Air-Fryer Veg: What's Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. You can cook a wide variety of vegetables in an air fryer, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, squashes, onions, corn, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, radishes, and mushrooms. The key to success is to cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces so that they cook through evenly.

Tender vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and green beans

When cooking tender vegetables in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. This is because the hot air needs to be able to contact the vegetables on all sides for them to become caramelized and crisp.

You can also blanch tender vegetables before air frying. To do this, cover them with boiling hot salted water in a bowl, then cover the bowl with a lid to keep the heat in for about half an hour. Drain thoroughly, then cook in the air fryer as desired.

Seasoning can also be added to tender vegetables before air frying. For example, you could season with salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil.

Firm vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower

You can blanch the vegetables first, and then season with salt, pepper, paprika and olive oil, before air frying at 200 degrees Celsius for eight minutes.

If you want to use fresh vegetables, cover them with boiling hot salted water in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid to keep the heat in for about half an hour. Drain thoroughly and cook in the air fryer as desired.

Root vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, and radishes

When preparing root vegetables for the air fryer, it is important to cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook through evenly and become caramelized and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating and browning the vegetables properly.

In addition to root vegetables, other firm vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, can also be cooked in the air fryer. These vegetables should be cut into small florets or slices to ensure even cooking. Tender vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, and asparagus, can also be air-fried, but be careful not to overcook them as they will become tender more quickly than the firmer vegetables.

By following these simple tips, you can easily prepare a variety of root vegetables and other produce in your air fryer, creating delicious and healthy meals.

Squashes and corn

To cook squashes and corn in an air fryer, you should cut them into fairly small pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. If the pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the other vegetables are tender. You should also make sure not to crowd the air fryer basket. This is because, in order for the vegetables to become caramelised and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

You can also blanch the vegetables before you air fry them. To do this, cover them with boiling hot salted water in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a dish or lid to keep the heat in for about half an hour. Drain thoroughly and cook in the air fryer as desired.

Fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, and apples

You can cook a wide variety of vegetables in an air fryer, including firm vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, and tender vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and green beans.

When cooking fruits in an air fryer, it is important to note that they may cook at a faster rate than vegetables. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, some fruits may release juices during cooking, so it is recommended to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and flavours when cooking fruits in an air fryer. For example, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of brown sugar can enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a tangy twist to your air-fried fruits.

Frequently asked questions