Air-Fryer Vegetables
Transform your vegetable game with these Air-Fryer Vegetables! If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious individual, or just someone who loves a good crunch, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of vibrant vegetables tossed in olive oil and seasonings, then air-fried to perfection, is simply irresistible.
Plus, the air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables while making them crispier than traditional roasting. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of these colorful, nutritious veggies. Let’s dive into why you’ll keep making these Air-Fryer Vegetables!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing you can have a plate of perfectly roasted veggies ready in less than 20 minutes. Not only are these Air-Fryer Vegetables a breeze to prepare, but they also offer a delightful crunch and fresh flavor that complements any main dish. The versatility in the choice of vegetables means you can switch things up based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free addition to your meals.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces and layers separated
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
What’s in the Gear List
- Air Fryer: The star of this recipe, allowing for a quick cook time and crispy results.
- Cutting Board: For chopping and prepping your vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through veggies a breeze.
- Large Bowl: To toss your veggies in olive oil and seasonings.
- Spatula or Tongs: For easy handling of the veggies once they’re cooked.
Air-Fryer Vegetables — Do This Next
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, broccoli, and cauliflower into the specified sizes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place all the veggies in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Vegetables
In the same bowl, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your vegetables start cooking immediately when placed in the fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Vegetables
Carefully place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the cooking time is up, check your vegetables. They should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges. If you prefer them more roasted, you can add a few additional minutes to the timer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, remove the vegetables from the air fryer and serve them hot as a side dish or toss them into salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: All ingredients used are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Ideal for low-carb diets; just watch the amount of zucchini used.
- Spicy Option: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!
Flavor Logic
The beauty of Air-Fryer Vegetables lies in their adaptability. The combination of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them. You can easily switch out the seasonings based on your preferences. Consider trying herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an Italian flair, or a dash of cumin and paprika for a warm, smoky flavor.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Leftover Air-Fryer Vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. If you plan to meal prep, consider making a larger batch to use throughout the week in various dishes, such as wraps, salads, or as a side to your favorite protein.
Handy Q&A
Can I use frozen vegetables in the air fryer?
Yes! Frozen vegetables can work well in the air fryer; however, they may require a slightly longer cooking time and may not get as crispy as fresh veggies.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add any of your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts would complement this recipe beautifully.
How do I prevent my vegetables from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to coat your vegetables evenly with olive oil, and consider spraying the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray before adding the veggies.
Can I use different oils for this recipe?
Absolutely! While extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic choice, you can also use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any other high smoke point oil.
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Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to create delicious Air-Fryer Vegetables, it’s time to get cooking! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a vibrant, nutritious dish that will brighten up any meal. Enjoy the convenience of the air fryer while savoring the incredible flavors and textures these vegetables offer. Happy cooking!
Air-Fryer Vegetables
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, broccoli, and cauliflower into the specified sizes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place all the veggies in a large bowl.
- In the same bowl, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your vegetables start cooking immediately when placed in the fryer.
- Carefully place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the cooking time is up, check your vegetables. They should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges. If you prefer them more roasted, you can add a few additional minutes to the timer.
- Once done, remove the vegetables from the air fryer and serve them hot as a side dish or toss them into salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
Notes
- Leftover Air-Fryer Vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables based on the season.
