In today’s edition of “What Food Can You Cook In Your Air Fryer?” – Vegetables! Specifically, all the vegetables. Cooking vegetables in the air fryer gives you a result similar to roasting, but crispier on the outside and in far less time. So today I’m walking you through how to cook virtually any veggie in your trusty air fryer. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll break down our vegetables into two categories: tender and firm. Tender veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers, are quicker to cook than their tougher friends, like butternut squash and beets. And you can even throw in your frozen veggies! Every air fryer is a bit different though, so while I’ve tested this recipe on as many air fryers as I could, yours may cook at a slightly different speed than mine does. Always keep an eye on your vegetables in the air fryer to keep tabs on how quickly they’re cooking and to prevent burning.
How To Air Fry Tender Vegetables
Any quick-cooking veggie will fall into the “Tender Vegetable” category. These are great for busy weeknights when you need to get a vegetable on the table! It includes veggies like:
Crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) Summer Squash (like zucchini and yellow squash) Soft Veggies (like bell pepper, tomato, mushrooms, and onions) Thin Veggies (like asparagus and green beans)
To cook tender vegetables in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prep your veggies by chopping them to the size you want, optionally drizzling with olive oil (this will make them a bit more roasted tasting in the end). Add to your air fryer in as flat of a layer as possible and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even cooking.
How To Air Fry Broccoli Or Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower are just better when they’re a bit charred and crispy, right? To air fry crucifers like broccoli or cauliflower, toss them with a bit of oil (or cooking spray) to keep those florets from burning, and pop them in a 375°F (190°C) air fryer for about 10 minutes.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings 👈 Crispy from the air fryer and packed with flavor Frozen Broccoli Air Fried 👈 Got frozen broccoli? Follow this guide
How To Air Fry Summer Squash
Tender types of squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, are amazing when cooked in the air fryer. They don’t necessarily need oil, but a little salt and pepper go a long way! Cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Air Fried Zucchini Chips 👈 For a healthy snack that you can’t stop eating!
How To Air Fry Onions
Air fryer onions are such a fun way to transform the humble onion! Use a bit of oil to prevent the onion chunks from burning (each layer of onion is quite thin, so they burn easily). Simply toss the onion chunks in a small amount of oil then air fry in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Garlic 👈 For the roasted garlic lovers!
How To Air Fry Bell Pepper
Air frying bell peppers is a nice way to give them a little char without having to wait for them to cook forever in the oven. As with the onions, bell pepper need a little oil to prevent their thin skins from burning. Then just air fry the bell pepper in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes
How To Air Fry Firm Vegetables
When I think of roasted veggies, the “Firm Vegetables” usually come to mind. These guys take a bit longer to cook, but oh is it worth it! Firm vegetables include:
Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnip) Winter Squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin)
To cook firm vegetables in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prep your veggies by chopping them to the size you want (remember: smaller pieces cook faster!) Optionally drizzle with oil and add to your air fryer in as flat of a layer as possible. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to promote even cooking.
How To Air Fry Potatoes
When it comes to air frying potatoes, the type of potato matters. Where sweet potatoes are firmer and will take a bit more time, white potatoes can be softer and will cook quicker. The general rule of thumb is to air fry potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Beginners Guide To Air Fryer Potatoes 👈 Learn how to make fries, wedges, or baked potatoes Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Fries 👈 If you’re craving some homemade fries
How To Air Fry Butternut Squash
It can take hours for winter squash, like butternut or acorn squash, to cook in the oven. Fortunately, you have an air fryer! Simple peel and dice your butternut squash, toss the cubes with a bit of oil, and air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes (the smaller you dice the squash, the quicker it will cook).
How To Air Fry Beets or Carrots
Other firm vegetables, like beets, carrots, and parsnip, take a similar approach when being cooked in the air fryer. Dice them up, toss with a little oil and seasonings, then air fryer in a single layer at 375°F (190°C).
Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Chips 👈 You can’t eat just one!
How To Air Fry Frozen Vegetables
You can even use your air fryer to cook frozen vegetables! Figure out which category your veggie falls under (tender or firm, see notes above), then just add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the veggies having to thaw during the cooking process. It’s crucial when cooking frozen vegetables in your air fryer to give them space! Be sure there is some room between your veggies to ensure water can evaporate and they can become perfectly roasted.
