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

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook frozen vegetables without the hassle of prep work. Frozen vegetables can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer, eliminating the need for thawing. This method yields crispy and delicious vegetables without the sogginess often associated with frozen veggies. The high heat of the air fryer dries out the vegetables, giving them a beautiful exterior crispness.

To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer, toss the vegetables with oil and seasonings, and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the vegetable type. It is important to shake the basket or toss the vegetables midway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

With minimal prep time and the ability to cook frozen vegetables straight from the freezer, air fryers provide a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and tasty side dish.

Choosing your frozen vegetables

When it comes to choosing your frozen vegetables, the good news is that almost any type of frozen vegetable will work in an air fryer. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, kale, and mixed vegetables are all great options. You can also get creative and experiment with different types of vegetables to find your favorite combinations.

Some factors to consider when choosing your frozen vegetables include:

• Variety: Select a mix of vegetables that you enjoy and that offer a range of colors, textures, and nutrients. For example, you could choose a bag of frozen mixed vegetables that already contains a variety of options, or create your own mix by combining smaller bags of frozen veggies.
• Quality: Look for frozen vegetables that are bright in color and not discolored or wilted. Check the ingredient list to ensure there are no added preservatives or seasonings that you may not want.
• Convenience: Consider the portion size and packaging. Choose a bag size that aligns with the number of servings you need. Also, look for packaging that is easy to open and store.
• Price: Compare prices between different brands and varieties to find the best value for your budget. Frozen vegetables are generally affordable, but prices can vary depending on the type of vegetable and the brand.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried frozen vegetables is to cook them from frozen without thawing them first. This will help you achieve that desirable crispy texture and avoid sogginess. So, choose your favorite frozen veggies, follow the simple air fryer instructions, and enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish in no time!

Using oil

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
• If needed, prepare the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
• Do not use a liner or parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer, as this can trap moisture and make the vegetables soggy.
• Ensure your frozen vegetables are still frozen. Do not let them thaw or sit out before cooking, as this can lead to sogginess.
• Place the frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to thaw them first, as cooking from frozen will help achieve a better texture.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

• Lightly coat the vegetables with oil. You can spray, spritz, or toss the vegetables with oil.
• Season the vegetables with your desired herbs and spices. Popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, nutritional yeast, or mixed herbs.
• Season the vegetables after coating them with oil, so the spices stick better.

Step 3: Air Fry the Vegetables

• Air fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes.
• Shake the basket and drain any excess water.
• Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, or longer if you want crispier vegetables.
• For softer vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, green beans, and corn, a total cook time of 10 to 15 minutes is usually sufficient.
• For firmer vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, increase the cooking time to 20 to 30 minutes.
• Shake the basket or toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully remove the vegetables from the air fryer and serve immediately.
• You can sprinkle some parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for extra flavour.

Seasoning

• Timing of Seasoning: It is recommended to season your vegetables midway through the cooking process. For example, if you are cooking vegetables for 15 minutes, cook them for the first 7-8 minutes, then take them out, season, and return them to the air fryer for the remaining time. This helps to get more flavour out of your seasonings.
• Basic Seasonings: Pantry staples such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used to season your frozen vegetables. You can also add Italian seasoning or mixed herbs for extra flavour.
• Oil: Using oil is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the vegetables. Avocado oil, olive oil, or any other neutral-flavoured cooking oil can be used. Lightly coat the vegetables with oil before adding the seasonings.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy and smoky flavour, you can sprinkle Copycat Old Bay Seasoning over your vegetables. Alternatively, add red chilli flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Lemon Pepper: This bright and zesty flavour profile can be achieved by sprinkling lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and a salt substitute over your vegetables.
• Italian Blend: Create an Italian twist by mixing dried basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Curry: For an exotic and aromatic flavour, use an Indian curry powder blend.
• Smoky BBQ: Combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky barbecue flavour.
• Cheesy Herb: Mix nutritional yeast with garlic powder, dried basil, and parsley for a cheesy touch.
• Asian-Inspired: Combine soy sauce or liquid aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian flavour profile.
• Mexican Spice: Toss your vegetables with a copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix for a zesty, south-of-the-border flavour.
• Ranch: Add a zesty touch to your vegetables with a dry ranch seasoning mix.
• Simple is Best: Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best option. A sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper can enhance the natural flavours of the vegetables.

Air fryer temperature

When cooking frozen vegetables, it is best to set the air fryer temperature between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (190 to 204 degrees Celsius). This temperature range ensures that the vegetables become crispy and are not just heated through. Cooking at higher temperatures within this range, such as around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, is generally better for achieving crispier results.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in terms of cooking speed and efficiency. Therefore, it is important to monitor the vegetables closely towards the end of the cooking process to prevent burning. Additionally, the type of vegetable being cooked can also impact the ideal cooking temperature and time. Softer vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, and corn usually require 10 to 15 minutes at the recommended temperature. On the other hand, firmer vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes may need 20 to 30 minutes.

For the best results, it is advisable to arrange the frozen vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Overlapping vegetables slightly is acceptable, but it is important to leave enough space around them for even cooking and crisping.

In summary, the air fryer temperature plays a vital role in cooking frozen vegetables successfully. By preheating the air fryer, using the recommended temperature range, and considering the type of vegetable and arrangement in the basket, you can achieve crispy and delicious frozen vegetables every time.

Air fryer cooking time

The cooking time for frozen vegetables in an air fryer depends on the type of vegetable and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried frozen vegetables:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to thaw the vegetables first, as cooking them from frozen will help achieve a better texture. You can use any type of frozen vegetable, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a mixed vegetable medley.

Step 3: Add Oil and Seasonings

Lightly coat the vegetables with oil. This helps to enhance their flavor and promote crispness. Avocado oil, olive oil, or vegan butter are good options. You can also add your favorite seasonings at this stage. Popular choices include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or nutritional yeast.

Step 4: Air Fry for the Initial Cooking Time

Air fry the vegetables for the initial cooking time, which is usually between 3 and 10 minutes. This may vary depending on the power of your air fryer and the type of vegetable.

Step 5: Shake the Basket and Drain Excess Water

After the initial cooking time, shake the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. It is important to drain any excess water that has accumulated in the basket to prevent sogginess.

Step 6: Air Fry for the Remaining Cooking Time

Return the air fryer basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time. The total cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the desired level of crispiness. For softer vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, green beans, and corn, a total cooking time of 10 to 15 minutes is usually sufficient. For firmer vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, the cooking time may be longer, up to 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness and Adjust as Needed

Keep an eye on the vegetables during the final minutes of cooking to ensure they do not burn. You may need to add additional time in one-minute increments if they are not yet done to your liking.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air-fried frozen vegetables are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispness during storage. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions