Air fryer vegetables
These air fryer vegetables mean business. They are colourful, require very little effort, and go with everything, but also do quite well as a light main on their own. You just chop, season, and press a button. In return, you get carrots, courgettes, red pepper, and red onion that are crisp, tender, and full of flavour. Add a creamy finish of white cheese and fresh basil. Vegetables this good do not need to play second fiddle.
Ingredients
|
2
Carrots
|
|
|---|---|
|
1
Courgette
|
|
|
1
Red pepper
|
|
|
1
Red onion
|
|
|
2 tbsp
Butter
|
|
|
1 tsp
Flake salt
|
|
|
½ tsp
Black pepper
|
|
|
1 pot
Fresh basil
|
Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Cut the carrots into bite-sized chunks so they roast all the way through without overcooking. Slice the courgette into half-moons of similar size, dice the red peppers into small squares, and quarter the red onion. Keep the pieces evenly sized so they cook at the same pace.
Spread the carrot, courgette, red pepper, and onion pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This way, the hot air can circulate freely, giving you crisp and evenly cooked vegetables.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer vegetables
Before you turn on the air fryer, have a look at our answers to the most frequently asked questions about air fryer vegetables. They cover the little details that make vegetables taste their best.
What vegetables can you cook in an air fryer?
You can cook a great variety of vegetables in an air fryer, such as carrots, courgettes, red peppers, and red onions. These vegetables turn tender and slightly crispy when air-fried. You can also try broccoli, cauliflower, yellow squash, mushrooms, green beans, potatoes, and beets. For harder vegetables like potatoes and beets, chop them into smaller pieces or cook them a bit longer to make sure they are fully cooked. Remember to chop all vegetables to about the same size and shake or stir them halfway through cooking for the best results.
How to cook vegetables in an air fryer?
Cook the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 200 °C for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Peel and cut two carrots, one courgette, one red pepper, and one red onion into evenly sized pieces. Toss the vegetables in a large bowl with two tablespoons of butter and rapeseed oil, one teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer if needed before cooking.
How long to air fry vegetables in an air fryer?
Air fry vegetables for about 20 minutes at 200 °C, shaking or stirring halfway through. For the best outcome, spread the vegetables in a single layer so the hot air can circulate. If you prefer extra crispiness, consider preheating it for 3–5 minutes at 200 °C before adding the vegetables. If you are using a smaller air fryer, cook in batches and check every 3–5 minutes to avoid overcooking them.
How to cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
To cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, place them straight from the freezer into the basket in a single, even layer, allowing them to crisp up nicely and cook at the same rate. Set the air fryer to 200 °C and cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through, shake or stir the vegetables to make sure they brown evenly.
Can you steam vegetables in an air fryer?
No, you cannot steam vegetables in an air fryer in the traditional sense. Air fryers use dry heat, which is great for roasting or air-frying vegetables, but not for steaming. If you want to try for a steaming effect, add a little water to the air fryer’s bottom, making sure it does not touch the vegetables, and cook at a lower temperature. This might soften the vegetables somewhat, but it will give you the same results as using a steamer.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
363 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 12.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 4 | 3.6 gram |
| Fat | 62.2 | 25.5 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 33.8 | 30.2 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
You may also like
Show off your cooking skills with delicious air fryer vegetables
Air frying is one of those clever kitchen tricks that makes you look like a pro with very little effort. All you do is prep, season, and let the air fryer do the rest. The beauty of this recipe is that you can throw in almost any vegetables you have at home. Still, we recommend you select a colourful bunch just to make it more appetising.
In the air fryer, the vegetables caramelise and soften, with the edges turning golden and slightly crisp. The natural sweetness of the carrots and peppers comes forward, while the courgettes soak up the seasoning and the onions add a mellow sweetness. Like oven-roasted vegetables, they become rich in flavour and beautifully browned, only here it all happens faster and with less oil. But the air fryer vegetables are not done just yet; they get a lovely finishing touch.
Topped with creamy white cheese and fresh basil
Just when the vegetables are nearly done, it is time for the final addition. Scatter cubes of white cheese over the hot vegetables and air fry for another 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to warm and soften without fully melting away, creating a creamy contrast to the crisp, caramelised edges of the vegetables. Serve with a handful of fresh basil leaves on top. It adds a fresh, herby note that ties everything together.
Tasty sides and mains with air-fried vegetables
Air-fried vegetables go with everything, be it fish, pasta, potatoes, you name it. Pair them with air fryer salmon with soy sauce or a simple fillet of air fryer cod for a simple dinner. They are also great alongside air-fried jacket potatoes or air-fried sweet potato fries, giving you a hearty, comforting meal with very little effort.
If you prefer something fresh and colourful, toss the vegetables into a couscous salad or pasta salad, adding both flavour and texture. Or make tortilla wraps and add a bit of chickpea hummus or beetroot hummus. It is a great lunch option you can bring to school or work.
Explore different variations
Vegetables do not mind a little makeover, and neither will you. Explore different variations of the air fryer vegetables with herbs, cheeses, and more. Try swapping the fresh basil for other herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Change up the cheese by using halloumi or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a saltier touch.
If you like a bit of heat, add chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne before air-frying. For extra crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds just before serving. The vegetables can also take on a sweeter note. Drizzle them with honey or maple syrup before air frying for a caramelised glaze.
