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

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a similar result to roasting but with a crispier texture and in a shorter amount of time. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-frying, requiring little to no oil and producing food with less fat and fewer calories.

How to Make Veg in an Air Fryer

How to air fry tender vegetables

Air-frying vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook veggies. The result is similar to roasting, but crispier on the outside and in far less time.

Preparation

First, prep your vegetables. Chop them to your desired size and place them in a large bowl. You can optionally drizzle them with olive oil, which will give them a roasted taste. Then, add your desired seasonings and toss the vegetables to coat them in oil and seasonings.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add the vegetables to the air fryer in as flat a layer as possible. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Cook the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even cooking.

Serving

Once the vegetables are tender, they are ready to serve. You can season them with salt and pepper to taste, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them. They also go well with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan on top.

Tips

• When cooking firm vegetables, such as root vegetables or winter squash, chop them into smaller pieces as they will cook faster.
• If you are cooking frozen vegetables, add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the thawing process. It is also crucial to give space between the veggies to ensure they become perfectly roasted.
• Some examples of tender vegetables include crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash), soft veggies (bell pepper, tomato, mushrooms, onions), and thin veggies (asparagus, green beans).

How to air fry firm vegetables

Firm vegetables, such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin), require a longer cooking time than tender vegetables. However, the wait is worth it, as you will be rewarded with delicious, crispy results.

To cook firm vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat your appliance to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is heating up, chop your chosen firm veggies into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. You can then optionally drizzle them with oil and add your preferred seasonings. It is recommended to use extra-virgin olive oil, as this helps the vegetables to brown and soften. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all popular choices.

Once your vegetables are prepared, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam and soften, rather than achieving the desired crispy texture. You may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Cook the vegetables for 20-30 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking. For specific types of firm vegetables, such as potatoes and butternut squash, there are additional guidelines to follow. White potatoes are softer and will cook quicker than sweet potatoes, which are firmer. Potatoes generally take 20-30 minutes to cook. Butternut squash, which can take hours to cook in an oven, will be ready in 25-30 minutes in an air fryer, depending on the size of the pieces.

Once cooked, season to taste and serve. Air-fried vegetables can be enjoyed as they are, or with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.

How to air fry frozen vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen vegetables, and it's faster than roasting them in the oven. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to air fry frozen vegetables:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 204°C). The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and the type of vegetables you're cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place your chosen frozen vegetables into a large bowl. You can use a variety of frozen veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or mixed vegetables.

Step 3: Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle a light coating of oil over the frozen vegetables. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured cooking oil. The oil will help the vegetables crisp up and enhance their flavour.

Next, season your vegetables well. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, or other spices and herbs of your choice. Make sure to season after adding the oil so that the seasonings stick better to the vegetables.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer, or with only a slight overlap, so that hot air can circulate around them. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry

Now, it's time to air fry your vegetables! The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetables you're using and whether they are tender or firm varieties. As a general guideline, cook tender vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus) for 10 to 15 minutes, and firm vegetables (like root vegetables or winter squash) for 20 to 30 minutes.

For frozen vegetables, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing. Check your vegetables regularly to ensure they don't burn, as cooking times may vary between air fryer models.

Step 6: Toss or Shake Midway

Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to toss the vegetables or shake the air fryer basket. This helps ensure even cooking and promotes crispiness on all sides.

Step 7: Serve

Once your vegetables are tender and browned to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavour boost. Enjoy!

How to season air fryer vegetables

Firstly, it is important to note that different vegetables have different cooking times. For example, tender vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions cook quicker than firmer vegetables like butternut squash, beets, potatoes, and parsnips. Therefore, it is recommended to cook them separately.

When it comes to seasoning, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some popular choices:

• Italian seasoning
• Herbes de Provence
• Gremolata (a mixture of fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic)
• Cajun seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

You can also add some crunch to your vegetables with toasted almond slices or cashew halves. Additionally, feel free to sprinkle some Parmesan, goat, or feta cheese on top of your veggies for extra flavor.

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for tender vegetables or 400°F for firmer vegetables.
• Chop your chosen vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces.
• Place the vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another preferred cooking oil.
• Add your choice of dry spices and seasonings and toss the vegetables to ensure they are well coated.
• Spray the basket insert of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
• Cook the vegetables according to the recommended times for tender and firm veggies, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
• Once the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to cook specific vegetables in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. They're quick, easy, and produce a similar result to roasting, but with a crispier exterior and in less time.

Tender Vegetables

Tender vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms, cook quickly in the air fryer. To prepare them, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the vegetables to your desired size and drizzle them with olive oil for a more roasted taste. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice for even cooking.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower taste great when they're a little charred and crispy. To prepare them, toss the florets with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent burning. Cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Summer Squash

Summer squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, are delicious when cooked in the air fryer. A little salt and pepper enhance their flavour. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Onions

Onion chunks burn easily, so use a small amount of oil to coat them before air frying. Cook the onions in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers benefit from a little oil to prevent their thin skins from burning. Cook them in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Firm Vegetables

Firm vegetables, such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin), take longer to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Chop the vegetables into small pieces and drizzle them with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.

Potatoes

The type of potato matters when air frying. Sweet potatoes are firmer and take longer to cook, while white potatoes are softer and cook more quickly. Air fry potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.

Butternut Squash

Peel and dice the butternut squash, then toss the cubes with oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes.

Beets and Carrots

Dice beets, carrots, and parsnips, then toss them with oil and seasonings. Air fry them in a single layer at 375°F (190°C).

Frequently asked questions