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?
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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:
- 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 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.
- 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.
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.
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!
Air Fryer Vegetables
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.
