Air Fryer Cooking: Frozen Veggies, Quick And Easy!

Cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a side dish. It is also a convenient way to add vegetables to your dinner, as you can cook them straight from frozen without any need for cutting or dicing. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the quantity you are cooking, but it generally takes around 10-20 minutes for most frozen vegetables.

Vegetables can be cooked from frozen

Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer and it's a quick and easy way to make a healthy side dish. It's also a convenient way to add veggies to your dinner, as they can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer—no need to defrost them first!

To cook frozen veggies in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (about 200°C). Then, add your frozen vegetables directly into the basket. You can use any frozen vegetables, such as mixed vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, green beans, or sliced Brussels sprouts. It's best to avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can make the vegetables soggy, so make sure to leave some room for the hot air to circulate.

Next, spritz or spray the veggies with a little olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured cooking oil. This will help any seasonings you add to stick to the veggies and give them a crispy texture. You can then season your veggies with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or nutritional yeast. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Finally, air fry your veggies for about 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and the quantity you are cooking. For example, green beans will only take a few minutes, while larger vegetables like whole Brussels sprouts may take up to 20 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket a few times during cooking and drain any excess water to prevent sogginess. Check your veggies regularly, especially towards the end of cooking, to make sure they don't burn.

And that's it! You can have delicious, healthy air-fried vegetables on your plate in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep time and almost no effort. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer depend on the type of vegetable and the quantity being cooked. For example, green beans will only take a few minutes, whereas larger vegetables like whole Brussels sprouts may take up to 10 minutes or 20 minutes in total. The cooking time will also depend on the specific air fryer model, as some cook faster than others.

It is important to note that frozen vegetables should be cooked directly from frozen and should not be defrosted or thawed before cooking. This is because they tend to get soggy when they start to thaw.

When cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (about 190°C to 200°C). The cooking time can range from 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and the quantity being cooked. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen vegetables at 375°F (190°C) for a total of 9 to 11 minutes, tossing them after 5 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, checking once or twice to ensure they do not burn.

To ensure even cooking, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. It is fine to have multiple layers of vegetables, but there should be enough space for hot air to circulate. Additionally, the fuller the basket, the longer the cooking time will be. It is also recommended to shake the basket during cooking and drain any excess water to prevent sogginess.

Overall, cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy side dish, and the timing and temperature can be adjusted depending on the specific vegetable and the preferences of the cook.

Seasoning and oil

The seasoning you use for your frozen vegetables in the air fryer is completely up to you. You can use pantry staples like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking to add even more flavor. Alternatively, you can use other spices and seasoning blends that you like.

When it comes to oil, olive oil is a good choice as it helps get the vegetables roasted and caramelized. However, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any other neutral flavor cooking oil of your choice. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the veggies and gives them a crispy texture. You can spray the tops of the vegetables with oil or toss them in oil before placing them in the air fryer.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd your air fryer basket. It is fine to have multiple layers, but make sure to leave some room for the hot air to circulate. The fuller the basket, the longer it will take to cook the vegetables.

Basket management

Don't Overcrowd the Basket: While it is fine to have multiple layers of frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket, it is important to not overcrowd it. Leave some space between the vegetables to allow for proper air circulation. Remember, the fuller the basket, the longer it will take to cook the veggies. It is recommended to cook the veggies in batches if your basket is small.

Single Layer for Crispiness: If you want your veggies to be extra crispy, it is best to cook them in a single layer. This allows the hot air to evenly circulate around each piece of vegetable, ensuring maximum crispness.

Toss and Shake: To ensure even cooking, it is important to toss or shake the basket periodically. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the veggies from sticking to the basket. Shaking the basket also helps to remove any excess water that accumulates during the cooking process, which can make the veggies soggy.

Adjust Cook Time: The cook time will depend on the type of vegetable and the amount you are cooking. Smaller and softer vegetables, such as green beans, will take less time (a few minutes to 5 minutes) while larger and denser vegetables, such as whole Brussels sprouts, can take up to 10 minutes or even 20 minutes for a larger batch. Always cut larger vegetables into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Use a Thermometer: To ensure that your frozen veggies are properly cooked, use a thermometer to check their internal temperature. According to the USDA, frozen vegetables should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).

Preheat the Air Fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the frozen vegetables. This helps to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).

By following these basket management tips, you can ensure that your frozen veggies cook evenly and efficiently in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious and healthy side dish that your family will love.

Reheating and storing

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat them in the air fryer to keep them crispy, or eat them cold in a salad. While they are tasty, leftovers will not taste quite as good as when they are freshly cooked.

When reheating, it is best to use the air fryer to ensure the vegetables retain their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in the oven, but this may take longer and they may not get as crispy. If you are short on time, you can also eat them cold. They can be a great addition to a salad or grain bowl.

If you are reheating in the air fryer, it is best to set a timer for five minutes and then check on them every two minutes or so until they are heated through. This will prevent them from burning. You can also give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking. It is important to note that the more you fill the basket, the longer it will take to reheat, so it may be best to cook them in batches if you have a lot of leftovers.

The key to achieving crispy vegetables in the air fryer is to ensure there is moisture in the basket. This can be done by adding a tablespoon of water, which will help to steam the vegetables and prevent them from burning.

Frequently asked questions