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

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a similar result to roasting but with a crispier exterior and in a shorter amount of time. They are also healthier than deep-frying, as they use little to no oil, and are more convenient than oven-roasting, as they don't heat up your kitchen. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make delicious fried vegetables in your air fryer.

How to Make Fried Vegetables in an Air Fryer

Choosing your vegetables

Tender vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, and onions, cook quickly and are perfect for a busy weeknight meal. These veggies require a shorter cooking time, usually around 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer.

Firm vegetables, on the other hand, take a bit longer to cook but are definitely worth the wait. This category includes root vegetables like carrots, beets, potatoes, and parsnips, as well as winter squash such as butternut, acorn, and pumpkin. When preparing firm vegetables, it's important to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. The cooking time for firm veggies is typically around 20 to 30 minutes in the air fryer.

Additionally, you can use frozen vegetables in your air fryer. Simply identify whether they fall into the tender or firm category and adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes for thawing. It's crucial to give frozen veggies space in the air fryer basket to ensure proper roasting.

When selecting your vegetables, feel free to mix and match to create a colourful and tasty combination. For example, you could choose zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a delicious mix. You can also include firmer options like carrots or potatoes for added texture and variety.

Remember to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster, so keep that in mind when preparing firmer veggies. You can also get creative and make veggie fries or chips with potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.

With the versatility of the air fryer, you can experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favourite mix. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of vegetables you choose.

Seasoning and coating

Choosing Your Seasoning:

The type of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific vegetables you are cooking. Here are some popular options:

• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. It adds a delicious Mediterranean flavour to your veggies.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savoury, umami flavour to the dish.
• Onion powder: Enhances the savoury notes in your vegetables.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavours of all the other seasonings and enhancing the natural taste of the vegetables.
• Herbes de Provence: A blend of herbs from the Provence region of France, including basil, thyme, and lavender.
• Gremolata: A fresh and tangy blend of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic.

Coating Your Vegetables:

For the coating, you will need a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Here's how to coat your veggies:

• Prep your vegetables by chopping them into uniform sizes.
• Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
• Drizzle the desired amount of oil over the vegetables.
• Add your chosen seasonings to the bowl.
• Toss the vegetables in the bowl until they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Make sure each piece is well-coated for consistent flavour and texture.

Once your vegetables are coated, you can arrange them in the air fryer basket and follow the standard air frying instructions for the specific type of vegetable you are cooking. Enjoy your delicious and healthy fried veggies!

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking vegetables in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). This temperature is suitable for both tender and firm vegetables.

Tender Vegetables

Tender vegetables include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, as well as summer squash (zucchini and yellow squash), soft veggies (bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions), and thin veggies (asparagus and green beans).

For tender vegetables, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the veggies to your desired size, and optionally drizzle them with olive oil for a more roasted taste. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking to promote even cooking. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned.

Firm Vegetables

Firm vegetables include root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin).

As with tender veggies, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the veggies into small pieces, as they will cook faster this way. Optionally, drizzle them with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking for even results.

Frozen Vegetables

You can also cook frozen vegetables in your air fryer. First, determine whether they are soft or firm, then add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing. Ensure there is space between the veggies to allow water to evaporate, and don't overcrowd the basket.

Cooking time

The cooking time for fried vegetables in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of vegetable you are cooking.

For tender vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the vegetables to your desired size and add a drizzle of olive oil if you prefer a roasted taste. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking.

For firm vegetables, such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin), use the same temperature setting. Chop the vegetables into small pieces and optionally drizzle with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.

If you are cooking frozen vegetables, identify whether they are tender or firm, and then add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing. Ensure that there is space between the vegetables for the hot air to circulate and evaporate any water.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your vegetables to prevent overcooking or burning.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried vegetables make a great side dish for a variety of meals. You can serve them with a main course of chicken, salmon, or another type of fish. They also go well with dips and sauces, such as lemon juice, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese.

If you're making a more substantial meal, you could serve your air-fried veggies over quinoa or brown rice, with some roasted chicken or meatballs on the side.

For a vegetarian option, try serving your veggies with a Portobello melt or falafel.

If you're looking for a healthy snack, air-fried veggies are a great option, too. You can even make them into "chips" using zucchini, carrots, or avocado.

And if you're cooking for a crowd, don't be afraid to make multiple batches. You can easily make a medley of options without having to wash the basket in between.

Frequently asked questions