Steaming Veggies In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for cooking crispy, fried food without the need for large amounts of oil. However, some people are curious about whether they can be used for steaming vegetables, a cooking method that is often considered healthier than frying. While air fryers are not specifically designed for steaming, it is possible to achieve decent results with certain types of vegetables.

Best vegetables for steaming

Yes, you can steam vegetables in an air fryer! Here are some tips for the best vegetables to steam:

Firstly, it is important to note that steaming vegetables in an air fryer may not yield the same results as boiling or steaming them on a stovetop. Air fryers are designed to create a crispy texture, so you may find that steamed veggies still have a bit of a crunch. With that in mind, let's look at some of the best veggies to steam in your air fryer:

• Broccoli: Steaming broccoli in an air fryer can be a great option. One person reported that steaming broccoli at 220 degrees Fahrenheit or 104 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes yielded good results without overcooking the vegetable.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is another vegetable that can be successfully steamed in an air fryer. Using similar settings as for broccoli, you can achieve tasty results with asparagus.
• Thinly sliced veggies: Opt for thinner vegetables or slice your veggies thinly. This will help ensure even cooking. Try beans, onions, peppers, and zucchini.
• Tender veggies: Vegetables that are naturally tender, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans, are good candidates for steaming in an air fryer.
• Avoid dense veggies: Steer clear of dense or tough root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. These veggies require a longer cook time and may not yield the desired texture when steamed in an air fryer.

In general, it is recommended to cut your vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure more uniform cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper circulation of hot air. You may need to work in batches.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for steaming vegetables in an air fryer depend on the type of vegetable and the desired texture. Here is a guide to help you:

• Leafy greens like spinach or kale: Set the temperature between 350°F to 400°F and cook for around 5-7 minutes.
• Broccoli and cauliflower: Cut into florets and set the temperature to 350°F to 400°F. Steam for 8-10 minutes for a tender but firm texture.
• Carrots and green beans: For a similar texture to broccoli and cauliflower, cut carrots and green beans into even sizes and steam at 350°F to 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes: Cut these root vegetables into small cubes or slices to ensure even cooking. Steam at 350°F to 400°F for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes.
• Frozen vegetables: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. Toss frozen vegetables with oil and seasonings, then air fry for 5 minutes. Toss and continue air frying for an additional 4-6 minutes, checking the last two minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Tender vegetables: Zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and cremini mushrooms fall into this category. Cut them into uniform sizes and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper steam circulation and even cooking.
• Adjust steaming times based on the quantity, size, and type of vegetable.
• For denser vegetables like root veggies, consider steaming in batches to maintain consistent cooking.
• Always refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model, as cooking times may vary slightly between different models.

How to prepare vegetables for steaming

Preparing vegetables for steaming in an air fryer is a simple process. First, select your vegetables of choice. Popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts. You can also experiment with different combinations of vegetables to create colourful and flavourful dishes.

Next, wash the vegetables and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Try to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, so leave enough space between the vegetables for the hot air to circulate.

After cutting the vegetables, you can optionally toss them with a little bit of oil, salt, and any desired seasonings for added flavour. Olive oil can help the vegetables brown and soften in the air fryer. You can also season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

Finally, place the vegetables in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If needed, you can use a steaming basket or a parchment paper-lined tray to prevent the vegetables from falling through the holes of the basket.

The benefits of steaming vs frying

Steaming vegetables is a healthier alternative to frying them. Frying vegetables requires a lot of oil, which is not good for health. In contrast, steaming vegetables is a safer and quicker cooking method that helps retain most of the nutrients found in vegetables.

Steaming vegetables is also a great way to preserve their colour and texture. When you steam vegetables perfectly, the colour and texture remain intact. Over-steaming, however, can leach out the colour.

Additionally, steaming vegetables makes them softer and easier to digest, especially in the case of vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. On the other hand, raw vegetables are not accepted well by everyone's digestive system and can cause a lot of bloating and flatulence.

Some people also prefer to steam vegetables instead of frying them because it is a healthier way to cook. Steaming does not use any oil or butter, which can be beneficial for those trying to make healthier choices or lose weight.

It is possible to steam vegetables in an air fryer. One way to do this is to put water in the base of the air fryer so that the vegetables are partially steamed. Another way is to put the vegetables in a foil pouch with a tablespoon of water and put them in the air fryer.

Other methods to steam vegetables

There are several methods to steam vegetables without an air fryer. Here are some options:

Using a Saucepan or Pot

Add an inch or two of water to a small saucepan or pot. Insert a steamer basket, ensuring that the water level is below the basket's surface. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling and steam is emerging, scatter your vegetables over the steamer basket, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium. Start checking the vegetables after a few minutes, as cooking times will vary depending on the type of vegetable. For example, tender vegetables like broccoli and asparagus will cook in less time compared to harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Remove the vegetables from the steamer basket when they still have a slight crunch in the middle. They will continue to cook through perfectly by the time you serve them.

Using a Bowl and Microwave

Place the vegetables in a bowl with a small amount of water at the bottom. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and poke a couple of holes in the top. Microwave for about a minute or until the vegetables are tender. Alternatively, you can use a plate instead of cling wrap to cover the bowl.

Using a Wok or Skillet

Place a bamboo steamer directly in a wok or wide skillet with simmering water. The water level should not touch the vegetables when the steamer is placed inside. You can also use a metal colander, strainer, or sieve over a pot of boiling water.

Using a Stovetop and Oven

You can create a makeshift steamer by using a pot with a lid. Add about 1/3 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Place the vegetables in the pot, cover with the lid, and turn down the heat to low. Let the vegetables steam for a few minutes, checking their doneness with a fork. You may need to add more water to create more steam and prevent scorching.

Using a Rice Cooker

Some rice cookers come with a steaming feature or basket. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions to steam your vegetables.

Using a Microwave and Steamer Bags

Place the vegetables in microwave-safe steamer bags and add a little water. Seal the bag, leaving a small amount of air inside. Place the bag in a pot of boiling water, ensuring that it is fully submerged. If the bag floats, use a plate to hold it under the water.

Frequently asked questions