Roasted Veggies In An Air Fryer: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook roasted vegetables. They are quick and easy to make, versatile, and adaptable. You can use almost any vegetable, from zucchini to broccoli, and season them with anything from Italian seasoning to lemon juice. Air fryer roasted vegetables are also healthier than oven-roasted vegetables as they require less oil and have fewer calories. They are also quicker to make, taking half the time it would take to roast vegetables in an oven.

Air fryer roasted vegetables: a quick, easy, and healthy side dish

Air fryer roasted vegetables are a delicious, quick, and easy side dish that can be served with grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or pizza. They are a healthier alternative to roasting vegetables in the oven as they require less oil and have fewer calories.

Ingredients

You can use a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini/yellow squash
• Onions
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Asparagus
• Green beans

For seasoning, you can use:

• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Mediterranean seasoning
• Rosemary

Instructions

First, prep the vegetables by cutting them into equal-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl and add the oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.

Next, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook at 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables are ready when they are tender and slightly browned.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking.
• Cut firm vegetables into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the softer vegetables.
• You can also cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer, but they may need an additional 5 minutes of cooking time.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 5 minutes.

How to roast vegetables in an air fryer

Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook a delicious side dish. It's also a versatile and adaptable method, allowing you to use a wide variety of vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by choosing your vegetables. Almost any type of vegetable can be roasted in an air fryer, including zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or beets. Just keep in mind that tender vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers will cook faster than harder root veggies. For this reason, it's best to cut your vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also keep the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

Once you've selected your vegetables, give them a good rinse and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you're using root vegetables, you may want to soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to help remove excess starch and make them crunchier. After soaking, be sure to pat your vegetables dry with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from becoming soggy during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

Place your chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle them with a coating of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add various seasonings to enhance the flavor. Popular options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Mediterranean seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, fajita seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Toss the vegetables well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. This step is crucial, as overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking roasted vegetables at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. Cook times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of vegetables you're using. For tender vegetables, cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring or tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking. For harder root vegetables, you may need to cook for up to 20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly browned.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your vegetables are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as a side dish, or get creative and use them in sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, or even as a pizza topping. Air fryer roasted vegetables are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The benefits of roasting vegetables in an air fryer

Roasting vegetables in an air fryer has many benefits. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider using an air fryer for your roasted vegetables:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers can cook vegetables in about half the time it takes to roast them in an oven. This makes air fryers perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. The cooking process is also simple and straightforward: you just need to cut the vegetables, season them, and then air fry!

Healthy

Air fryers require little to no oil, resulting in vegetables with less fat and fewer calories compared to traditional frying methods. Additionally, the shorter cooking time means that the vegetables retain more nutrients than oven-roasted veggies.

Delicious

Air-fried vegetables are perfectly tender with crisp, caramelized edges. The high heat of the air fryer creates a delicious browning effect, enhancing the flavour and texture of the vegetables. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air also ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with soggy veggies.

Versatile

You can use almost any type of vegetable in an air fryer, including zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, peppers, onions, and broccoli. You can also experiment with different seasonings to create a variety of flavours. Try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Mediterranean seasoning, or even Cajun seasoning to add a kick to your veggies.

Adaptable

Air fryer roasted vegetables can be served as a side dish, tossed into salads or pasta, or used as a pizza topping. They can also be enjoyed as a healthy snack. You can cook a large batch and then use the leftovers in various dishes throughout the week.

Tips for roasting vegetables in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook roasted vegetables. They are quick, easy, and healthy. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer roasted vegetables:

Choose the right vegetables

Most vegetables can be roasted in an air fryer. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets will take longer to cook than softer vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. If you are using a mix of vegetables, add the harder ones to the air fryer first and add the softer ones later. You can also cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the vegetables

Wash and rinse the vegetables, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also soak the vegetables in cold water to remove starch and make them crunchier. Pat the vegetables dry before adding any oil or seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and don't get soggy.

Seasoning

You can use a variety of seasonings on your vegetables. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are popular choices. You can also use Mediterranean seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or any other blend of your choice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours!

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The vegetables are done when they are tender and slightly browned.

Serving

Air fryer roasted vegetables make a great side dish for meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. They can also be used in sandwiches, pasta sauces, salads, or as a pizza topping. Add some herb butter, red chilli flakes, chilli oil, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Enjoy!

Recipe ideas for air fryer roasted vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook roasted vegetables. They're quick, easy, and healthy, and can cook a variety of vegetables to crispy perfection. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

Classic Roasted Veggies

This recipe includes a mix of colourful veggies:

• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Red bell pepper
• Cremini mushrooms
• Red onion
• Carrot
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower

For seasoning:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Chop the veggies and place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat. Arrange the veggies in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and browned.

Hearty Root Vegetables

If you're looking for something more hearty, try roasting root vegetables like:

• Butternut squash
• Turnip
• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Potato

For seasoning:

• Olive oil
• Rosemary
• Crushed garlic
• Salt

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Chop the veggies into evenly sized cubes. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry. Add the veggies to a bowl with the oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt, and toss to coat. Roast in the air fryer for 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until done.

Mediterranean Medley

For a Mediterranean twist, try this mix of veggies:

• Bell peppers
• Courgette (zucchini)
• Onion
• Broccoli

For seasoning:

• Olive oil
• Mediterranean seasoning

Chop the veggies and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning, then mix to coat. Cook in the air fryer at 200°C for 15 minutes. For a lighter version, you can coat the veggies with seasoning and spray with oil, or leave the oil out.

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

This recipe is a great way to make cauliflower crispy and delicious:

• Cauliflower florets
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning

Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and crispy.

With these recipes, you can enjoy healthy and tasty roasted vegetables, customised to your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different veggies and seasonings!

Frequently asked questions