Air Fryer Veggies: Timing For Perfect Crispy Results

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook vegetables quickly and healthily. They produce a similar result to roasting, but with a crispier outside and in a fraction of the time. Air-fried vegetables are also a great way to get a tasty, healthy dish on the table with minimal prep and oil. So, how long do you need to air fry veggies for?

How long to air fry frozen vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen vegetables, giving them a crispy texture in a short amount of time. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the model of air fryer, but here is a general guide.

Preparation

Before cooking, you can toss your frozen vegetables with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. This will help to improve the flavour and texture of the vegetables. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spices you like. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C) to 390°F (200°C) for the best results.

Cooking Time

For tender vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans, cook for 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even cooking.

For firm vegetables, such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin), cook for 20 to 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Again, shake the basket occasionally during cooking.

When cooking frozen vegetables, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the thawing process. For example, if you are cooking frozen broccoli or cauliflower, you may need to cook for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For frozen green beans, cook for around 4 minutes, and for frozen Brussels sprouts, cook for 14-16 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryer models will vary in cooking speed, so it is recommended to check on your vegetables regularly to prevent burning. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

How to air fry tender vegetables

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook vegetables quickly and easily. They produce a similar result to roasting, but with a crispier crust and in a fraction of the time.

Preparation

First, gather your chosen tender vegetables. Tender veggies include cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, summer squash (zucchini and yellow squash), soft veggies (bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions), and thin veggies (asparagus and green beans).

Chop your veggies into the desired size. For even cooking, it's best to cut them into uniform pieces. You can optionally drizzle them with olive oil, which will give them a more roasted taste. Add your chosen seasonings; Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all excellent options. Toss the veggies to ensure they are well coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place your veggies in the air fryer basket in as flat a layer as possible. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the veggies to steam instead of brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggies in batches.

Cook the tender veggies for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even cooking. For soft veggies like bell peppers, which have thin skins, a little oil will prevent them from burning.

Serving

Once your veggies are tender and browned, they're ready to serve! You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them, or top with fresh herbs like parsley, or even grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan for a delicious finish.

Tips

• Size matters: Ensure your firm veggies, like carrots, are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly with the tender veggies.
• Don't crowd the basket: This is the number one rule of air frying! The hot air needs to be able to contact the veggies on all sides to achieve that crispy texture. Work in batches if necessary.
• Shake it up: Give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway through cooking to prevent the veggies from sticking.
• Go easy on the oil: Too much oil will cause the veggies to become oversaturated and less crispy.
• Thinly slice: Cut your veggies into small pieces and thin strips or rounds to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment: Air frying is a great way to transform humble veggies into something special. Try different combinations of veggies and seasonings to find your favorite!

How to air fry firm vegetables

Air-frying firm vegetables is a great way to get a similar result to roasting, but with a crispier texture and in a shorter amount of time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry firm vegetables:

Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables

Select firm vegetables such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) or winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin). These vegetables have a tougher texture and will take longer to cook compared to tender vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). This is a suitable temperature for cooking a variety of firm vegetables. However, keep in mind that different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of cooking speed, so adjustments may be needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the vegetables into your desired size. Remember that smaller pieces will cook faster, so if you want to reduce the cooking time, opt for smaller pieces. Drizzling the vegetables with oil is optional but will give them a more roasted taste. You can use olive oil or another oil of your choice.

Step 4: Arrange the Vegetables in the Air Fryer

Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in as flat of a layer as possible. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

Cook the firm vegetables for 20-30 minutes. Shake the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking. For example, when cooking potatoes, the type of potato matters. Sweet potatoes are firmer and will take longer to cook, while white potatoes are softer and will cook quicker.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of doneness, season them to taste. You can use salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or any other spices you prefer. Serve the vegetables as a delicious and healthy side dish!

How to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a common mistake when air frying. To avoid this, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how much food to put in the air fryer. For the best results, do not stack food on top of each other. Instead, spread out your food or reduce the amount you place into the basket. It is better to make two batches of great food than one batch of soggy food.

If you are cooking vegetables, it is important to cut them into small enough pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to work in batches. Only add as many vegetables as will fit in a single layer. If you overcrowd the basket, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning.

How to choose the best oil for air frying

When choosing the best oil for air frying, there are a few factors to consider: the type of food being cooked, the cooking temperature, and the smoke point of the oil. While you can air fry without oil, a small amount of oil will give your food a nice golden colour and keep it moist.

• Avocado oil (smoke point: 520-570°F)
• Ghee (clarified butter) (smoke point: 482-485°F)
• Extra light olive oil (smoke point: 465-468°F)
• Sunflower oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Coconut oil (smoke point: 400-450°F)
• Peanut oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Soybean oil (smoke point: 460°F)
• Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 420-421°F)
• Canola oil (smoke point: 400-450°F)
• Vegetable oil (smoke point: 400°F)
• Extra virgin olive oil (smoke point: 320-375°F)

Some oils with lower smoke points, such as flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and butter, are better suited for drizzling over finished dishes or making salad dressings.

When air frying, it is recommended to use just enough oil to lightly coat your food. You can brush or spray the food and the air fryer basket with oil, or toss your food in a bowl with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions