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Air Fryer Vegetables — Crispy Mixed Veg Recipe

Imagine biting into a crunchy, flavorful mix of vibrant vegetables, perfectly cooked in your air fryer. This air fryer vegetables recipe will elevate your veggies to a whole new level. After perfecting this technique through numerous tests, I found that air frying retains the nutrients while offering a delightful crispiness that traditional cooking methods often miss. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility — you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Let’s jump right into creating this delicious and healthy side dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Even Cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy without losing moisture.
Healthy Option: Using minimal oil compared to traditional frying retains flavor while cutting calories.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Boosting: A seasoning blend enhances the natural sweetness and savory notes of the vegetables.
Customization: You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season, making it versatile for any meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Mixed Vegetables: I recommend using bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli for a colorful blend. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables for variety.
Olive Oil: About 15 ml (1 tablespoon) enhances flavor and helps achieve crispiness. You can substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the dish. Use sea salt for finer flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste. Fresh garlic can also be used but may burn easily in the air fryer.
Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish. You can use smoked or sweet paprika based on your preference.

Essential Equipment

Air Fryer: Any good-quality air fryer will work, but ensure it has a basket or tray that allows for proper air circulation.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the vegetables with oil and seasonings.
Spatula: To help mix and distribute the flavor evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time is 10 minutes, Cook Time is 15 minutes, Total Time is 25 minutes, and this recipe yields 4 servings.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop 450 g (16 oz) of mixed vegetables into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces for a pleasant eating experience.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, 5 g (1 teaspoon) garlic powder, 5 g (1 teaspoon) paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the vegetables are well-coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the vegetables start cooking immediately once they are placed inside.

Step 4: Air Fry the Vegetables

Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches for optimal crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until the vegetables are crispy and tender.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once done, carefully transfer the vegetables to a serving dish. They are best enjoyed hot! Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

Expert Tips & Pro Techniques

Avoid Overcrowding: Air fryers need space for airflow; overcrowding can cause uneven cooking. If necessary, air fry in batches.
Common Mistake: Make sure to dry your vegetables thoroughly before seasoning. Excess moisture can cause steaming instead of crisping.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the veggies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry.
Professional Technique: For extra flavor, marinate the vegetables in the oil and spices for 30 minutes before air frying.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While best fresh, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the vegetables soggy.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Air Fryer Vegetables: Add 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) of crushed red pepper flakes for a heat kick.
Herbed Version: Mix in dried Italian herbs or fresh rosemary for a fragrant experience.
Asian Twist: Replace olive oil with sesame oil and add soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Root Vegetables: Swap in cubed sweet potatoes or parsnips for a heartier dish. Adjust cooking time as needed; they may take a few additional minutes.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These crispy mixed veggies pair well with grilled chicken or fish. Consider serving alongside a fresh quinoa salad or whole grain rice. Don’t forget to drizzle them over with a tangy balsamic glaze for added flavor!

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 100
Total Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 120 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 2 g
Protein: 3 g

Nutrition values are estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my air fryer vegetables turn out soggy?
Sogginess usually comes from excess moisture. Make sure to dry your vegetables well before seasoning.

Can I make this without oil?
You can, but the vegetables may not crisp up as well. Try using a light spray of cooking oil for better results.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to cook in batches so there’s enough space for air circulation.

Can I prepare this the night before?
You can prep the veggies and season them in advance. Store in the fridge overnight and air fry when ready.

How long does this keep in the fridge?
These vegetables will stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.