Air Fryer Veg: What You Can Cook

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook vegetables, with the added benefit of being healthier than traditional frying methods. Air-fried vegetables are a great way to add a crispy texture to your veggies without the need for deep-frying in oil. This method of cooking vegetables is gaining popularity due to its short preparation time and the ability to cook a wide variety of vegetables, from soft veggies like zucchini and bell peppers to firmer ones like carrots and potatoes.

Best vegetables for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, with many different varieties working well in the appliance.

Soft vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, cook quickly in the air fryer. These vegetables can be seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, and cooked for 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Firm vegetables, like carrots, beets, potatoes, and pumpkin, can also be cooked in the air fryer, but they will take a little longer—usually under 30 minutes. These vegetables should be cut into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking process.

Frozen vegetables can also be cooked in the air fryer, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted to account for thawing.

Some of the best vegetables for air frying include:

• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Bell peppers
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Corn on the cob
• Avocado
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Beets
• Radishes
• Acorn squash

When preparing vegetables for the air fryer, it is important to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and browning.

Air-fried vegetables are a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a variety of veggies, resulting in a crispy and tasty dish.

How to cook vegetables in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to roasting veggies with a similar crispy result. They are also a convenient option as they free up oven space and reduce cooking and cleaning time.

Soft vegetables

Soft vegetables are the quickest and easiest to cook in an air fryer. Examples include bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. To cook soft vegetables in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Wash and chop your vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Add seasonings and a light coat of oil.
• Layer the vegetables into the bottom of the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Firm vegetables

Firm vegetables take a little longer to cook but are still a quick and delicious option. Examples include carrots, beets, potatoes, and pumpkin. To cook firm vegetables in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Wash and chop your vegetables, remembering that smaller cuts will cook faster.
• Add seasonings and a light coat of oil.
• Cook for 20-30 minutes.

Frozen vegetables

Frozen vegetables can also be cooked in an air fryer but may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through. To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer:

• Identify whether your frozen vegetables are soft or firm.
• Follow the cooking instructions for soft or firm vegetables, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Tips

• If using denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots, try soaking them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to help them crisp up.
• Pat down slices of high-moisture vegetables like zucchini with a paper towel before frying to help them crisp up.
• Most vegetables will cook in about 10-15 minutes, but denser vegetables may take up to 30 minutes.

Air fryer vs oven

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods, including vegetables, quickly and easily. They are essentially small, powerful convection ovens that use high temperatures and a fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist. They are promoted as a healthier alternative to deep fat frying as they require little to no oil.

The main differences between an air fryer and an oven are size and function. Air fryers are countertop appliances that usually cook one dish at a time, while ovens are full-sized and can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers use a fan to rapidly circulate heated air, creating a crispy texture, while conventional ovens use still air to cook food.

Different types of ovens may offer various functions like broil, bake, and roast, and some modern ovens now include an air fryer mode. A convection oven is more similar to an air fryer as it also uses a fan to circulate heated air, but it has a larger capacity.

Advantages of Air Fryers

• Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, reducing cooking time by up to half.
• They don't heat up the kitchen like a regular oven, an advantage for those living in hot climates.
• They are more energy-efficient than a full-sized oven.
• They are convenient for preparing single batches of food, such as chicken wings or zucchini fries, without having to heat up a large oven.
• They are easier to clean than a full-sized oven, with most parts being wipe-clean or washable in the sink.
• They can be used to create crispy, tasty vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• They are good for reheating food.
• They can dehydrate food, such as fruit or meat.

Advantages of Ovens

• Ovens can handle multiple dishes or larger portions at once, making them more suitable for cooking for a crowd or preparing multiple components of a meal at the same time.
• Conventional ovens are better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that call for liquid batters.
• Modern ovens with air fryer modes can provide the benefits of an air fryer while also offering the versatility and capacity of a full-sized oven.

Air frying frozen vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen vegetables quickly and conveniently. You can use almost any frozen vegetable, from Brussels sprouts to broccoli, carrots, squash, and kale.

To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 204°C). Then, take your chosen frozen vegetables and coat them with a thin layer of oil—you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavored oil. This helps the seasonings stick and gives the veggies a crispy texture. Speaking of seasonings, add a generous amount of salt and pepper, and feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika. Give the vegetables a good toss to make sure they're evenly coated.

Now you're ready to cook! Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're spread out evenly in a single layer. Depending on the quantity of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you're using parmesan, add it during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

And that's it! You've got a delicious, healthy side dish ready in a matter of minutes. Air-fried frozen veggies are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that they'll lose their crispness over time.

Some additional tips for perfect air-fried frozen vegetables:

• Don't thaw the vegetables before cooking. Cooking them straight from frozen helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can cause the vegetables to steam and turn soggy instead of crisping up.
• Do add salt, fat, and acid. This trio can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors of the veggies.
• Experiment with different seasonings and vegetable combinations to find your favorite flavor profiles.

Air fryer recipes

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook vegetables quickly and healthily. They can be used to cook nearly any type of food, but vegetables are a favourite. Air fryers use hot air circulated at high temperatures to bake, grill, and fry your food with little to no oil. This method of cooking is quicker than cooking on a stove-top and produces a similar result to roasting, with a crispier crust.

Soft Vegetables

Soft vegetables are the easiest type to cook in an air fryer. Examples include bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your chosen vegetables, adding seasonings and oil. Layer them into the bottom of the air fryer as flat as possible and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

Firm Vegetables

Firm vegetables take a little longer to cook but are equally delicious. Examples include carrots, beets, potatoes, and pumpkin. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your vegetables, bearing in mind that smaller cuts will cook more quickly. Add seasonings and oil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables can also be cooked in an air fryer. First, determine whether they are soft or firm, then add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. This will allow the vegetables to thaw and the water to evaporate.

Specific Vegetable Recipes

Onions

Try making crispy onion rings and serve them with a spicy ketchup or Sriracha Ranch dip.

Sweet Potatoes

Make sweet potato chips or fries in your air fryer.

Zucchini

Transform this boring vegetable into a delectable treat by making zucchini fries. Serve with a spicy dip.

Brussels Sprouts

Air frying Brussels sprouts gives them a delicious crispy and caramelized texture. Drizzle with Harissa Dressing for a tasty and healthy side dish.

Asparagus

Asparagus can be tricky to cook, but air frying makes it easy. Try wrapping it in bacon and cooking it in the air fryer.

Artichokes

Artichokes are fiddly to prepare but worth it when air-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with Harissa Dressing, Sriracha Ranch, or Spicy Zhoug Sauce.

Corn

Try making Air Fryer Corn Elote—you'll never want to cook corn any other way again!

Pickles

Fried pickles count as a vegetable, right? Make some Air Fryer Fried Pickles and serve as a snack or side dish.

Frequently asked questions