Air Fryer Veggies: Quick, Healthy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. They're quick, easy, and versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of vegetables with minimal oil and maximum flavour. You can use any combination of vegetables, from bell peppers and zucchini to broccoli and potatoes. Season them with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic for a delicious side dish. The key to success is to cut the vegetables into small, even pieces, toss them in oil and seasoning, and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. With an air fryer, you can enjoy tender, crispy veggies with minimal effort and maximum taste!

Choosing your vegetables

Firstly, it's important to avoid tough root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes, as these require a longer cooking time. Stick to vegetables that cook evenly and quickly, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, and carrots. You can also add in onions, either red or white/yellow, depending on your preference for sweetness.

When preparing your vegetables, ensure you cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. You can slice, dice, or quarter your veggies, but try to keep them on the thinner side so they cook through.

The amount of vegetables you use will depend on the size of your air fryer. As a guide, you can use around 1/2 cup of each vegetable, which will give you a colourful and tasty mix.

Once you've chosen and prepared your vegetables, it's time to season and cook them. But that's a topic for another paragraph!

Preparing your vegetables

Firstly, you will need to choose your vegetables. A colourful mix of veggies is ideal, and you can use almost anything you have to hand. Some popular options include bell peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, onions, and asparagus. Try to avoid tougher root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes, as these require a longer cooking time.

Once you have selected your veggies, it's time to chop them into uniform pieces. Aim for a size of around 1-inch or slightly smaller, as this will ensure even cooking. Place the chopped veggies into a large bowl.

The next step is to add your chosen seasoning and oil. A simple and tasty option is to use extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Herbes de Provence, Gremolata, or a spicy blend. Give the veggies a good toss to ensure they are well coated.

Now you're ready to arrange the vegetables in your air fryer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so add just enough veggies to form a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Finally, give the veggies a quick toss or shake halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crisping.

With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, healthy, and colourful mixed veggies in your air fryer!

Making your marinade

The marinade for your mixed veggies is a key component to achieving a tasty dish. It will ensure your vegetables are flavourful, tender, and well-seasoned. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious marinade for your air-fried veggies.

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For this marinade, you will need olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the quantities based on your personal preference and the amount of vegetables you plan to cook.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a well-combined mixture. You can also add other dry seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, or herbs like parsley or thyme. Play around with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!

Once your marinade is ready, it's time to prepare your vegetables. You can use a variety of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and onion. Cut these vegetables into uniform sizes, typically around 1-inch pieces or slightly smaller. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

Now, it's time to combine your vegetables and marinade. Place the cut vegetables into a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Use silicone tongs or your hands to toss the vegetables until they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are well-coated for maximum flavour.

Let the vegetables sit in the marinade for a few minutes to absorb the flavours. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also preheat the air fryer at the beginning, allowing it to warm up while you prepare the vegetables and marinade.

After the vegetables have marinated and your air fryer is preheated, you are ready to cook! Place the marinated vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Now, simply follow the cooking instructions for air-fried vegetables, which typically involves cooking at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned. Remember to toss or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful, and healthy mixed veggies!

Cooking your vegetables

Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook your vegetables. It's also versatile, as you can use almost any type of vegetable. You can also adapt the recipe to use different veggies that you have on hand.

Ingredients

You can use a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Potatoes
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Sweet red pepper
• Yellow squash
• Cremini mushrooms
• Red onion
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon wedge, for squeezing
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

First, preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (180°C). While that's warming up, chop your chosen vegetables and place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat the veggies in the oil and seasonings.

Next, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the veggies in batches. Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown.

Then, air fry the vegetables at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Toss halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Finally, season to taste and serve. Squeeze the air-fried veggies with fresh lemon juice, and top with fresh parsley and/or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips

• Size matters: Use a mix of firm and tender vegetables, but make sure to cut the firm veggies (like carrots) into small pieces so they cook evenly.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket: This is the number one rule of air frying! The hot air must be able to contact the veggies on all sides to get that caramelized, crispy texture. Work in batches if necessary.
• Avoid tough root vegetables: Veggies like beets or sweet potatoes require a longer cook time, so they're not the best choice for air frying.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer mixed veggies are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into a main course. Here are some ideas for serving these delicious veggies:

• As a side dish: Air fryer mixed veggies make a great side for a variety of entrées, such as chicken breast, steak, salmon, or roasted chicken. They can be paired with quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
• Veggie medley: Create a colourful vegetable medley by mixing and matching different types of veggies. You can use bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, carrots, onions, and more. The variety of colours and textures will make your dish look and taste amazing.
• Seasoning and cheese: Enhance the flavour of your veggies with different seasonings. Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence, or Gremolata (a combination of fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic) are great options. You can also add Parmesan, goat, or feta cheese for an extra kick of flavour.
• Dipping sauces: Serve your air fryer veggies with your favourite dipping sauce. They go well with a variety of sauces, so feel free to experiment!
• Healthy snack: Air fryer veggies are a perfect healthy snack option. You can make a batch and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Enjoy them as a nutritious snack whenever you're feeling hungry.
• Meal prep: If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish during busy weeknights, air fryer veggies are a great option. Make a big batch and store them in the fridge. They can be easily reheated in the air fryer, and you can even add some fresh veggies to the mix for added crispness.
• Customise your veggies: Feel free to customise your veggie mix based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can use firm vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, or tender veggies like zucchini, peppers, and asparagus. Just remember to cut the firmer veggies into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with spices: Add some spice to your veggies with diced jalapeño, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. This will give your dish an extra kick and make it even more appetising.
• Add some crunch: For a textural contrast, add some toasted almond slices or cashew halves to your veggie mix. This will give your dish a nice crunchy element that complements the tender veggies.
• Leftovers: Don't worry if you have leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to retain their crispness, or simply enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack.

Frequently asked questions