Air frying vegetables is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to enjoy a healthy, flavorful side dish or snack. Unlike traditional roasting, air frying uses rapid hot air circulation to create perfectly crisp edges and tender interiors without the need for excessive oil.
This method locks in the natural flavors of the vegetables while keeping them light and nutritious. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your meals or want a quick, easy way to prepare a guilt-free treat, this best air fried vegetables recipe will become your go-to.
It’s simple, versatile, and packed with vibrant colors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
From crispy Brussels sprouts to tender zucchini slices, this recipe highlights the best ways to season and cook a medley of vegetables to perfection. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Ready to dive into a delightful vegetable experience? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fried vegetable recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fast and Easy: Air frying cuts down cooking time significantly compared to oven roasting.
- Less Oil, More Flavor: Uses minimal oil while delivering crispy, caramelized vegetables.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings for endless variations.
- Healthy: Retains nutrients better than boiling or frying in lots of oil.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
If you enjoy recipes like this, be sure to check out Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more nutritious vegetable dishes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Brussels sprouts | 2 cups | Halved |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Cut into thin sticks |
| Red bell pepper | 1 large | Sliced |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Sliced into rounds |
| Cauliflower florets | 2 cups | Fresh, bite-sized pieces |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Optional for smoky flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For tossing vegetables |
| Salt | To taste | Preferably sea salt or kosher salt |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
Equipment
- Air fryer – Essential for crisping vegetables with little oil
- Mixing bowl – To toss vegetables with oil and seasoning
- Measuring spoons – For accurate seasoning
- Knife and cutting board – To prep vegetables
- Tongs or spatula – For shaking or stirring halfway through cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Halve the Brussels sprouts, slice the red bell pepper into strips, cut the carrots into sticks, and slice the zucchini into rounds.
- Toss with oil and seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to ensure even coating.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange vegetables in air fryer basket: Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the veggies evenly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the vegetables: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or using tongs to toss the vegetables halfway through cooking. This step ensures even crisping and browning.
- Check for doneness: The vegetables should be tender inside with golden, slightly crispy edges. If you prefer them crispier, cook an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the air fried vegetables to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
“To get the crispiest vegetables, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give them space!”
Here are some helpful tips to elevate your air fried veggies:
- Use a variety of vegetables for more complex flavors and textures. Experiment with asparagus, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
- If you like your veggies more seasoned, try adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary before air frying.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle with cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the garlic powder.
- To add a cheesy flavor, toss the veggies with nutritional yeast after air frying.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Want to try more vegetable-centric dishes? Check out Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals for easy ideas.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) | Daily Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 5% |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugars | 4g | — |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV | — |
| Vitamin C | 110% DV | — |
| Calcium | 6% DV | — |
| Iron | 8% DV | — |
Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on specific vegetable choices and quantities.
Serving Suggestions
This air fried vegetable medley is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete vegan meal.
- Top a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a hearty grain bowl.
- Mix into pasta dishes for added texture and nutrition, such as with a Vegetable Alfredo Recipe.
- Add to salads for warmth and crunch during colder months.
- Use as a colorful filling for wraps or sandwiches.
For more creative vegetable ideas, explore our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Conclusion
Making the best air fried vegetables is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful side dish that complements any meal. This recipe showcases how a medley of fresh vegetables, lightly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer, can transform your weeknight dinners or meal prep routine.
The combination of minimal oil, bold seasonings, and quick cooking makes it an ideal option for busy home cooks who want to eat well without fuss.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetable lover or just starting to incorporate more plants into your diet, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your tastes and pantry. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make it your own.
And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious vegetable dishes like the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish to your meal.
Happy air frying and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Air Fried Vegetables Recipe
Description: A quick and easy way to make crispy, flavorful vegetables using an air fryer. Perfect as a healthy side dish or snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness and cook an additional 5 minutes if needed.
- Serve hot as a side dish or snack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Air Fried Vegetables Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy way to make crispy, flavorful vegetables using an air fryer. Perfect as a healthy side dish or snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium zucchini, sliced”, “1 red bell pepper, chopped”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 cup cauliflower florets”, “1 medium carrot, sliced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat air fryer to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Check for doneness and cook an additional 5 minutes if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot as a side dish or snack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}
