Air Fryer Veggies: Healthy, Quick, And Easy?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook vegetables, with the added benefit of being healthier than deep-frying. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, and a variety of seasonings to add flavour. The air fryer's ability to caramelise and crisp vegetables without the need for large amounts of oil has made it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Air fryer frozen vegetables

Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook veggies, resulting in a delicious, healthy side dish or main course. The air fryer can cook frozen vegetables with perfectly tender insides and wonderfully crispy outsides.

To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F. You can then add your frozen vegetables directly into the basket of your air fryer. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so the hot air can contact the vegetables on all sides. If the basket is too crowded, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches.

Next, spray the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to combine. You can also add some balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. You can then air fry for about 7 minutes. Shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket. Air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes, checking the vegetables every few minutes to ensure they do not burn.

Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and air fry for an additional minute. You can then enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy frozen vegetables cooked in an air fryer!

Air fryer settings and prep

Air Fryer Settings:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. However, some recipes suggest preheating to 400°F for 3 minutes or 390°F if you are cooking frozen vegetables. Adjust the temperature and time according to your specific air fryer model and the type of vegetables you are cooking.

Vegetable Preparation:

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your vegetables. Chop, slice, or break your veggies into evenly sized pieces. For firmer vegetables like carrots, aim for smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Tender vegetables like zucchini can be cut into slightly larger pieces. If you are using potatoes or sweet potatoes, consider soaking them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch for crispier results. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.

Seasoning:

Toss your prepared vegetables with a coating of oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil or another neutral-flavored cooking oil. The oil will help your vegetables brown and crisp up nicely. Add seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to taste. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the veggies before or after cooking for added flavor.

Cooking:

Arrange the seasoned 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 in batches. Air fry at 360°F to 390°F for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetables and the desired level of crispness. Stir or toss the veggies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Serving:

Once your vegetables are tender and browned to your liking, they are ready to serve! You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese over them for extra flavor, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, healthy, and delicious air-fried vegetables!

Vegetables to avoid

While air fryers can be used to cook a wide variety of vegetables, from tender zucchini to firm broccoli, there are some vegetables that are best avoided or cooked with caution.

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers work best when there is enough space for hot air to circulate around the food. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the basket is too crowded, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning. As such, it is best to cook in batches if needed, arranging the vegetables in a single layer in the basket.

Additionally, certain tough root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes should be avoided or cooked with caution. These vegetables require a longer cook time, and even then, they may not cook through properly. If you do choose to cook these vegetables in an air fryer, it is recommended to cut them into small pieces to promote even cooking.

Furthermore, when cooking firm vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. These vegetables typically require a longer cooking time than tender vegetables.

Lastly, while not a specific vegetable, it is worth mentioning that frozen vegetables can also be cooked in an air fryer. However, they may require a slightly different cooking method, such as using the air fryer's dehydrator function, to achieve the desired results.

Vegetables to use

You can cook a wide variety of vegetables in an air fryer. The best vegetables to use are those that are tender, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, zucchini, and peppers. You can also use firmer vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, but make sure to cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.

It's best to avoid tough root vegetables like beets, as they require a longer cooking time. However, softer root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer, but they may need to be soaked in water first to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.

Frozen vegetables can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a convenient and affordable option. Most frozen vegetables will work, including cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts.

You can season your vegetables with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavored cooking oil, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Air fryer vs oven

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for cooking vegetables, offering speed, convenience, and tasty results. But how do they compare to a conventional oven?

The main difference between an air fryer and an oven is that an air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep-fried food without the need for large amounts of oil. This results in a faster cooking time and a crispier finish than an oven, which uses more static heat. Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than ovens, as they use less power to achieve similar results.

One of the key benefits of air fryers is their convenience. They have a smaller capacity than ovens, so they preheat faster (typically in 5-10 minutes) and don't heat up the entire kitchen. Air fryers are also easier to clean than ovens, as they have non-stick surfaces and require less cooking oil, so there's less mess.

However, air fryers do have some drawbacks. They are generally more expensive than basic ovens, and their compact size limits the quantity of food that can be cooked at once. This makes them less suitable for batch cooking or cooking for a large group. Additionally, while air fryers excel at creating crispy textures, they may not be the best option for dishes that require a softer or juicier finish, as the circulating air can dry out the food.

In conclusion, both air fryers and ovens have their advantages and disadvantages. Air fryers are ideal for small-batch cooking, producing crispy vegetables with minimal oil and maximum speed. On the other hand, ovens offer more capacity and are better suited for dishes that require a softer texture or when cooking for a larger group. The best option may be to utilise both appliances, depending on the specific cooking requirements.

Frequently asked questions