Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

FAQs

Can you put frozen vegetables in air fryer? ›

Do not allow vegetables to thaw first, add them straight from the freezer to the air fryer for best results. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Stir and shake the vegetables, then air fry another 5 – 10 minutes, until crispy.

Roast Frozen Vegetables in Your Oven

Shull recommends roasting your veggies for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and tossing every 10 minutes or so to help them cook evenly.

Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

Season generously

Acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar, fats like butter and olive oil, spicy condiments like chile flakes or hot sauce, savory ingredients like cheese, bacon and nuts and fresh and dried herbs are all your friends when it comes to frozen vegetables.

It's important to eat your veggies, and while there are many ways to cook them—the air fryer isn't a good choice for leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, bok choy, Swiss chard, and kale. This is because the speed of the air causes them to heat unevenly.

Frozen vegetables are already full of moisture, and boiling them adds even more. This results in water-logged, mushy veggies that won't be much fun to eat. Plus, boiling can cause some of the nutrients to seep out. Instead, steam or microwave the vegetables with a tablespoon or two of water.

Frozen vegetables, no matter which, can be cooked from a frozen state,” says Amidor. “Because they are small pieces (compared to a big beef or pork roast, for example) as long as they reach a minimum internal cooking temperature of about 135 degrees F they are safe to eat,” she says, meaning defrosting isn't required.

A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat. Some advocate for spraying the drawer or rack inside the air fryer, and while it doesn't hurt, it's unnecessary.

Is it better to roast or air fry vegetables? ›

Almost every vegetable I've cooked in the air fryer does well at 375°F and can be cooked as you would oven-roast it — cutting the cooking time and oil called for in half.

Just toss them in a quick combination of spices—I like a mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, freshly ground pepper, and cumin—top with spoonfuls of sour cream and grated cheddar cheese, and roast until the vegetables are hot and the cheese is melted.

If the doors of the freezer are opened frequently or if they are not sealed properly, the warmer air from the outside will get into the appliance. This warm air turns to moisture when it comes into contact with the cooler temperatures and forms frost or ice crystals on food.

Seasoning Ideas for Frozen Vegetables

For seasonings, I mostly use just salt, pepper, and granulated garlic for a basic roasted veggie seasoning. For cauliflower, I usually add a pinch of red pepper flakes and dried thyme to the mix.

While firm vegetables take a bit longer to cook, they are equally as delicious! Firm vegetables like carrots, beets, potatoes, and pumpkin can all be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes—significantly reducing your time spent in the kitchen.

Don't Overcrowd: Give your frozen items some space. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Shake It Up: Depending on what you're cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time for uniform browning.

On average, it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to defrost ground beef in an air fryer. Similar to the microwave method, remember to check the progress regularly and adjust the settings if needed.