Making Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables is incredibly easy and a great way to get a healthy, quick side dish. The air fryer helps to crisp up the veggies while keeping them tender inside, and it requires little to no prep time. Here’s a simple recipe for air frying frozen vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) frozen mixed vegetables (or your choice of frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, or cauliflower)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps to get the vegetables crispy right from the start.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- If the frozen vegetables are in large chunks or large pieces (like big broccoli florets), you can chop them into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Place the frozen vegetables in a bowl (do not thaw them).
- Optional: Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. This helps the vegetables crisp up and adds flavor.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning are great options.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Place the seasoned frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if they are piled up a bit, but try not to overcrowd the basket for the best crispiness. If you have a lot, it’s better to cook them in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the vegetables cook evenly.
- Check for Doneness:
- After 12-15 minutes, check the vegetables. They should be lightly golden and crispy on the edges.
- If they aren’t crispy enough for your liking, cook them for an additional 2-5 minutes, checking every couple of minutes.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the vegetables from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or add them to salads, bowls, or stir-fries.
Tips:
- No Need to Thaw: There’s no need to thaw frozen vegetables before cooking. They can go straight into the air fryer from the freezer.
- Variety: You can use any type of frozen vegetables. Some popular choices for air frying include:
- Broccoli florets
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Mixed vegetable blends
- Extra Crispy Tip: If you prefer your veggies even crispier, give them a quick spray of cooking spray before air frying, or toss them in a little more oil. This can help achieve a more golden and crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures the hot air can circulate around the vegetables, making them crispy.
Time and Temperature Recap:
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (shake halfway through)
Enjoy your crispy, tender air-fried frozen vegetables! This is a super simple and quick way to get your veggies on the table with minimal effort.