Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: Healthy, Quick, And Easy!

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook vegetables quickly and healthily. They're essentially mini convection ovens that fry foods with little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories. This means that air-fried vegetables are a brilliant way to get your fill of vitamins without the guilt!

You can use any combination of vegetables you like, but it's important to cut them into small, evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook through. You can also add your favourite herbs and spices to enhance the flavour.

Vegetables to roast

You can roast a wide variety of vegetables in an air fryer. The beauty of this cooking method is that it allows you to cook vegetables in half the time it would take in an oven, with less oil and a crispier texture.

Vegetable options

• Bell peppers (red, orange, green, yellow, or purple)
• Onions (red, white, yellow, or sweet)
• Zucchini
• Squash (yellow or butternut)
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Sweet red pepper
• Turnip
• Beetroot

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will cause the vegetables to steam and soften, rather than caramelise and crisp.
• Cut vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use firm vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower florets, and tender vegetables such as zucchini and peppers, for the best results.
• Root vegetables will take longer to cook, so add these to the air fryer first and add the softer vegetables later.
• Frozen vegetables can be used, but they won't caramelise in the same way as fresh vegetables. Spray them with cooking spray or oil, rather than drizzling with oil, as this will freeze onto the vegetables.

Oven vs air fryer

Air fryers are a type of mini convection oven that cooks food with little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories. They use a heating element and fan to bathe the food in hot air, producing a crispy finish. Ovens, on the other hand, are larger appliances that use still air to cook food. They have heating elements on the top and bottom, which is ideal for baking delicate items.

Size

Air fryers are typically smaller, countertop appliances that can cook one dish at a time, whereas ovens are full-sized appliances that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. This also means that air fryers are more convenient and faster to heat up.

Heating

Air fryers heat food from the top down, while ovens heat from the top and bottom. This top-down method in air fryers makes the heat more concentrated and cooks food faster.

Fan placement and speed

The fan in an air fryer is located on the top, directly below the heating element. In an oven, the fan is usually at the back or on the side. Air fryer fans are also larger and faster, with some manufacturers claiming that their fans are 30% faster than those in convection ovens.

Accessories

Air fryers come with a variety of perforated accessories like baskets, trays, and racks, which allow for even cooking without the need for flipping or tossing. Ovens, on the other hand, don't usually come with special accessories, although some manufacturers sell crisper trays separately.

Cleaning

Air fryers need to be cleaned every time they are used, but most of their parts are dishwasher-safe. Ovens, on the other hand, don't need to be cleaned after every use, but the accessories used do.

Food capacity

Air fryers are best for cooking food in a single layer, although some foods like French fries can be stacked. Ovens, on the other hand, can handle multiple dishes or larger portions at once.

Crispy results

Air fryers are designed to be the most powerful and to deliver the crispiest results. While ovens can also deliver crispy food, especially with the help of special accessories, air fryers are specifically optimized for this.

Suitability for different foods

Air fryers are great for foods that need to be crispy, like French fries, chicken nuggets, and vegetables. Ovens are better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that call for liquid batters.

Both ovens and air fryers have their pros and cons. Air fryers are great for small portions of crispy food and are fast and convenient. Ovens are better for larger portions, delicate baking, and recipes requiring liquid batters.

Recipe process

• Clean and rinse your choice of vegetables. You can keep the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
• Soaking the vegetables in cold water is optional but recommended, as it helps to remove starch and make root vegetables crunchier.
• Rinse the vegetables again after soaking, then drain the water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures that there is no excess water remaining.
• Place the vegetables in a large bowl and add a small amount of oil and herbs or seasonings of your choice. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are well coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
• Cook the vegetables for 10-20 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired crispness. For firmer vegetables, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Toss or turn the vegetables halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting on all sides.
• Once the vegetables are tender and browned, remove them from the air fryer and season to taste.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Oil and seasoning

Oil

Air fryers use little to no oil, but a small amount is necessary to prevent vegetables from burning and to help them brown and soften. The amount of oil used will depend on the number of vegetables being cooked, but it is generally recommended to go light on the oil to ensure vegetables crisp up. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is a popular choice due to its flavour and high smoke point. However, other oils such as avocado, coconut, or rapeseed oil can also be used.

Seasoning

Seasoning is key to making roasted vegetables in an air fryer tasty. A simple combination of salt and pepper can be used to make the flavours pop. Italian seasoning, either store-bought or homemade, is also a popular choice, as it adds tons of great flavour. Garlic powder, or fresh garlic, provides a savoury, umami flavour. For extra flavour, spices such as paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can be added, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Oil and Season Vegetables for an Air Fryer

Firstly, the chosen vegetables should be chopped and placed in a large bowl. Then, the oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are added to the bowl, and the vegetables are tossed to coat them in the oil and seasonings. The vegetables are then arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown.

Reheating and storing

Air fryers are a convenient way to reheat vegetables, offering quick and efficient results that maintain the original texture and flavour. Here are some tips for reheating and storing your veggies:

• Preheat your air fryer according to the type of vegetable. For firm vegetables like broccoli or carrots, set the temperature to around 375°F (190°C). For leafy greens or soft vegetables, such as zucchini, preheat to around 325°F (165°C).
• Brush the vegetables with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but can enhance their texture and prevent sticking.
• Arrange the vegetables in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even heating. Avoid overcrowding.
• Set the desired timing based on the original doneness of the vegetables. Most veggies will heat through thoroughly in around 3-5 minutes.
• Flip or stir the veggies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and reheating.
• Experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour. Try tossing the vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices before placing them in the air fryer.
• Monitor the cooking process closely to prevent overcooking or undercooking, as the reheating time may vary depending on the type and quantity of vegetables.
• Combine different types of leftover veggies to create a colourful and appetising side dish.
• Store roasted vegetables in the fridge in a large container. They should last for 3-4 days without going bad. If you plan to store them for longer, consider freezing them.
• When reheating, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a regular frying pan instead of an air fryer. Heat some olive oil or butter in the pan, add the vegetables, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through and seasoned to your taste.

Frequently asked questions