Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of vegetables. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly roasted vegetables in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.
To make perfect roasted vegetables in an air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400F, cut vegetables into even pieces, toss with oil, salt, pepper and desired seasonings. Cook for 10-15 minutes (20-25 for root vegetables) Shake halfway through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
In this article, we’ll show you how to make perfect roasted vegetables in an air fryer with a few simple steps.
Step 1: Ingredients
The first step in making perfect roasted vegetables in an air fryer is to select the right vegetables. Some of the best vegetables for roasting in an air fryer include:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Sweet potatoes
These vegetables have a high water content, which makes them perfect for roasting in the hot, dry air of an air fryer. They also have a delicate texture that becomes tender and slightly crispy when roasted.
You can also use root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips for a delicious and healthy side dish. These vegetables are denser and take longer to cook, but they are perfect for roasting in an air fryer.
Step 2: Equipments
Once you have your vegetables selected, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment. An air fryer is the most important piece of equipment, of course, but you’ll also need a cutting board, knife, bowl, measuring spoons, and a mixing spoon.
The size of the air fryer you require will depend on the amount of vegetables you want to roast. If you are cooking for a large family or group, you may need a larger air fryer.
Step 3: Preparation
To prepare your vegetables for roasting, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C). While the air fryer is heating up, cut your vegetables into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and in the same amount of time.
For vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, you can cut them into 1-inch cubes. For root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips, you can cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
Once the vegetables are cut, toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Mix the vegetables well to make sure they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Cooking
Now it’s time to cook your vegetables. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around the vegetables and cook them evenly.
Cook the vegetables for about 10–15 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the vegetables are cooked evenly.
For root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips, you will need to cook them for a longer time.
These vegetables are denser and take longer to cook, so you will need to set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190.56 °C) and cook them for 20–25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Serving
Once your vegetables are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. The key to making perfect roasted vegetables is to serve them hot and fresh out of the air fryer.
You can pair them with a variety of other dishes, from grilled chicken or fish to a simple salad. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips:
Here are some additional tips for making perfect roasted vegetables in an air fryer:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the vegetables are in a single layer and have enough space between them to cook evenly.
- Use a high smoke point oil, like olive oil or avocado oil, which can withstand the high temperature of the air fryer without smoking or burning.
- If you’re using vegetables that have different cooking times (for example, potatoes and zucchini), start by cooking the vegetables that take longer to cook and add the faster-cooking vegetables later.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add flavor to your roasted vegetables. You can use Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or any other seasoning blends that you like.
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a non-stick surface, you can spray the basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Be sure to shake the basket every few minutes to prevent the vegetables from sticking together and to ensure even cooking.
Note: Remember to pay attention to the type of vegetable you are cooking, and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and oils to find the perfect flavor for your roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about using an air fryer for the first time:
Q: What are the best vegetables to roast in an air fryer?
A: Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and sweet potatoes are some of the best vegetables for roasting in an air fryer. Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips are also great options.
Q: How long do I cook vegetables in an air fryer?
A: Most vegetables should be cooked for about 10–15 minutes in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C), or until they are tender and slightly charred. Root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips take longer to cook and should be cooked for 20–25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190.56 °C).
Q: Can I crowd the basket when roasting vegetables in an air fryer?
A: No, it is important to place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around the vegetables and cook them evenly.
Q: Do I need to shake the basket when roasting vegetables in an air fryer?
A: Yes, it is a good idea to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the vegetables are cooked evenly.
Q: Can I store leftovers of roasted vegetables in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can store leftovers of roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making perfect roasted vegetables in an air fryer is an easy way to enjoy the taste and health benefits of vegetables. With a few basic steps, you can achieve perfectly roasted vegetables in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.
So go ahead and experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
