Air Fryer Magic: Perfect Roasted Veggies

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for cooking vegetables. They are a quick and easy way to cook veggies, and they come out crisp and browned. Air fryers use little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories than other cooking methods. This makes them a healthy option for cooking vegetables. To make roast vegetables in an air fryer, first prep your choice of vegetables and place them in a large bowl. Then, add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat the veggies. Next, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook the vegetables at 360-400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Finally, serve immediately and enjoy!

Choosing your vegetables

Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid tough root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes, as they require a longer cooking time. Opt for a mix of firm and tender vegetables to ensure even cooking. Firm options include carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, while zucchini, peppers, asparagus, green beans, and mushrooms are great tender choices.

You can also add in some baby onions, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes if you cut them into smaller pieces to match the cooking time of the other veggies. If you're looking for a stronger taste, go for firmer vegetables with a bolder flavour profile.

The key to success is to cut all your veggies into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This way, you'll avoid having some vegetables overcooked while others remain undercooked.

Additionally, consider the colours of the vegetables you choose. A colourful mix of veggies not only looks appealing but also provides a variety of nutrients. For example, red peppers, zucchini, and carrots offer a vibrant mix of red, green, and orange hues, along with a range of vitamins and minerals.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! You can always adjust the cooking time slightly based on your specific vegetable choices. The more you make roasted veggies in your air fryer, the more you'll get a feel for which vegetables work best and how long to cook them.

Preparing your vegetables

Choosing the Right Vegetables:

Select a variety of vegetables that suit your taste and texture preferences. Some popular options include zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots. You can also add firmer vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or baby onions for a heartier dish.

Chopping and Seasoning:

Chop your chosen vegetables into uniform sizes, aiming for approximately 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to help the vegetables brown and soften. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavour. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Arranging in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360°F and 400°F. Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Cooking and Serving:

Air fry the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender and browned to your liking. Don't forget to toss them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Once cooked, season to taste and serve immediately. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the vegetables or top them with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavour.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried roast vegetables is to cut the vegetables into similar sizes, season them well, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and cook them until they reach your desired level of doneness. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings to find your favourite combinations!

Seasoning and coating your vegetables

Choosing the Right Oil

The type of oil you use will impact the taste and texture of your roasted vegetables. Extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying as it helps the veggies brown and soften. However, some people prefer avocado oil or coconut oil, especially if they have a higher smoke point. If you're watching your fat intake, a light coating of oil spray or mist can also do the trick.

Seasoning Options

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can go the classic route with salt and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh or dried herbs (such as rosemary or parsley), lemon juice or zest, and even soy sauce or tamari for a savoury kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try a unique combination like gremolata (a mix of fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic). Don't be afraid to experiment and find the flavours that tantalize your taste buds!

Coating Your Vegetables

Once you've selected your oil and seasonings, it's time to coat those veggies. Start by prepping your vegetables and cutting them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large bowl, then add your oil, seasonings, and a squeeze of lemon juice (if using). Toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. You want each piece to have a light sheen from the oil and a dusting of seasonings.

Air Fryer Basket Tips

After coating your vegetables, it's important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will cause the veggies to steam instead of crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. If you have multiple racks, feel free to use them to increase the amount you can cook at once.

Now that you know the basics of seasoning and coating, you're well on your way to air-frying perfection! Remember to have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and vegetables to find your favourite combinations.

Cooking your vegetables

First, prep your vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or 1-inch pieces. You can also add in some firm vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or turnips, but make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook at the same rate as the less firm vegetables.

Next, place the chopped vegetables into a large bowl. Drizzle some olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil over the vegetables. You can also spray the vegetables with a light coating of oil using an oil sprayer. Make sure the vegetables are coated evenly. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper to taste, as well as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh or dried rosemary, or fresh parsley. Toss the vegetables to combine the oil and seasonings.

Now, it's time to cook the vegetables. Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F (180°C). Place the vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring or tossing halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and browned.

Finally, serve your delicious roasted vegetables! They are best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave when you're ready to enjoy them again.

Storing your vegetables

Storing your roasted vegetables correctly will ensure they stay fresh and tasty for longer.

Firstly, it's important to let your roasted vegetables cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container without the lid and leave them to cool. Once they are at room temperature, you can secure the lid and place the container in the fridge. Your roasted vegetables will stay fresh for up to a week if stored this way.

Some vegetables, such as potatoes, peppers, courgettes, and squash, don't freeze well after they have been cooked. However, you can freeze some types of roasted vegetables, such as roasted chestnuts, pulses, and casseroles or stews containing vegetables. If you plan to freeze your roasted vegetables, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a suitable container or bag for freezing.

You can also use any leftover roasted vegetables to make a soup or stock, which can be frozen for future use.

Frequently asked questions