Air Fryer Frozen Veggies: Quick, Easy, Healthy?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook frozen vegetables, and you can use any type of frozen vegetables, including mixed vegetables. The air fryer's high heat cooks the vegetables directly from frozen, and they are ready in less than 15 minutes. To prepare frozen vegetables in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer, spray the basket with oil, add the vegetables, and season them. The vegetables should then be air-fried for around 15 minutes, shaken, and drained before serving.

Cooking Frozen Mixed Vegetables in an Air Fryer

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking frozen mixed vegetables in an air fryer depend on the type of vegetable and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking at around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) for 10 to 20 minutes.

Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before adding the frozen vegetables. The cooking time can then be anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the vegetable. It is important to note that different air fryer models cook at different speeds, so it is crucial to keep an eye on the vegetables to ensure they do not burn.

For smaller or softer vegetables, such as green beans, a cooking time of just a few minutes may be sufficient. For larger vegetables, such as whole Brussels sprouts, the cooking time may need to be increased to around 20 minutes.

It is also worth noting that the amount of vegetables in the air fryer basket can affect the cooking time. A fuller basket will take longer to cook, and it is important to leave some room for the hot air to circulate.

Seasoning and flavouring

Choosing the Right Oil

Before seasoning, it is recommended to coat your frozen vegetables lightly with oil. This helps the vegetables crisp up and enhances their overall flavour. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or olive oil. Avocado oil is especially good as it helps the seasonings stick to the vegetables and gives them a crispy texture.

Seasoning Options

The most commonly used seasonings for frozen mixed vegetables are salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also use Italian seasoning, mixed herbs, or any other spices and seasoning blends that you like. For example, you can add some heat with spices or try something savoury like garlic parmesan.

When to Season

There are different opinions on when to season your frozen vegetables. Some sources suggest seasoning midway through the cooking process to maximise flavour. This is especially effective for salt as it will have more impact on the vegetables. However, if you find this too tedious, it is perfectly fine to season the vegetables at the beginning before placing them in the air fryer.

Adding Cheese

If you want to take your vegetables to the next level, consider adding some cheese. Parmesan cheese is a popular option, and you can sprinkle it on top of your vegetables at the end of cooking or during the final minute. This adds a burst of flavour and makes your vegetables even more delicious.

Oil type and application

A light coating of oil is recommended when cooking frozen mixed vegetables in an air fryer. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-flavoured cooking oil can be used. Using oil helps the vegetables to crisp up and enhances their flavour.

The oil can be applied by spraying it directly into the air fryer basket and then adding the vegetables, or by tossing the vegetables with oil in a separate bowl before placing them in the basket. If using a bowl, it is important to mix the vegetables and oil well to ensure an even coating.

Some recipes suggest using an oil spray or cooking spray as an alternative to pouring or tossing the vegetables in oil. This can help to ensure a light and even coating, preventing the vegetables from becoming soggy.

It is also recommended to season the vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs to further enhance their flavour. Seasoning after oiling helps the spices stick better to the vegetables.

Vegetable preparation

The first step in preparing your frozen mixed vegetables for the air fryer is to choose your vegetables. You can use any type of frozen vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or a simple bag of mixed vegetables. You can also create your own mixture by purchasing smaller bags of frozen vegetables and mixing them together.

Once you have your vegetables, it is important to note that you should not let them thaw before adding them to the air fryer. Place them directly into the air fryer basket from the freezer to get the best results. You can also choose to preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (190°C–204°C) for a few minutes, depending on your model.

Next, you will need to add a light coating of oil to your vegetables. This will help them crisp up and enhance their flavor. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then add the frozen vegetables and spray or toss them with oil.

After the vegetables are coated in oil, it is time to season them. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a mix of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. For an extra kick of heat, add some red chili flakes. Toss the vegetables with the seasonings to combine.

Finally, you are ready to air fry your vegetables. Air fry at 375°F–400°F (190°C–204°C) for a total of 10–20 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of vegetable. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help the vegetables cook evenly and get crispy all around. If you are using larger vegetables, you may need to increase the cooking time to up to 20 minutes.

Air fryer basket arrangement

To cook frozen mixed vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the basket properly to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. Here are some tips for arranging the basket:

Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and cause the vegetables to steam instead of crisping up. Leave some space between the vegetables to allow for proper air circulation. If you have a small basket, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches. It is recommended to keep the vegetables in a single layer as much as possible.

Shake or Stir Halfway: Halfway through the cooking time, shake or stir the basket to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. By doing so, you can improve the texture of your frozen vegetables and enjoy crispy results.

Drain Excess Water: Frozen vegetables can release excess moisture during cooking, which can lead to sogginess. To prevent this, drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket halfway through the cooking process. This will help to ensure that your vegetables remain crispy.

Use a Light Oil Coating: Before adding the vegetables to the basket, lightly spray or toss them with oil. This will help the vegetables to crisp up better and enhance their flavor. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

Seasoning: Seasoning your vegetables is crucial to enhancing their flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs. Add the seasonings to the vegetables before placing them in the air fryer basket, and toss to coat evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C), and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions