar before roasting.

When seasoning your frozen veggies, it's important to note that you should add the spices after coating your vegetables in oil. This ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the veggies. Additionally, if you're using parchment paper in your air fryer, make sure to preheat the air fryer without the parchment paper inside and only add it after preheating.

Cooking times

The cooking time for frozen vegetables in an air fryer depends on the type of vegetable, the quantity, and the spacing in the air fryer basket. Smaller-sized pieces are recommended, spread into just a single layer. Avoid overfilling the basket with a thick layer of vegetables, as this will reduce airflow and increase cooking time.

For example, cooking times for specific vegetables include:

• Green beans: 4 minutes
• Broccoli: 6-8 minutes
• Cauliflower: 8-10 minutes
• Brussels sprouts: 14-16 minutes

In general, the cooking time for frozen vegetables in an air fryer is around 10-15 minutes. Some recipes recommend cooking for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (around 190-204°C). The temperature and timing can be adjusted depending on the desired level of crispiness. For example, one recipe recommends cooking at 390°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes for crispy vegetables.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may cook at different speeds, so it's recommended to check the vegetables often, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure they don't burn.

Best vegetables to use

There are a variety of vegetables that can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen, and the best ones to use are those that are evenly sized. This is because they will cook evenly, and you can avoid smaller pieces becoming crispier than the larger ones.

Some of the best vegetables to use in an air fryer include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Squash
• Asparagus
• Brussel sprouts
• Kale
• Sweet potatoes
• Corn

Leafy greens such as spinach and kale should be avoided as they are too light and can blow around in the air fryer.

How to avoid sogginess

To avoid sogginess when cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating helps the vegetables achieve a crispier texture.

Do Not Overcrowd: Arrange the frozen vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so it's important to give them space.

Do Not Use a Liner: Using a liner or parchment paper can trap moisture and result in soggy vegetables. Instead, place the frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer basket.

Shake or Stir Halfway: Halfway through the cooking time, shake or stir the vegetables. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. Drain any excess water that may have collected in the basket.

Add a Light Oil Coating: A light spray or toss with oil can help the vegetables crisp up and enhance their flavor. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or canola oil.

Season Well: Season your vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs to enhance their flavor. Season after oiling so that the spices stick better.

High Heat: Frozen vegetables cook well under high heat. Set your air fryer to around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C), depending on the type of vegetable. This ensures they become crispy rather than just heated through.

Health benefits

Air-frying frozen vegetables is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook your veggies. Here are some health benefits of using an air fryer:

Quick and Easy Preparation

With minimal prep time, you can have air fryer veggies ready in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It is faster than roasting and just as tasty. The convenience of frozen vegetables means you can have a healthy meal without the hassle of cutting and dicing.

Healthy and Delicious

Air frying retains the vegetables' nutrients while giving them a tasty, crispy texture without the need for excessive amounts of oil. The high heat of the air fryer cooks the vegetables perfectly from frozen, and a light coating of oil helps them crisp up and enhances their flavor.

Versatile and Convenient

Air fryers offer flexible cooking options, whether you prefer roasted or steamed veggies. You can use your favorite frozen vegetables or create your own mix. Frozen vegetables are a budget-friendly option, as they are affordable and still packed with nutrients.

Easy Storage and Reheating

Leftover air-fried vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer for a few minutes to retain crispiness, or an oven set to a high temperature. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the vegetables soggy.

Customizable Seasonings

You can season your frozen vegetables before air-frying them, and there are many seasoning options to enhance the flavor and make them taste great. From spicy and smoky to Italian and Asian-inspired blends, you can experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.

Frequently asked questions