Air-Fryer Hacks: Frozen Veggies, Freshly Crisped

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen vegetables quickly, with minimal prep work and no sogginess. Frozen vegetables can be cooked straight from the freezer, and only require a few minutes of preparation. The circulating air in the air fryer helps the vegetables dry out and achieve a crispy exterior. The cooking time depends on the type of vegetable and the desired level of crispness, but generally ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.

Frozen veggies don't need to be thawed before air frying

Frozen vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer without being thawed beforehand. In fact, cooking them straight from frozen is the best way to ensure they don't become soggy. This is because, as the vegetables cook in the air fryer, the circulating air helps them to dry out and become crisp. If the vegetables are thawed first, they will release water, and the air fryer will struggle to evaporate it all, resulting in soggier veggies.

To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil, or use an olive oil spray. This will help the vegetables cook evenly and prevent them from drying out. It will also help any seasonings you add to stick to the vegetables. Next, place the frozen vegetables in the basket and spray them with olive oil or avocado oil, or use an olive oil spray. Sprinkle on your chosen seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all work well. Give the basket a shake to stir everything around.

Now, air fry the vegetables for 10–15 minutes for softer veggies like broccoli, bell pepper, green beans, and corn, checking once or twice to ensure they don't burn. For firmer veggies like butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, air fry for 20–30 minutes. If the vegetables are frozen and have not been cooked before freezing, they will take longer. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model.

Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and drain any excess water that has collected at the bottom. Shake the basket to ensure the vegetables cook evenly, and then return it to the air fryer. If you are adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the vegetables and air fry for another minute.

Use a single layer of veggies for even cooking

When cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to give them space to cook evenly. This means arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and ensures that all the veggies are cooked thoroughly.

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy vegetables. By giving the veggies room to breathe, you promote even cooking and achieve that desirable crisp texture.

Additionally, it is recommended to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure that all sides of the veggies are exposed to the hot air. This further aids in achieving an even cook.

For best results, it is also suggested to preheat the air fryer before adding the frozen vegetables. This helps to ensure that the vegetables cook at the desired temperature and don't end up soggy.

The single-layer arrangement of veggies in the air fryer basket is a crucial step in achieving the desired crispy texture and evenly cooked vegetables.

Cooking times vary depending on the type of frozen vegetable

Larger vegetables, such as whole brussel sprouts, may need their cooking time to be increased to around 20 minutes. The cooking time will also depend on the specific model of your air fryer, as some cook faster or slower than others. It is recommended to check on your veggies often, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure they do not burn.

When roasting your veggies, you will also need to remove the water that drips down through the air fryer basket as the veggies thaw. Pour it out halfway, then air fry until the veggies are roasted to your liking.

Preheat your air fryer for best results

Preheating your air fryer can speed up the cooking process and make your food crispier. It's a good idea to preheat when cooking frozen foods, thinly cut meats, or when baking.

To preheat your air fryer for the best results, first, make sure it's plugged in and ready to go. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature, and wait for the air fryer to alert you that it has reached the desired temperature. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, set the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) and let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes.

If you're cooking something that needs a good sear, like steak or burgers, preheat your air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 400 °Fahrenheit. For roasted veggies, preheat your air fryer to 390 °Fahrenheit.

Remember, always check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and to see if it can handle preheating.

Season halfway through cooking

Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook veggies, and they come out less soggy than other cooking methods.

Now, onto seasoning halfway through cooking. While it is not necessary to season your veggies halfway through, doing so can maximise their flavour. If you're feeling lazy, it's fine to season at the beginning, but for the best results, shake your veggies around halfway through cooking and season before returning to the air fryer.

For roasted veggies, you will need to remove the water that drips down through the air fryer basket as the veggies thaw. Pour it out halfway through, then air fry until the veggies are roasted. For steamed veggies, you do not need to do this step.

Different air fryer models will cook at different speeds, so be sure to check on your veggies often to ensure they do not burn. You can also adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable. For example, green beans will only need a few minutes, whereas larger veggies like broccoli or cauliflower can take up to 10 minutes.

So, to summarise, while seasoning halfway is not required, it can enhance the flavour of your veggies. Just be sure to give them a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking, and adjust the timing and temperature depending on your vegetable of choice.

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