Emilie Meyer
Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook your favourite veggies. With a shorter cooking time than traditional oven roasting, air fryers can create perfectly tender vegetables with crisp, caramelized edges. The high heat of an air fryer can also intensify the natural sweetness of vegetables, enhancing their flavour. While many different types of vegetables can be roasted in an air fryer, it is important to note that some vegetables, such as root vegetables, may require a longer cook time. Additionally, the use of oil is common when roasting vegetables in an air fryer, as it helps to brown and soften the vegetables, but it is possible to roast them without oil.
How to cook roast vegetables in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, onions, cucumber, chili peppers |
| Oil | Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Mediterranean seasoning, lemon juice, rosemary, red wine vinegar, ghost pepper salt, Cajun seasoning |
| Temperature | 180-200°C |
| Timing | 10-20 minutes |
| Notes | Use vegetables that cook at a similar rate, or cook separately and toss together at the end. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetable preparation and seasoning
Preparing vegetables for air frying is simple and versatile. You can use almost any vegetable, but some cook faster than others. For example, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots take longer to cook than softer vegetables like peppers and courgettes/zucchini. If you are cooking a mixture of vegetables, it is best to put the harder, denser ones in first and add the softer ones later. You can also cook tender vegetables like asparagus, green beans, and Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, but avoid tougher root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes, which require a longer cook time.
Before cooking, wash and rinse your chosen vegetables. Then, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For most vegetables, a size of around 1-inch cubes is good, but for potatoes, you may want to cut them into smaller, 0.5-inch chunks, especially if you are cooking them with other vegetables that cook faster.
To season your vegetables, start by placing them in a large bowl. Drizzle them with a coating of oil. Any oil with a high smoke point will work, but olive oil is a good choice. Oil helps the vegetables brown and soften in the air fryer, and it transfers heat more efficiently, resulting in crispier vegetables. You can control the amount of oil you use by putting a small amount of oil on your hands and tossing the vegetables as you drop them into the air fryer. Alternatively, you can use an oil sprayer to coat the vegetables with a fine mist of oil.
After coating the vegetables in oil, sprinkle on your desired seasoning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Mediterranean seasoning, or any other blend of dried herbs. If you want to get creative, you can also add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
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Oil types and alternatives
Air frying uses less oil than almost any other cooking method, making it a healthy option. However, the right type of oil depends on the food being cooked, the cooking temperature, and the oil's smoke point.
- Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. It is also rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
- Refined olive oil (or light/extra light olive oil) has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. It has a golden yellow colour and a neutral flavour.
- Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point of 320-374°F (160-190°C). It has a deep green colour and a stronger flavour. It is best used raw in salads or dips.
- Canola oil is considered healthier by some due to its omega-3 content, but it is not low in fat.
- Cooking spray is a convenient option, but choose a non-aerosol, non-processed spray to prevent damage to the air fryer's surface.
- Oil sprayers or misters allow you to disperse a small amount of oil evenly over the food. Popular types include the EVO and Misto oil sprayers, which are non-aerosol and chemical-free. However, they may clog and can be difficult to clean.
- Oil brushes or pastry brushes can be used to apply oil to the food or the air fryer basket.
- Silicone liners or perforated parchment paper can be placed in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
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Air fryer settings and cooking times
The settings and cooking times for your air fryer will depend on the type of vegetables you are cooking, the quantity, and the desired crispiness. For example, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots will take longer to cook than bell peppers, and soft vegetables like zucchini will take less time.
If you are cooking a large batch of vegetables, you may need to cook them in separate batches or layers to ensure even cooking. You can also cook soft and hard vegetables separately and then toss them together at the end.
Most recipes recommend cooking the vegetables at around 200°C for 10-20 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired crispiness. For example, one recipe suggests cooking at 190°C for a final 10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. Another recipe suggests cooking at 360°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.
It is important to toss or turn the vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on all sides. You may also need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the size of your batch. For example, if you are making 4 cups of vegetables, a 5-minute interval is recommended, but for smaller batches, you may need to reduce the time.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried vegetables are a great side dish and can be served with grilled chicken or fish, a burger, or even a pizza. You can also serve them as a snack with pita strips and a dip like ranch dressing. They can also be used as a pizza topping or stirred into a pasta dish.
If you are serving them as a side, a little herb butter on top is delicious, or a sprinkle of red chilli flakes or chilli oil. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is also a good option.
You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
If you are serving them as a main dish, you can pair them with some delicious, healthy vegetable barley soup.
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Health benefits
Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy side dish. It is a convenient method to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, especially for family dinners on busy weeknights.
Air-fried vegetables are a healthier alternative to traditionally cooked vegetables as they are cooked in less time and with less oil. The air fryer's convection cooking method allows you to cook without using your oven, which is especially useful during hot weather. It is also a more efficient way to cook, using 75% less fat than traditional cooking methods.
The crunchiness and caramelization achieved through air frying can make vegetables more appealing to those who might not usually enjoy eating them. The air fryer intensifies the natural sweetness of vegetables, enhancing their flavor and making them a tasty addition to various dishes. This method of cooking can also help retain the freshness of vegetables, giving them a crispier and more flavorful texture compared to oven-roasted vegetables.
Leftover air-fried vegetables can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain their crunch. They can be added to soups, salads, curries, and other dishes, providing a quick and nutritious option for meals.
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Frequently asked questions
You can roast almost any vegetables in an air fryer. Some common options are broccoli, bell peppers, courgette, onions, carrots, potatoes, and asparagus.
The temperature depends on the type of vegetable and the desired level of crispiness. A good rule of thumb is to cook at around 200°C for 10-20 minutes, tossing halfway.
You can season your vegetables with a variety of herbs and spices. Popular options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Mediterranean seasoning, and salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar.
Oil is not necessary, but it can help to crisp up the vegetables and improve the taste. If you do use oil, a little goes a long way—you can use an oil sprayer to ensure an even coating.
