How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Vegetables
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably worn out by limp, steamed vegetables. Even oven-roasted vegetables have lost their appeal, because they may require a long cooking time and also hog precious oven space. Why not give air frying vegetables a shot?
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What are the best vegetables for air frying?
If you’re just starting with air frying, you might be curious about which vegetables perform best with this quick, simple cooking technique. And here’s the great news: nearly every vegetable can be air fried until wonderfully crisp. These are my favorites:
Onions: There’s nothing quite as tempting as a tray of crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings! Soak them in Spicy Ketchup or Sriracha Ranch. You won’t regret it.
Sweet potatoes: I’m crazy about sweet potatoes, particularly when they come out nicely crisp. Whether you’re craving fries or chips, the air fryer is an ideal way to prepare them. Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
Zucchini: Zucchini can feel a little plain, but an air fryer can turn it into something truly mouthwatering. Before you dismiss the thought, test these crispy, crunchy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Serve with Spicy Ketchup or Sriracha Ranch!
Brussels sprouts: If Brussels sprouts have never been your thing, it’s worth giving air frying a try. They turn out wonderfully crisp and caramelized, which makes them a delicious, healthy side option. Try these Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with a drizzle of Harissa Dressing and get ready to be impressed.
Broccolini: Steamed or roasted broccolini is old news. Whip up this Air Fryer Broccolini and you’ll want it again and again!
Asparagus: Asparagus can be a bit touchy to cook, but air frying makes it effortless. It consistently comes out fork-tender and crisp. My top pick is this Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus made in the air fryer.
Artichokes: Artichokes take a little extra effort to get ready, but they’re absolutely worth it once they’re air fried to crisp perfection. Test this Air Fryer Artichokes recipe and pair it with Harissa Dressing, Sriracha Ranch, or Spicy Zhoug Sauce for dipping!
Chiles: Roasted chiles are fantastic for boosting the flavor of sauces, soups, stews, sandwiches, or even as a pizza topping. When Hatch chile season rolls around, be ready. These Air Fryer Hatch Green Chiles are incredible.
Corn: Corn isn’t particularly difficult to prepare, but the moment you make Air Fryer Corn Elote, you’ll never want it any other way!
Pickles: Who says fried pickles can’t qualify as a vegetable? They absolutely can—especially when you make Air Fryer Fried Pickles!
Whether you’re into timeless options like fries or chips or you’d rather try something a little different, such as artichokes or chiles, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead and try air frying—watch how it can totally change your veggies!
Tips for How to Air Fry Any Vegetable to Perfection
Air frying is a fast, simple way to cook that delivers crisp, full-of-flavor vegetables every single time. Here’s the method:
- Prep Your Vegetables. Before you fire up the air fryer, rinse and chop your vegetables into consistent-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. If you’re working with thicker vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you might want to soak them in cold water for a few minutes ahead of cooking to encourage extra crisping. Dry them thoroughly before air frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Most air fryers include a preheat option, so use it before you add your vegetables. This supports even cooking and better browning.
- Add a Light Coat of Oil. For improved crispness, lightly toss your vegetables with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Use whichever oil you like, but olive oil or avocado oil tend to work especially well. Just avoid going overboard, since too much oil can lead to soggy results.
- Cook Your Vegetables. When your air fryer is hot, add the vegetables to the basket in a single layer. Shut the air fryer and set the timer according to the suggested cooking time. Many vegetables cook in roughly 10–15 minutes, though denser options like potatoes may require a bit more time.
- Enjoy! When your vegetables reach your preferred level of doneness, take them out of the air fryer and serve right away. Season with your favorite herbs and spices, or enjoy them straight up.
My favorite air fryers
Nowadays, you can find plenty of air fryers that perform really well and cost reasonable amounts. Any of them will work with all your go-to air fryer vegetable recipes. These are the ones I like most.
COSORI MAX XL AIR FRYER
This large, basket-style air fryer from Cosori is extremely popular, and it’s easy to see why. It holds 5.8 quarts, which makes it perfect for cooking medium-sized batches. It also includes a nonstick basket, so cleanup is simple. Plus, the price is a win. You can usually grab it for about $120.
NINJA FOODI DIGITAL AIR FRY 13-IN-1 AIR FRYER COUNTERTOP OVEN
I truly love this air fryer oven! I appreciate that it offers more capacity than my basket air fryer, so I can often cook everything in a single batch instead of splitting it into two. It can reach up to 450°F, while many basket air fryers top out around 400°F. I also like the stainless-steel basket.
The clever low-profile, flip-up design of the Ninja Foodi air fryer oven also makes it easier for me to squeeze it into my small kitchen.
Air frying is an excellent way to prepare tasty, crunchy vegetables every single time. Using a few easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious side dish in no time. Therefore, whenever you crave crisp veggies, turn to air frying!
Air Fryer Vegetables
Robin Donovan
Air frying is a fast and effortless cooking approach that delivers wonderfully crunchy, full-of-flavor vegetables each time. Here’s how to do it:
(keep your screen awake)
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Prep Your Vegetables. Before you begin air frying, rinse and cut your vegetables into consistent portions. This step helps everything cook evenly. If you’re working with thicker vegetables such as potatoes or carrots, you might want to soak them in cool water for a few minutes beforehand to encourage better crisping. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before air frying.
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Preheat the Air Fryer. Many air fryers offer a preheat function, so use it before you add your vegetables. Doing so supports even cooking and helps you achieve a crisp, golden finish.
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Apply a Thin Layer of Oil. For extra crunch, coat your vegetables lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Any oil you prefer will work, though olive oil or avocado oil tend to perform especially well. Just don’t overdo it, since too much oil can result in vegetables that turn out limp.
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Cook Your Vegetables. After preheating your air fryer, place the vegetables in the basket in a single layer. Close the appliance and set the timer according to the suggested cooking period. Most vegetables are ready in roughly 10–15 minutes, though denser options like potatoes may require a little more time.
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Have Fun Eating! When your vegetables reach your preferred tenderness, take them out of the air fryer and serve right away.You can add seasonings with your preferred herbs and spices, or savor them in their original form.
Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 36mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 3839IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
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