Air Fryer Veggies: Plain Or Seasoned?

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, with many benefits over traditional frying methods. They are a quick and easy way to cook veggies, with a cooking time that is half that of an oven. Air fryers also require little to no oil, reducing the fat and calorie content of your food, and making them a healthier option.

Most vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but different textures require different cooking methods. Soft vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower are the easiest to cook, as they have a shorter cooking time. Firm vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin can also be cooked in an air fryer, but they take longer. Frozen vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but their cooking time needs to be increased to account for the time it takes to thaw.

When cooking vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to cut them into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You should also avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to contact the vegetables on all sides.

Vegetables to use and avoid

Vegetables to Use

Air fryers can cook a wide variety of vegetables, including:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Peppers
• Onions
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Beets
• Asparagus
• Pumpkin
• Corn on the cob
• Kale
• Taro
• Okra
• Eggplant
• Turnip
• Peas

Vegetables to Avoid

Tough root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes should be avoided, as they require a longer cooking time.

Seasoning and oil

While air frying is a great way to cook vegetables, seasoning and oil are crucial to enhancing their flavour and texture. Here is a detailed guide to help you master the art of seasoning and oiling your veggies for the perfect air fryer experience.

Choosing the Right Oil

When it comes to choosing an oil for air frying, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice due to its flavour and high smoke point. However, other oils such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or neutral-flavoured cooking oils can also be used. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point that can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.

Amount of Oil

It is important to use just enough oil to coat the vegetables lightly. Air fryers don't require a lot of oil, and using too much can result in oversaturated veggies that don't crisp up properly. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of oil for every 1 pound of vegetables.

Seasoning Options

The right seasoning can take your air-fried vegetables to the next level. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavour of the veggies.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savoury, umami flavour.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that pairs well with many veggies.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavour.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle sweetness and a hint of heat.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savoury touch.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also try adding spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Preparing the Vegetables

Before air frying, chop the vegetables into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Then, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with oil and desired seasonings. Toss to coat the veggies evenly. You can also add some minced garlic or fresh herbs for extra flavour.

Once the veggies are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375-400°F. While it's preheating, prepare your vegetables as mentioned above. Once the air fryer is ready, spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray and add the veggies. Cook for 8-15 minutes, or until tender, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Final Touches

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, season them with salt and pepper to taste. You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them for a bright, tangy flavour. For an extra indulgent touch, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also be sprinkled on top for added freshness and flavour.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, and they can be used to cook almost any type of vegetable, from soft veggies like peppers and mushrooms to firm root vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

The best temperature to air fry vegetables is between 375°F and 400°F. The temperature you choose will depend on the type of vegetable you are cooking, and whether they are fresh or frozen.

For tender vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus, a temperature of 375°F is recommended. These vegetables will cook in around 10-15 minutes.

For firm vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, beets, and pumpkin, the same temperature of 375°F is used, but the cooking time is longer, between 20-30 minutes.

For frozen vegetables, the temperature depends on whether they are soft or firm when thawed. The cooking time will be a few minutes longer than for fresh vegetables, to account for the extra time needed to thaw and evaporate water. For example, frozen broccoli will take around 15 minutes to cook at 390°F.

Tips for Air Frying Vegetables

• Cut vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking.
• Use a light coating of oil to help vegetables brown and crisp, and to prevent burning.
• Season vegetables generously before cooking to add flavour.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

How to prepare the vegetables

Preparing vegetables for the air fryer is simple!

First, select your vegetables. You can use almost any vegetable, but some good options include bell peppers, zucchini, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, beets, and pumpkin.

Next, chop your vegetables into even, bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure that all the pieces cook evenly. If you are making potato or sweet potato fries, you can soak them in water for about 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and make them crispier. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.

Once your veggies are chopped, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add your desired seasonings at this point. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Now you are ready to cook your vegetables! Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper. Place the vegetables in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and browned.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried vegetables!

Cooking time

The cooking time for plain vegetables in an air fryer depends on the type of vegetable and the desired texture. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times for different types of vegetables:

Soft Vegetables:

Soft vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are the easiest and quickest type of vegetables to cook in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and prep the desired amount of vegetables. Add seasonings and oil, then layer the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, shaking the basket halfway through.

Firm Vegetables:

Firm vegetables like carrots, beets, potatoes, and pumpkin require a slightly longer cooking time. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and prep the vegetables, keeping in mind that smaller cuts will cook faster. Add your desired seasonings and oil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes.

Frozen Vegetables:

You can also cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and add the desired frozen vegetables directly into the basket. Toss them with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Air fry for about 7 minutes, then shake the basket and drain any excess water. Continue air frying for an additional 7 to 9 minutes. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on and air fry for one more minute. The total cooking time for frozen vegetables is around 15 minutes, but larger vegetables like whole Brussels sprouts may need up to 20 minutes.

General Tips for Air Frying Vegetables:

• Cut vegetables into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate around them.
• Avoid using too much oil. Air fryers require only a small amount of oil to cook the vegetables effectively.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crisping.
• For crispy vegetables, ensure that they are not sitting in water while cooking. Drain any excess water halfway through the cooking process if needed.
• Some air fryers may require preheating, while others can cook without preheating. Check your air fryer's instructions for specific recommendations.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the vegetable pieces, so use your judgment to adjust the timing accordingly.

Frequently asked questions