Steaming Frozen Veggies In An Air Fryer: How Long?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen vegetables. They can be cooked straight from frozen and only require a few minutes of preparation. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the model of the air fryer. For example, cooking frozen broccoli in a Cosori air fryer will take 6-8 minutes, whereas cooking frozen green beans in the same model will take 4 minutes.

Choosing the right oil

To steam frozen vegetables in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to 375-390°F (190-200°C). Then, add your frozen vegetables to a bowl and toss them with a light coating of oil and your desired seasonings. Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on the type of vegetables you are cooking, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Now, let's talk about choosing the right oil for your air fryer.

When it comes to choosing the right oil for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider, including the smoke point of the oil, the type of food you are cooking, and the desired flavour profile. Here are some recommendations and tips to help you select the best oil for your needs:

• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a very high smoke point of around 520-570°F, making it an excellent choice for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
• Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee, or clarified butter, has a smoke point of 482-485°F. It is commonly used in French and Indian cuisine and is perfect for air frying as it has a high smoke point.
• Light Olive Oil: Refined olive oil, also known as light or extra light olive oil, has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil (320-374°F). It has a neutral flavour and a lighter colour, making it suitable for air frying.
• Peanut Oil: Peanut oil has a pleasant nutty flavour and a high smoke point of 450°F. It is commonly used for stir-frying and deep frying and can add a subtle flavour to your air-fried dishes.
• Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450°F and is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. It has a light flavour, making it a good choice for air frying.
• Grapeseed Oil: With a smoke point of 420-421°F, grapeseed oil is a great all-purpose cooking oil with a clean taste. It is a byproduct of winemaking and is a good source of vitamin E and unsaturated fats.
• Refined Coconut Oil: When using coconut oil in an air fryer, opt for refined coconut oil, which has a smoke point of 400°F, instead of unrefined coconut oil, which has a lower smoke point of 350°F.
• Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, and Soybean Oil: These oils have lower smoke points, ranging from 400-460°F, but can still be used in an air fryer if you pay close attention to the smoke point and the type of recipe you are making.

When using oil in your air fryer, it is generally recommended to use a light coating or spray rather than drenching your food in oil. Additionally, avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer that you can fill with your chosen high smoke point oil.

How to season frozen vegetables

Air frying frozen vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them, and you can season them to your liking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choose Your Frozen Vegetables

Select your favourite frozen vegetables. Most types of frozen veggies will work, including mixed vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and sliced Brussels sprouts. You can either buy a bag of mixed vegetables or create your own mix by purchasing smaller bags of frozen veggies.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

In addition to your chosen frozen vegetables, you will need some olive oil or another neutral-flavoured cooking oil, such as avocado oil. You will also need some basic spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other spices and seasoning blends. Finally, you will need an air fryer and a small bowl for mixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to 375-390°F (190-200°C). Add your frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer basket. Avoid using an air fryer liner, as this can make the vegetables soggy. If you are using a small number of vegetables, keep them in a single layer. If you are using a larger amount, it is okay to overlap them slightly, but try to leave as much space around them as possible for even cooking.

Step 4: Season the Vegetables

Drizzle or toss your frozen vegetables with olive oil. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the veggies and give them a crisp texture. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. After coating the vegetables with oil, season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other spices and seasoning blends to suit your taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Air Fry the Vegetables

Place the seasoned frozen vegetables in the air fryer and cook at 375-390°F (190-200°C) for 7-10 minutes. If you are using a smaller number of vegetables or more delicate veggies, start with a shorter cooking time. For larger or denser vegetables, you may need a longer cooking time. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the air fryer basket or use a spatula to toss the vegetables for even cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavour boost. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious air-fried frozen veggies!

How to cook without thawing

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen vegetables without thawing them beforehand. Not only is it a quick and easy method, but it also yields delicious results with a nice crisp that is hard to achieve through other cooking methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer without thawing them:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Vegetables

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 390°F (200°C). You can use cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to prepare the air fryer basket. This will help prevent the vegetables from sticking.

Next, take your chosen frozen vegetables and place them in a small bowl. You can use any type of frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or mixed vegetables.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

Add a small amount of oil to the vegetables and toss to coat them evenly. Olive oil or avocado oil are great choices, as they can help the vegetables crisp up and enhance their flavour.

After coating the vegetables with oil, it's time to season them. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spices and herbs you like. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Air Fry the Vegetables

Now it's time to add the seasoned vegetables to the air fryer basket. Try to keep the vegetables in a single layer if possible, as this will help them cook more evenly. If you are using a larger quantity of vegetables, it is okay to overlap them slightly, but make sure to leave as much space around them as possible.

Close the air fryer and cook the vegetables for 5 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, shake the basket or toss the vegetables with a spatula to ensure even cooking, and drain any excess water that has accumulated at the bottom of the basket.

Return the air fryer basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 4-9 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness. For softer vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, and green beans, the total cooking time will be around 10-15 minutes. For firmer vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, the cooking time will be longer, around 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavour boost.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy frozen vegetables cooked in your air fryer without thawing. Enjoy your healthy and tasty side dish!

The best temperature to cook at

For firm vegetables, such as root vegetables and winter squash, a higher temperature of 390°F (200°C) is suggested. This temperature will help to achieve a nice crisp that is difficult to attain with other cooking methods. The cooking time for firm vegetables is 20 to 30 minutes, and you should shake the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

It's worth noting that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to the cooking time. Additionally, it is recommended to cook frozen vegetables straight from the freezer, as allowing them to thaw can result in sogginess.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for frozen vegetables in an air fryer depends on the type of vegetable, the quantity, and the spacing of the food in the air fryer. Smaller-sized pieces of vegetables are best, spread into just one layer. Avoid overfilling the air fryer basket, as this will prevent hot air from circulating and increase cooking time.

For example, cooking times for specific vegetables in an air fryer are as follows:

• Green beans: 4 minutes
• Broccoli: 6-8 minutes
• Cauliflower: 8-10 minutes
• Brussels sprouts: 14-16 minutes
• Asparagus: 10-15 minutes
• Bell peppers: 10 minutes
• Onions: 10 minutes
• Zucchini: 10 minutes
• Yellow squash: 10 minutes

Additionally, the type of air fryer being used can affect the cooking time. For example, the Cosori air fryer cooks frozen vegetables in 10 minutes, while other air fryers may take up to 20 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the vegetables while they are cooking to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions