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How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Vegetables

If you’re like me, you’re tired of soggy, steamed vegetables. Even roasted vegetables have lost their charm since they can take a long time to cook and take up valuable oven space. So why not try air frying vegetables?

low angle shot of a plate of air fried onion rings.

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What are the best vegetables for air frying?

If you’re new to air frying, you may be wondering which vegetables work best in this quick and easy cooking method. And you’re going to like the answer: Just about any vegetable can be air fried to crispy perfection. Here are my favorites:

Onions: There’s nothing more enticing than a basket of crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings! Dunk them in Spicy Ketchup or Sriracha Ranch. You won’t be sorry.

Low angle shot of a bowl of crispy sweet potato chips made in the air fryer.

Sweet potatoes: I love sweet potatoes, especially when they’re nice and crispy. Whether you prefer fries or chips, the air fryer is the perfect way to cook them. Try making Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Zucchini: Zucchini can be sort of a boring vegetable, but using the air fryer can transform it into a delectable treat. Before you turn up your nose at the idea, try these crispy, crunchy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Dip them into Spicy Ketchup or Sriracha Ranch!

Low angle shot of a plate of air fryer zucchini fries.

Brussels sprouts: If you’ve never been a fan of Brussels sprouts, give air frying a try. They come out deliciously crispy and caramelized, making them a tasty and healthy side dish. Try these Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with a drizzle of Harissa Dressing and prepare to be dazzled.

Broccolini: Steamed or roasted broccolini is so last century. Try this Air Fryer Broccolini and you’ll never go back!

Asparagus: Asparagus can be a bit finicky to cook, but air frying makes it a breeze. It comes out perfectly tender and crispy every time. My absolute favorite is this Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus cooked in the air fryer.

high angle shot of a plate of artichokes cooked in the air fryer.

Artichokes: Artichokes are a bit of a pain to prepare, but they’re worth it when they’re air fried to crispy perfection. Try this recipe for Air Fryer Artichokes and offer Harissa Dressing, Sriracha Ranch, or Spicy Zhoug Sauce for dipping!

Chiles: Roasted chiles are great for adding to sauces, soups, stews, sandwiches, or even as a pizza topper. When Hatch chile season comes around, watch out. These Air Fryer Hatch Green Chiles are the bomb.

High angle shot of 3 air fried corn on the cob.

Corn: Corn isn’t exactly challenging to cook, but once you’ve tried making Air Fryer Corn Elote, you’ll never want it any other way!

Pickles: What, you didn’t know fried pickles could count as a vegetable? They definitely can, especially when they’re Air Fryer Fried Pickles!

Whether you’re a fan of classic favorites like fries or chips or want to try something a little more unique like artichokes or chiles, there’s something for everyone. So give air frying a try and see how it can transform your veggies!

High angle shot of a plate of air fryer fried pickles. There is a hand holding a pickle that has been dipped in dressing.

Tips for How to Air Fry Any Vegetable to Perfection

Air frying is a quick and easy cooking method that turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful vegetables every time. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prep Your Vegetables. Before you start air frying, wash and chop your vegetables into uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. If you’re using denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you may want to soak them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to help them crisp up. Make sure to dry them well before air frying them.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so be sure to use it before adding your vegetables. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
  3. Add a Light Coat of Oil. To help your vegetables crisp up, lightly coat them in oil before adding them to the air fryer. You can use any type of oil that you like, but olive oil or avocado oil work well. Just be sure not to use too much, as this can lead to soggy vegetables.
  4. Cook Your Vegetables. Once your air fryer is hot, add your vegetables to the basket in a single layer. Close the air fryer and set the timer for the recommended cooking time. Most vegetables will cook in about 10-15 minutes, but denser vegetables like potatoes may take a bit longer.
  5. Enjoy! Once your vegetables are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can season them with your favorite herbs and spices, or enjoy them as is.
Step 4 for making air fryer broccolini: Air fry broccolini.
Air fry the broccolini.

My favorite air fryers

There are numerous air fryers on the market these days that work great and come at affordable prices. Any of them will work with all your favorite air fryer vegetable recipes. Here are my favorites.

COSORI MAX XL AIR FRYER

This large basket-style air fryer from Cosori is super popular and it’s not hard to see why. It has a capacity of 5.8 quarts, so it is great for cooking medium-size batches of food. It has a nonstick basket, which makes cleanup easy. The price for this air fryer is great, too. It sells for around $120.

NINJA FOODI DIGITAL AIR FRY 13-IN-1 AIR FRYER COUNTERTOP OVEN

I love this air fryer oven! I love that it has a larger capacity than my basket air fryer, so I can often cook things in one batch instead of two. It also goes up to 450°F while most basket air fryers go up to 400°F. I also like the stainless-steel basket. 

The ingenious low-profile, flip-up design of the Ninja Foodi air fryer oven also makes it easier for me to find room for in my tiny kitchen.

Low angle shot of roasted chiles.

Air frying is a great way to cook delicious, crispy vegetables every time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and healthy side dish in no time. So next time you’re craving crispy veggies, give air frying a try!

low angle shot of a plate of air fried onion rings.

Air Fryer Vegetables

Robin Donovan
Air frying is a quick and easy cooking method that turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful vegetables every time. Here’s how to do it:
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 2 pounds vegetables of choice trimmed and sliced or chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prep Your Vegetables. Before you start air frying, wash and chop your vegetables into uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. If you’re using denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you may want to soak them in cold water for a few minutes before cooking to help them crisp up. Make sure to dry them well before air frying them.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so be sure to use it before adding your vegetables. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
  • Add a Light Coat of Oil. To help your vegetables crisp up, lightly coat them in oil before adding them to the air fryer. You can use any type of oil that you like, but olive oil or avocado oil work well. Just be sure not to use too much, as this can lead to soggy vegetables.
  • Cook Your Vegetables. Once your air fryer is preheated, add your vegetables to the basket in a single layer. Close the air fryer and set the timer for the recommended cooking time. Most vegetables will cook in about 10-15 minutes, but denser vegetables like potatoes may take a bit longer.
  • Enjoy! Once your vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can season them with your favorite herbs and spices, or enjoy them as is.
Keyword air fryer, air fryer vegetables
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By on December 29th, 2022

ABOUT ROBIN DONOVAN

Hi, I’m Robin! I am a full-time food blogger, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I spend my days cooking, writing about, and photographing food.

I’m the author of more than 50 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, 5 Ingredient Cooking for Two, Sushi at Home, The Baking Cookbook for Teens, and the bestselling Campfire Cuisine.

My food writing has also been featured in major print and online pubications including Cooking Light, Fitness, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, and others. → More about Robin

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