Air Fryer Hacks: Cooking Frozen Veggies Perfectly

Cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare veggies. It's faster than roasting and is a convenient way to ensure you're getting your nutrients. It's also a great way to avoid soggy veggies, which can be the result of other cooking methods like microwaving. With an air fryer, you can go straight from the freezer to cooking, and you'll have a tasty side dish in less than 15 minutes.

How to cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer

Choosing your vegetables

The great thing about cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is that you can use almost any type of frozen vegetable. You can opt for mixed vegetables or choose from a wide range of individual vegetables such as:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Sweet potatoes
• Butternut squash
• Edamame beans
• Green peas
• Mushrooms

You can also add in other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your vegetables. For example, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or French fry seasoning.

Seasoning and oiling

Choosing the Oil

The first step is to select an appropriate oil for cooking your frozen vegetables. Olive oil is a popular choice for its ability to add flavour and promote roasting and caramelisation. However, other neutral-flavoured cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil, can also be used. Using an oil spray or tossing the vegetables with oil will help them crisp up and enhance their flavour.

Seasoning Options

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with pantry staples like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These basic seasonings can be tossed with the oiled vegetables before placing them in the air fryer. You can also experiment with other spices and seasoning blends according to your taste preferences. Italian seasoning, French fry seasoning, or mixed herbs are some options to consider. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles.

Adding Cheese

If you're feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can take your frozen veggies to the next level. Add the cheese towards the end of the cooking process, air-frying for an additional minute to melt the cheese and allow it to blend with the other flavours. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a cheesy twist to their vegetables.

Layering and Spacing

Once your vegetables are seasoned and oiled, it's important to consider how you arrange them in the air fryer basket. While it's fine to have multiple layers, especially if you're cooking a large batch, make sure to leave some space for hot air to circulate effectively. Keeping the vegetables in a single layer, or with some room around them, will help them cook and crisp up evenly.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to successful seasoning and oiling is to find a balance that enhances the natural flavours of the vegetables without overwhelming them. Feel free to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and spacing arrangements to discover the techniques that work best for your taste preferences and the types of vegetables you're cooking.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). The temperature and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of vegetable and the specific air fryer model being used.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the frozen vegetables. This can be done by running the air fryer empty for a few minutes or by using the preheat setting if available.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the frozen vegetables can be placed directly into the basket. It is important to ensure that the vegetables are not overcrowded and have enough room for hot air to circulate. A single layer of vegetables is ideal, but slight overlapping is acceptable as long as there is sufficient space for even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the desired level of doneness. Smaller and softer vegetables, such as green beans, will take less time to cook, while larger and denser vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, will require a longer cooking time. It is recommended to cook frozen vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, checking once or twice to ensure they do not burn.

During the cooking process, it is important to shake the basket or toss the vegetables to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, draining any excess water from the bottom of the basket can help achieve a crispier texture.

Cooking time

The cooking time for frozen vegetables in an air fryer depends on the type of vegetable and the specific air fryer model being used. For example, green beans will take around 4 minutes to cook, while larger vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower will take 6-8 minutes and 8-10 minutes respectively. Brussels sprouts, which are also larger vegetables, can take up to 14-16 minutes to cook. However, if you are cooking a smaller portion or a single layer of vegetables, the cooking time may be shorter, around 15 minutes in total.

It is recommended to set the air fryer temperature between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C) depending on the vegetable. For instance, broccoli and cauliflower are suggested to be cooked at 400°F, while other sources recommend setting the air fryer at 375°F for a variety of vegetables. It is also important to note that different air fryer models cook at different speeds, so it is crucial to keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent burning.

To ensure even cooking, it is suggested to shake or toss the vegetables midway through the cooking process. Additionally, it is advised to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate effectively. The cooking time will also depend on the amount of vegetables being cooked, with larger batches requiring more time.

For the best results, it is recommended to cook frozen vegetables directly from the freezer without defrosting them first. This helps achieve a better texture as they crisp up nicely. However, some sources suggest tossing the frozen vegetables in the fridge the night before or on the counter for an hour or two to avoid burning the exterior before the interior is cooked.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried frozen vegetables make a great side dish for a variety of main courses, such as steak, chicken, or pork tenderloin. They can also be served with pasta or rice.

If you want to add extra flavour, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, or add a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce on the side.

If you want to bulk up your portion, toss in some cooked chickpeas, diced tofu, or shredded chicken before serving.

For a light lunch or dinner, try serving your air-fried veggies with a side of rice.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to elevate the flavour of your veggies. For example, you could try a garlic and herb mix, a spicy blend, lemon pepper, an Italian blend, curry powder, or a smoky BBQ mix.

Remember, air-fried frozen vegetables are best served immediately, as they don't reheat well.

Frequently asked questions