Air-Fryer Crispy Veggies: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a healthy and quick alternative to deep-frying or roasting. Air fryers use hot air circulated in a small compartment to fry food with little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories. This method of cooking vegetables makes them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Almost any vegetable can be cooked in an air fryer, including onions, sweet potatoes, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. To make crispy vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer, then wash, chop, and season the vegetables, and finally, cook them in the air fryer for 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.

Choosing the right vegetables

When selecting vegetables, opt for a mix of firm and tender varieties. Firm vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus provide a nice contrast to tender options like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Just ensure you cut the firm veggies into small or thin pieces to ensure even cooking.

Some great choices for crispy air-fried vegetables include onions, sweet potatoes, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, broccolini, asparagus, artichokes, chiles, corn, and even pickles! These vegetables tend to crisp up nicely and pair well with various dips and seasonings.

It's important to note that dense root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes may require a longer cook time. If you're using potatoes or carrots, consider soaking them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to enhance their crispness. Always dry your vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the air fryer.

Additionally, try to cut your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent overcooking or undercooking and ensure a consistent texture.

With the right combination of vegetables and proper preparation, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, crispy air-fried dishes.

Preparing the vegetables

Choosing the Vegetables:

Start by selecting a variety of vegetables that you want to cook. Almost any vegetable can be air-fried, but some popular options include zucchini, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions, and asparagus. You can also get creative and experiment with different types of vegetables.

Washing and Chopping:

Before you begin chopping, make sure to wash your vegetables thoroughly. Then, chop them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. The size of the pieces may vary depending on the vegetable, but aim for roughly 1-inch cubes or slices. For root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots, consider cutting them into thin slices or wedges for extra crispness.

Soaking (Optional):

If you're using starchy vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes, you might want to consider soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps draw out excess starch, resulting in crispier fries or chips. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels after soaking.

Seasoning:

Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated in oil. Then, season them with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. You can use simple seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or get creative with herbs de Provence or gremolata.

Arranging in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 360-375°F (180-190°C). Once preheated, arrange the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of crisping. You may need to cook the vegetables in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Now that your vegetables are prepared, you can move on to the cooking process. Remember to stir or toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning. Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy vegetables!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crispy vegetables. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, it is important to note that most air fryers have a preheat setting, so be sure to use it. This step will help ensure that your vegetables cook evenly and become nice and crispy. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is between 360-375°F or 180-182°C. Set your air fryer to this temperature and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop your chosen vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly. You can choose from a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, onions, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even artichokes. If you are using denser vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or sweet potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to enhance their crispness. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of adding a light coat of oil to your vegetables.

Adding oil to the vegetables

Before adding your vegetables to the air fryer, you'll want to lightly coat them in oil. This will help them to crisp up and prevent burning. You can use any type of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, but be careful not to use too much as this can make your vegetables soggy.

For a single pound of vegetables, you'll want to use around one tablespoon of oil. Toss the vegetables in a large bowl with the oil and any seasonings you desire. You can season with salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a mix of herbs and spices.

If you're making potato or sweet potato fries, it's a good idea to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before coating them in oil. This will draw out excess starch and result in crispier fries. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before adding oil and seasonings.

Once your vegetables are coated in oil and seasoned to your liking, you're ready to add them to the preheated air fryer and start cooking!

Cooking the vegetables

Preparation

First, prep your vegetables. Wash and chop your vegetables into evenly-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. If you’re using denser vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrots, you may want to soak them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to help them crisp up. Make sure to dry them well before air frying them. If you're making potato or sweet potato fries, it's recommended to soak them in water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly before tossing them in oil and seasonings.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so be sure to use it before adding your vegetables. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 360°F/182°C.

Adding Oil and Seasoning

To help your vegetables crisp up, lightly coat them in oil before adding them to the air fryer. You can use any type of oil, but olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil work well. Just be sure not to use too much oil, as this can lead to soggy vegetables.

After coating your vegetables in oil, season them with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or herbs.

Air Frying the Vegetables

Once your air fryer is preheated, add your vegetables to the basket in a single layer. Close the air fryer and set the timer. Most vegetables will cook in about 10-15 minutes at 375°F, but denser vegetables like potatoes may take a bit longer, up to 20 minutes. Stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Serving

Once your vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as is, or season them with your favorite herbs and spices. They also go well with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or lemon juice.

Frequently asked questions