Air fryer roasted vegetables

Name: Air fryer roasted vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 cup carrots (chopped into bite sized pieces); 1 cup bell peppers (chopped into bite sized pieces); 1/2 cup Kohlrabi (chopped into bite sized pieces); 1 cup zucchini (chopped into bite sized pieces); 1/2 cup onions (chopped into bite sized pieces); 1.5 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp Za’atar seasoning; 1 tsp red chili flakes; Salt to taste

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Making roasted vegetables in the air fryer is such a breeze. In this post, I will walk you through the steps and also share variations. You can make this in an air fryer oven, a regular air fryer like a Ninja or even in a regular oven.

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how to roast vegetables in the air fryer - a comprehensive guide — These roasted vegetables are so versatile

Ingredients

Honestly speaking, all we need is vegetables, seasoning, a bit of olive oil and salt. I have used-

Mixed vegetables -combination of zucchini, kohlrabi, carrots, onions and bell peppers
olive oil
garlic powder
Za’atar seasoning
red chili flakes
Salt to taste

Best vegetables for air fryer roasted veggies

While making this dish, you have to factor in three things – similar texture, similar cooking times and vegetables that release less water.
Adding onions, garlic and herbs automatically brings depth and flavor.
Make sure that you chop the vegetables in similar sizes. This helps in even cooking.

Quick cooking vegetables

Some vegetables like these roast up beautifully with a crispy golden edge, making them the perfect choice for roasting. These take anywhere between 8 to 12 minutes.

cauliflower
broccoli
bell peppers
mushrooms
zucchini
carrots
asparagus
green beans
Brussels sprouts
baby corn

Needless to say, root vegetables are the dream when it comes to grilling. But the catch here is they take longer to get done. These take between 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the air fryer or the oven.

Potatoes – I love fingerling, baby and red waxy potatoes for this!
sweet potatoes
green plantains – come together quickly if sliced thin
taro roots – take a really long time in the air fryer to crisp up
beets
turnips and parsnips

Roasting frozen vegetables

is relatively easier and quicker because the prep work is half done.
does not need thawing. The vegetables go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Of course, you will be seasoning them prior.

Adding tomatoes to the mix

is recommended half way through.
is a bit tricky because tomatoes release water. They also need less time.

How to combine vegetables with different roasting times?

If you are going to mix vegetables that have different cook times, then try this.

I recommend steaming the vegetables that take longer to roast. This reduces the cook time. Alternatively, you can also par boil them. In both cases, I recommend draining them and letting them dry out fully before roasting.

Indian Inspired Vegetable Combinations

taste so good when roasted. Not every vegetable has to end up in a Sabzi or curry. Try one of these and you will be surprised.

Beans + potatoes + onions + garlic – think Aloo beans sabzi
Cauliflower + onions + potatoes – like sheet pan Aloo Gobi
Sweet potatoes cubed and tossed in Idli Podi – like a Podi curry

Variations

You can play around with the mix of vegetables here. As long as you choose those that have similar cooking times, everything remains the same and easy.
Seasonings are a whole world in their right. I have added everything from just salt and pepper to Dukkah spice and even Garam Masala while roasting. What matters here is what you want at the end.
Some of my favorite seasonings include Italian seasoning mix (this one is a classic), Za’atar spice mix (that I have used in this post), Peri Peri seasoning, Ras al Hanout (for a middle eastern flavor), just a combination of Garam Masala, red chili powder and salt (very Desi) and Idli Podi (for a south Indian finish)
Olive oil is something that is so commonly used while roasting anything. But sometimes, just a small switch like coconut oil or sesame oil can give the recipe a fresh feeling.

Seasoning Ideas

Once you have mastered the base recipe, you can play around with the mix of vegetables and the seasonings too. Here are my top 5 recommendations that are pantry and budget friendly –

Indian Masala Mix – 1/2 tsp each ground turmeric, ground coriander, red chili powder and 1/4 tsp garam masala along with salt
Asian Inspired Sesame Soy mix – Sesame oil in place of olive oil, 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sesame seeds as topping along with salt or 1 tsp chili crisp
Italian Parmesan mix – this one is kid approved. Use 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes along with olive oil. After roasting, sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp shredded parmesan.
Smoky BBQ mix – 1/2 tsp each smoky sweet chili powder and ground cumin along with salt and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes.
Lemony herb mix – 1/2 tsp each dried parsley, mint and rosemary, 1 tsp lemon zest along with olive oil. After roasting, finish with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Temperature Settings

After a lot of experimenting and tweaking, here are some things that I have understood.

Basic temperature settings for air fryer vegetables depend on the vegetables and their quantity. I recommend 8 to 12 minutes at 190 Celsius (or 375 F).
Preheating the air fryer is recommended. This helps getting an even crispy golden edge. The vegetables tend to become soggy when you do not preheat the air fryer.
The settings differ based on the model of the air fryer too. I have made this in an Instant Pot air fryer oven and in a regular 5 quart Cosori Air Fryer.
The air fryer oven has a larger space inside and can accommodate a larger portion. Since it also works similar to a regular oven, I felt that it was quicker.
Whereas while making this in my Cosori air fryer, I had to cook it in two batches to avoid overcrowding which in turn creates steaming.
In a regular oven, 190 Celsius for 20 minutes works. Preheating is necessary. Also, make sure that you toss the veggies around the half way mark.

Pro Tips

because this is a base recipe and once you master it- there are a zillion possibilities.

Season the vegetables just before they go into the air fryer. The longer you let them sit after seasoning, the more water they release.
Preheating the air fryer is crucial here. Essentially, when you start the veggies in a cold basket, they take longer to cook and become soggier.
If your air fryer or air fryer oven does not come with a preheating preset, simply leave the basket empty, set the temperature and allow it to heat up for 5 minutes.
Combining root vegetables like sweet potatoes with regular veggies like cauliflower is not a wise idea. Unless you have them half cooked already.
Always arrange the vegetables in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. When you add too much to the basket, it generates steam which is the opposite of roasting. We want the vegetables to crisp up and not soften.

Storage, reheating and making ahead

Can I make roast the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes. You can make this one day before and refrigerate it.

How to reheat leftovers or if I am making ahead?

In the air fryer! To reheat the roasted vegetables, preheat your air fryer to 190 C for 5 minutes. When done, place the roasted veggies in the basket for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking around the halfway mark.

Can I use frozen vegetables here?

Yes. They work like a charm. But a caveat – do not let them thaw. Instead, season them right after they are cooked.

How to store leftovers?

Place them in a fridge safe container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Can I microwave to reheat?

Yes, using the microwave to reheat roasted veggies is not only quick but also easier.

How to air fry frozen vegetables?

Frozen vegetables are fantastic for roasting. Ideal vegetables are frozen cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli and carrots.
Do not thaw the vegetables before cooking. You do not have to. Instead, preheat the air fryer and use a higher temperature- 200 C for normal veggies and 210 C for root vegetables.
Air fry for 12 to 18 minutes, tossing and shaking them around the half way mark.
Add seasonings after you have roasted them. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil plus seasonings of your choice. You could also add flavored compound butters like garlic butter or Krauter Butter (if you live in Germany).

Serving suggestions

Very often, I make this as a snack and serve it with some dip like this 5 minute Tahini Yogurt dip.

Serve them as a side dish in a big spread.
Alternatively, use them as a stuffing in sandwiches or wraps.
They work well as pizza toppings too.

vegetables roasted in an air fryer basket — You can roast vegetables in the air fryer so easily

Method

Wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly. Chop them into even bite sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Add the seasonings and the olive oil to the vegetables and mix well, ensuring that everything is evenly incorporated.

Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Oven settings

I am using the Instant Pot air fryer oven today. For this recipe, I used the Roast Mode at 202 C.

Start the air fryer oven at 202 C for 5 minutes. While the air fryer preheats, add the seasonings and olive oil to the vegetables and mix well.

The Instant Pot air fryer oven beeps with the ADD FOOD sign when it has heated up.

When the air fryer is ready, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the basket or in the baking trays (if you are using an air fryer oven).

Roast for 10 minutes. When done, remove from the air fryer and serve hot.

Air fryer settings and temperature

For making this recipe in a regular air fryer, preheat the air fryer at 200 C for 5 minutes.

Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the basket without any overlaps. Do not overcrowd the basket.

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket around the half way mark. When done, remove and serve hot.

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