Basic Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables Recipe: Perfectly Tender-Crisp & Healthy
Say goodbye to soggy steamed veggies! Roasting vegetables in the air fryer is arguably the fastest and easiest way to get tender centers and deliciously crisp, caramelized edges with just a fraction of the oil used in oven roasting. It's perfect for a quick, healthy side dish or a satisfying snack that's packed with flavor.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-20 minutes (depending on vegetables)
- Servings: 2-4
- Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups chopped mixed vegetables (great options include broccoli florets, bell pepper chunks, zucchini slices, onion wedges, asparagus spears, green beans, mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes - cut root vegetables smaller)
- 1-2 tsp olive oil or cooking spray (enough to lightly coat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried herbs (like Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, or a blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen vegetables. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks are usually good). Uniform size is key to ensure they all cook at a similar rate.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the olive oil (or spray generously with cooking spray). Add the garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the pieces are lightly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating is essential for getting those desirable crispy edges faster.
- Arrange in Basket: Carefully place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer as much as possible. It's important to avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the vegetables instead of allowing the hot air to circulate freely around them for roasting and crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10-20 minutes, making sure to shake the basket or flipping the vegetables halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-10 minute mark). This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. The exact time will depend heavily on the density and size of the vegetables you chose (e.g., softer veggies like broccoli or bell peppers cook much faster than denser root vegetables like potatoes or carrots). Consult our Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart for more specific guidance on individual vegetables.
- Check for Doneness: Vegetables are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have developed some nice caramelized and crispy edges. Check for your desired level of tenderness and crispness.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot vegetables from the basket and serve immediately as a vibrant side dish to your main course or as a healthy snack.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Air Fried Veggies
- Cut Evenly: As mentioned, uniform size is absolutely key for ensuring all vegetables finish cooking at the same time.
- Don't Overcrowd: This is the most common mistake! Air needs to circulate freely to roast and crisp the vegetables. Cook in batches if your basket is full. Learn more in our Air Fryer Tips for Success.
- Dense Veggies First: If you're mixing vegetables with significantly different cooking times (like potatoes and broccoli), start the denser ones first for a few minutes before adding the faster-cooking vegetables.
- Try Different Seasonings: Get creative with your flavors! Add chili flakes for heat, smoked paprika, a dash of cumin, a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (add cheese in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking).
- For Crispier Potatoes/Carrots: For especially crispy results with potatoes or carrots, soaking the cut pieces in cold water for 15-30 minutes and then drying them *very* thoroughly before seasoning and air frying helps remove excess starch.