Air Fryer Vegetables

My air fryer vegetables are deliciously seasoned and cook to perfection every time! I make this recipe whenever I’m cleaning out the fridge or just need a quick, healthy side dish.

My Favorite Way to Air Fry Vegetables

My recipe for air fryer vegetables came together one night when I opened my fridge and realized I had quite a few veggies that needed to be cooked ASAP, or they were going to spoil. I didn’t feel like heating up the oven or babysitting them on the stove, so I reached for the air fryer.

I loved how easy it was to chop everything up and then just toss all the vegetables in the air fryer. It’s a set-and-forget kind of thing while I make the rest of dinner.

I’ve since used all different kinds of vegetables depending on the time of year, including broccoli, cauliflower, and my daughter Leah loves it when I add snap peas. The key is just to cut all the veggies into evenly sized pieces so they all cook at the same rate.

And if you love air fryer vegetable recipes, try my recipes for air fryer carrots, an air fryer baked potato, air fryer asparagus, air fryer acorn squash, and air fryer red potatoes.

Air Fry Veggies ingredients

• Red bell pepper – Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the mix. Any color sweet pepper will work, but I like red, yellow, and orange best because of the added sweetness.
• Zucchini – I cut into half-moons or rounds so the pieces get tender but still hold their shape. I often use yellow summer squash instead, too.
• Sliced mushrooms – These shrink quite a bit but bring a savory, earthy flavor that balances the dish.
• Red onion – I slice the onion thinly so it softens and gets a little caramelized in the air fryer. Sweet onions will work too.
• Seasoning – I use a simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, cumin, and salt and pepper to make the roasted air fryer veggies taste amazing!
• Olive oil – This helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning, but any oil will work, like vegetable oil.
• Red pepper flakes – Optional, but I love how it adds a little heat.

How to Cook Vegetables in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Wash and prepare the bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion, then slice them so that they are all similar in size. 

STEP TWO: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, cumin, and salt and pepper in a small bowl.  

STEP THREE: Toss the vegetables with the seasonings and olive oil. 

STEP FOUR: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F then air fry them for 8-10 minutes, flipping the veggies halfway through the cooking time.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Veggies

• After I wash the veggies, I use a paper towel to dry them and remove any excess moisture so the oil and seasonings will stick.
• I toss the vegetables in the seasoning and oil until all the pieces are evenly coated. I want to get that good flavor in every bite!
• Let the air fryer fully preheat before adding the vegetables for the best results. This is my trick to getting that crispy-on-the-outside goodness and tender but firm vegetables.
• Cook the mixed vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I air fry the vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• I always flip the veggies with tongs or a spatula halfway through the cooking time so they cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.

Air Fryer Vegetables Variations and Substitutions

• I often throw in other roasting vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.
• Sprinkling fresh herbs over the air fryer veggies after cooking is one of my favorite ways to add another boost of flavor.
• I like to add grated Parmesan cheese for a twist my kids always go crazy for.
• For a burst of vibrant flavor, I’ll add a squeeze of lemon over the veggies just before serving.
• If I’m in a rush, I’ll just season the veggies with Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

For quick dinners on busy weeknights, I love making air fryer veggies as a side to go with air fryer brats, air fryer chicken breast, or air fryer hamburgers!

They’re also delicious alongside seafood dishes like blackened mahi mahi, air fryer salmon bites, or air fryer salmon patties! Or, I will enjoy them for lunch the next day in a grilled sandwich with a slice of gouda and some mayo.

Air Fryer Vegetables FAQs

Do I need to preheat the air fryer to air fry vegetables?

I always preheat my air fryer before cooking anything! When I add the vegetables to a hot basket or tray, they start crisping up right away, which is exactly what I want to happen.

How to store leftover air fried vegetables

I always store any extra air fryer veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I make sure to let them fully cool first to avoid any steam that could form condensation and make the vegetables soggy.

How to reheat vegetables in the air fryer

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. The veggies crisp back up without getting too soft and taste just as good as when they were first made!

Is it healthier to air fry veggies?

I find that I can use way less oil when I air fry veggies compared to pan-frying or roasting in the oven, so it’s a great option for a lighter side dish. The veggies still come out flavorful and tender, but without getting soggy or greasy.

More Easy Air Fryer Side Dishes

• Air fryer tater tots
• Air fryer biscuits
• Air fryer onion rings
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Air fryer squash

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