Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and downright delicious way to get more veggies onto your plate, these Air Fryer Vegetables are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a colorful medley of broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and carrots, all perfectly roasted with just the right amount of seasoning—and ready in under 25 minutes! This recipe transforms everyday vegetables into a vibrant side dish with irresistibly crispy edges and a tender bite, and it’s one of my absolute favorite ways to let veggies shine. Whether you’re serving them alongside a weeknight dinner or piling them onto a hearty grain bowl, Air Fryer Vegetables are a game-changer for anyone who loves big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Air Fryer Vegetables is just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every veggie brings its own unique texture and pop of color, while the seasonings and a touch of olive oil tie it all together for that signature roasted flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and soaks up all those savory seasonings beautifully.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a sweet, vibrant flavor and a gorgeous splash of color to the mix.
- Zucchini: Its mild taste and tender texture make it a perfect partner for roasting in the air fryer.
- Yellow squash: Similar to zucchini but with a slightly nuttier note and sunny color.
- Baby carrots: Naturally sweet, and when halved, they roast up beautifully and add a pop of orange.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and gives the veggies that irresistible crispiness.
- Garlic powder: Adds an instant boost of savory flavor with zero chopping required.
- Onion powder: Lends a mellow, aromatic depth that rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a little Mediterranean flair to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Just the right amount wakes up all the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish that’s especially delicious if you’re feeling a little indulgent.
How to Make Air Fryer Vegetables
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you do anything else, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures your Air Fryer Vegetables start cooking at the perfect temperature, which helps them get that signature crispy finish.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your chopped broccoli, red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and halved baby carrots. This is the foundation of your dish, and mixing them together ensures every bite is colorful and full of variety.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Drizzle the olive oil over your veggies, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now, use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. This step guarantees that every vegetable is bursting with flavor when it comes out of the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Transfer the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, don’t be afraid to cook in batches—crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through, until the veggies are tender with irresistibly crispy edges.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your Air Fryer Vegetables are done, transfer them to a serving dish and, if you like, sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan cheese. Serve them warm, either as a side dish or piled over your favorite rice or pasta for a simple, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer Vegetables
Garnishes
Sprinkle your hot veggies with fresh chopped parsley, a handful of basil, or a finishing squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. If you’re in the mood for something special, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can take your Air Fryer Vegetables to the next level.
Side Dishes
These veggies are the ultimate sidekick! Serve them alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or your favorite tofu dish. They also shine next to a simple bowl of quinoa, farro, or fluffy couscous for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Air Fryer Vegetables into the star of the show by piling them on top of a grain bowl, tucking them inside a wrap, or even mixing them into a hearty pasta salad. For a fun appetizer, skewer them and serve with a tangy dipping sauce at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Vegetables keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Their flavor deepens a bit overnight, making them a fantastic addition to next-day salads or grain bowls.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze these veggies, I recommend enjoying them fresh whenever possible. Freezing might cause them to lose some of their crispness, but if you must, spread the cooled vegetables on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-cooked texture, pop your Air Fryer Vegetables back in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F. This method revives their crispiness far better than microwaving, which can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Vegetables are endlessly customizable. Try swapping in mushrooms, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potato cubes—just be sure to cut everything to a similar size so it cooks evenly.
Do I need to peel the zucchini or squash?
No need to peel! Both zucchini and yellow squash have thin, tender skins that roast beautifully and add extra color and nutrients to your Air Fryer Vegetables.
How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A light coating of olive oil usually does the trick, but if your air fryer tends to stick, consider lining the basket with parchment paper made specifically for air fryers, or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray before adding the veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
You can absolutely double the ingredients, but you’ll want to cook the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures every piece gets perfectly roasted and doesn’t steam.
Are Air Fryer Vegetables healthy?
Definitely! Air Fryer Vegetables are a fantastic way to enjoy all the nutrients, fiber, and flavor of fresh veggies with just a small amount of oil. They’re lower in calories than traditional roasted or sautéed vegetables and perfect for a healthy diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, vibrant, and delicious way to enjoy your veggies, give these Air Fryer Vegetables a try! They’re quick enough for busy weeknights, endlessly versatile, and sure to bring a burst of color and flavor to any meal. You might just find yourself making them on repeat!
Print
Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and healthy recipe for air fryer vegetables featuring broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and baby carrots tossed with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then roasted to perfection. This versatile side dish is perfect for a nutritious meal or to serve alongside rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
Seasoning & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking of the vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red bell pepper chunks, sliced zucchini, sliced yellow squash, and halved baby carrots. This variety ensures a colorful and nutritious mix.
- Season Vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Air Fry Vegetables: Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Once tender and lightly browned, remove the vegetables from the air fryer. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot vegetables for added flavor. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or over rice or pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute or add other vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts depending on preference and availability.
- For extra flavor, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes for crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
