Roasting Frozen Veggies In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen vegetables without the prep work of fresh veggies. They are quicker than other cooking methods and prevent sogginess. Frozen vegetables can be cooked straight from the freezer, and the high heat of the air fryer will cook them perfectly. The circulating air helps them to dry out and achieve a beautiful exterior crispness.

The benefits of frozen vegetables

Yes, you can roast frozen vegetables in an air fryer. In fact, it is one of the best ways to cook frozen vegetables, as it avoids the sogginess that can come with other cooking methods.

Frozen vegetables are a convenient, affordable, and nutritious alternative to fresh vegetables. They are usually cheaper, easier to prepare, and have a longer shelf life. Here are some specific benefits of frozen vegetables:

• Nutritional Value: Frozen vegetables generally retain many of their nutrients. In some cases, they may even have higher levels of certain nutrients compared to fresh vegetables. For example, frozen vegetables are not exposed to light, which destroys carotene, so beta-carotene may be better preserved. Additionally, since they are typically flash-frozen immediately after harvesting, they are frozen when their nutrient content is at its highest.
• Affordability: Frozen vegetables are often more affordable than fresh vegetables, making it easier to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet without breaking the bank.
• Convenience: Frozen vegetables are convenient because they are widely available at a range of price points and can be purchased year-round. They also have a longer shelf life than fresh vegetables, reducing the amount of food waste.
• Time-Saving: Frozen vegetables require less preparation time than fresh vegetables since they are already chopped and ready to use. This can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Versatility: Frozen vegetables can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, steaming, or microwaving. This allows you to prepare them according to your preferences or the requirements of your recipe.

How to roast frozen vegetables in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil, or use an oil spray or cooking spray on the vegetables themselves. Place the frozen vegetables in the basket, spreading them out in a single layer if possible to allow hot air to circulate.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other herbs and spices of your choice. You can also add a light coating of oil to help the vegetables crisp up and enhance their flavour.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the vegetables for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and your air fryer model. Halfway through, shake the basket or toss the vegetables with a spatula to ensure even cooking. For softer vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans, cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Firmer vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes may need 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the vegetables from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Do not thaw the vegetables before cooking, as this can make them soggy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• For crispier vegetables, drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket during cooking.
• Different air fryer models vary in cooking speed, so check the vegetables regularly to prevent burning.
• For a "steamed" effect, cook for a shorter time and avoid draining water from the basket.

The best frozen vegetables for roasting

Roasting frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy snack or side dish with minimal fuss. It's faster than roasting and yields similar results. Plus, frozen vegetables are a convenient and affordable option that still packs in the nutrients.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted in an air fryer. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on the softness you desire. Broccoli is also a great candidate for roasting because it has a good texture and doesn't get too soggy.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another excellent choice for air fryer roasting. It has a similar cooking time to broccoli, ranging from 6 to 10 minutes. Like broccoli, cauliflower takes on a beautiful crispness and browning when air-fried, making it a tasty and healthy treat.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a popular choice for roasting, and they work exceptionally well in an air fryer. They take a bit longer to cook, around 14 to 16 minutes, but the result is worth the wait. The high temperature of the air fryer gives them a delightful crisp exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Green Beans

Green beans are a fantastic option for air fryer roasting, taking only 4 to 5 minutes to cook. They are a healthy and tasty treat, especially when seasoned with sea salt flakes. Green beans also retain their crispness well and don't get soggy easily.

Carrots

Carrots are a great choice for roasting in an air fryer, but they do take a bit longer to cook, around 20 to 30 minutes. They are a healthy and affordable option that pairs well with various seasonings.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another vegetable that benefits from air fryer roasting. It cooks quickly, achieving a beautiful crispness and browning on the outside. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears, but it typically falls within the range of 10 to 15 minutes.

Other Options

In addition to the vegetables mentioned above, you can also roast frozen bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and mixed vegetables in your air fryer. The cooking times may vary, but the general process remains the same.

The ideal temperature for roasting frozen vegetables

Roasting frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to cook them. The ideal temperature range for roasting frozen vegetables is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (180 to 200 degrees Celsius).

Different types of vegetables will require slightly different temperatures and cooking times. For example, softer vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, and corn cook faster, so they should be cooked at a lower temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Harder vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes may need a higher temperature of 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and a longer cooking time of 20 to 30 minutes.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may also cook at slightly different rates, so it's always good to keep an eye on your vegetables to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, for the best results, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the vegetables. This ensures a more even cook.

How to avoid soggy vegetables

Yes, you can roast frozen vegetables in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to avoid soggy vegetables:

Don't Defrost the Vegetables

The vegetables should go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. When vegetables start to thaw, they release water, which can make them soggy. By cooking them from frozen, the air fryer is able to evaporate the water as it gets released, keeping your veggies crisp.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to get the best results. Five minutes should be enough to get the small space up to temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking vegetables is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange your veggies in a single layer, if possible. This allows air to circulate between the pieces and dry them out more thoroughly. If your air fryer basket is overcrowded, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning.

Drain Excess Water

Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket. This will help to ensure your veggies stay crispy.

Season Halfway Through

For more flavourful veggies, season them midway through the cooking process. For example, if you're cooking cauliflower for 15 minutes, cook it for the first 8 minutes, then take it out, toss with oil and seasonings, and return it to the air fryer for the remaining time.

Frequently asked questions