Air Fryer Magic: Crispy Frozen Veggies

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen vegetables, with many recipes available online. The air fryer's high heat cooks the vegetables to a nice crisp, and its ability to evenly distribute hot air means you get evenly cooked veggies every time. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the air fryer model, but most recipes recommend cooking frozen vegetables for around 10-15 minutes.

How to make frozen vegetables crispy in an air fryer

Use olive oil or avocado oil for a crisp texture

Using olive oil or avocado oil on your frozen vegetables before air frying will help them crisp up and enhance their flavour. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil. Olive oil can be swapped for another type of oil or cooking spray, or you can use olive oil spray for even distribution.

To use olive oil, pour it over your frozen veggies and mix well. You can also add salt and any other seasonings and mix again.

If you're using avocado oil, add the frozen vegetables to a small bowl and then add the oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Don't defrost the vegetables before cooking

It is important to note that you should not defrost the vegetables before cooking them in the air fryer. This is because when the vegetables start to thaw, they tend to get soggy. The best way to cook them is straight from the freezer, as fast as possible.

The high heat of the air fryer will cook the vegetables perfectly from frozen, helping them to crisp up nicely. If you want to achieve the same level of crispiness across all your vegetables, try using the same-sized florets and pieces. Smaller pieces, especially broccoli florets, tend to get crispier than other vegetables.

If you are using an air fryer liner, be aware that this may result in soggy vegetables. It is recommended to add the frozen vegetables directly into the basket of your air fryer.

To ensure your vegetables are well seasoned, it is recommended to season them after coating them in oil, as this will help the spices stick better.

Cook at a high heat, around 375°F to 400°F

To make frozen vegetables crispy in an air fryer, it is recommended that you cook them at a high heat of between 375°F and 400°F. This will ensure that they become crispy and are not just heated through.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Prepare the basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or olive oil spray.

Step 2: Add your frozen vegetables to a small bowl. Pour over a light coating of oil—around 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured cooking oil is sufficient. You can also use melted butter or ghee for a buttery taste and extra crunch. Mix well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 3: Add your chosen seasonings to the bowl and mix well. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a spice blend.

Step 4: Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket. It is okay to overlap them slightly, but keep as much room around them as possible so they cook evenly. If you are cooking a small amount, keep them in a single layer.

Step 5: Air fry the vegetables for 5 minutes, then toss or shake the basket to ensure they cook evenly. Continue air frying for an additional 4-6 minutes. Check the vegetables during the last two minutes to ensure they are cooked to your liking, adding time in one-minute increments if needed.

Step 6: Carefully remove the vegetables from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.

You can also cook frozen vegetables at 400°F in an air fryer. Here is a guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Step 2: Toss your frozen vegetables in oil and your chosen seasonings.

Step 3: Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly with no overlap.

Step 4: Air fry for 7-8 minutes, or until the veggies are crispy.

Step 5: Serve immediately, with an optional extra squeeze of lemon juice for flavour.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the type of vegetable.

Use an air fryer with a crisper plate to prevent vegetables sitting in water

Using an air fryer with a crisper plate is a great way to prevent your vegetables from sitting in water and becoming soggy. This method ensures your veggies turn out crispy and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve the best results:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not defrost your frozen vegetables before placing them in the air fryer. Cooking them straight from frozen is the best way to achieve that desired crispiness. Choose your favourite frozen vegetables, whether it's broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or a mix of veggies. Try to select frozen veggies that are evenly sized, as this will help them cook more evenly.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, don't worry, just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your veggies. Toss them with a light coating of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. This will help them crisp up and enhance their flavour. You can also add your favourite seasonings to the veggies at this point. Try salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a mix of herbs.

Once your veggies are coated and seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking process. Leave some space for the hot air to circulate. For the crispiest results, cook the veggies in a single layer.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook your veggies at 390°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have this temperature setting, aim for a temperature between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). After the initial cooking time, shake the basket or toss the veggies to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess water that has collected in the bottom of the basket. This step is crucial to preventing your veggies from sitting in water and becoming soggy.

Finally, air fry your veggies for an additional 7-9 minutes. Depending on the type of vegetables you're cooking and your desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy frozen veggies cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a healthy side dish or a tasty snack.

Choose the right vegetables, e.g. cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, carrots

Choosing the right vegetables is essential for achieving crispy perfection in your air fryer. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the perfect veggies:

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is an excellent choice for air frying. Its florets can be evenly sized, ensuring uniform cooking. Cauliflower also has a sturdy texture that can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without disintegrating. When cooked, it develops a delightful crispiness and can absorb various seasonings, making it a versatile option.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets are another popular choice for air frying. Like cauliflower, they benefit from uniform sizing to ensure even cooking. Broccoli has a similar texture to cauliflower, resulting in a crunchy bite when cooked in the air fryer. Broccoli also pairs well with various seasonings, making it a versatile option.

Green Beans

Green beans are a fantastic option for air frying due to their slender shape and crispy texture. They cook quickly and evenly, making them a convenient choice. Green beans are also quite versatile and can be seasoned in various ways, from simple sea salt flakes to more complex spice blends.

Carrots

Carrots are a great addition to your air fryer repertoire. They have a natural sweetness that is enhanced by the cooking process. Carrots can be cut into uniform sizes or purchased as baby carrots for even cooking. When air-fried, carrots develop a delightful caramelization and a slightly crispy exterior while retaining a tender bite.

Other Vegetable Options

In addition to the above, you can experiment with a variety of other vegetables in your air fryer. Some options include zucchini, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, squash, peppers, and even leafy greens like kale. Each vegetable will have its own unique cooking time and seasoning requirements, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Frequently asked questions