Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Veggies, Perfectly Crispy!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen vegetables quickly and healthily. Frozen vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer without the need for defrosting or pre-cooking, and they come out less soggy than if they were boiled or steamed. The hot air in an air fryer swirls around, ensuring that frozen vegetables are evenly cooked on all sides. Air frying is also a healthy cooking method as it does not use much oil or butter.

Best vegetables to use

When it comes to choosing the best vegetables to use in an air fryer, there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some of the most popular and versatile vegetables that can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a favourite among many, and for good reason. It tastes delicious when roasted in an air fryer and is also a nutritious option. Broccoli florets are a great choice as they cook evenly and give you that crispy texture we all love. The cooking time for broccoli varies depending on the size and model of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 6-8 minutes for perfectly cooked broccoli.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another versatile vegetable that shines in an air fryer. You can season it with various spices, or even make buffalo cauliflower bites for a tasty treat. Similar to broccoli, cauliflower florets are a great option as they cook evenly and provide a nice crispy texture. The cooking time for cauliflower is typically around 8-10 minutes.

Green Beans

Green beans are a fantastic choice for air frying as they are easy to prepare and make for a perfect snack. They cook quickly in the air fryer, usually taking around 4-5 minutes, and are a healthy and tasty option. Season them with some sea salt flakes, and you've got yourself a delicious side dish or snack!

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a popular choice for air frying, especially when mixed with onions and mushrooms. They take a little longer to cook compared to other vegetables, with an average cooking time of 14-16 minutes. However, they are definitely worth the wait and make a great healthy side dish.

Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potato chunks in the air fryer are a delicious treat. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces, season with cinnamon, and air fry until crispy. Sweet potatoes go well with various dishes and are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.

Asparagus, Zucchini, Carrots, and More

Other vegetables that work well in an air fryer include asparagus, zucchini, carrots, peppers, squash, and even frozen peas! The options are endless, and you can get creative by mixing and matching different vegetables to find your favourite combinations.

Remember, when using an air fryer, it's important to ensure even cooking by spreading the vegetables in a single layer and shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. This will help you achieve that perfect crispiness we all crave!

How to prepare the vegetables

Preparing vegetables for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes.

First, chop your chosen vegetables and place them in a large bowl. You can use any vegetables you like, but firmer veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower should be cut into fairly small pieces. More tender veggies like zucchini and peppers can be cut into larger pieces.

Next, drizzle olive oil over the vegetables. You can also use avocado or coconut oil. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the oil.

Now it's time to add your seasonings. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper is a great option, but you can use any spices you like. Toss the vegetables again to ensure they are well coated in the spices.

Once your vegetables are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Add the vegetables to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches. Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown.

Now you're ready to air fry your vegetables! Cook at 390-400°F for 7-15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Finally, season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese or squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the vegetables for extra flavor.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen vegetables, and the best setting for this will be a temperature of around 390°F (200°C). This is a good temperature to aim for as it is high enough to ensure your vegetables don't become soggy and are instead cooked to a delicious crisp.

You can also opt for a slightly lower temperature of 400°F, or if you are cooking in Celsius, 180°C. However, be sure to keep a close eye on your vegetables at this temperature, as some have reported that their veggies can come out a little mushy.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and the size of the air fryer, but on average, you will want to air fry your frozen veggies for around 15-20 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket halfway through the cooking time.

If you are cooking smaller vegetables, such as green beans, these will take less time, around 4 minutes, whereas larger vegetables, such as broccoli, will take longer, around 6-10 minutes.

How to serve the vegetables

There are many ways to serve air-fried vegetables. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried veggies make a great side dish. Pair them with some fibre-filled carbohydrates and lean protein for a balanced meal. Some great options include lemon chicken and rice, squash sausage orzo, hamburger helper lasagna, or the classic baked chicken breast and crispy sweet potato wedges.

With Dipping Sauce

Serve your air-fried veggies with your favourite dipping sauce. For example, try a lemon-garlic dressing or a dip made with cottage cheese.

As a Snack

Air-fried vegetables also work well as a snack. For example, you could make crispy zucchini chips, crumb-coated avocado slices, or breaded air-fried summer squash.

As Part of a Bigger Meal

You can also make air-fried vegetables as part of a bigger meal. For example, pair them with air-fried chicken or fish. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Health benefits

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

• Time-saving and convenient: Air-frying frozen vegetables is a faster alternative to roasting them, reducing cooking time from 30-40 minutes to just 15 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for those short on time or looking for a quick and easy side dish.
• Budget-friendly: Frozen vegetables are an affordable option that still provides essential nutrients. They are a great way to include healthy options in your meals without breaking the bank.
• Healthy alternative: Air-frying is a healthier alternative to other cooking methods, such as deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil. This reduces the overall calorie count and the amount of unhealthy fats in your meal.
• Nutrient retention: Frozen vegetables are frozen at their peak, locking in nutrients. Air-frying helps retain these nutrients, ensuring you get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals with every meal.
• Versatility: Air-frying works with a wide variety of frozen vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini. This versatility allows you to enjoy a range of healthy options and add variety to your meals.
• Reduced waste: Frozen vegetables have a longer shelf life than fresh produce, reducing the likelihood of spoilage and food waste. This not only saves you money but also ensures you always have a healthy option readily available.

Frequently asked questions