This is how you can make the perfect Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables with only 2 minutes of prep! It's faster than roasting and just as yummy.
Roasted veggies are one of my favourite ways to enjoy vegetables, however sometimes I can't be bothered to wait 30-40 minutes for them to cook. That's why air fryer frozen vegetables have my heart. After experimenting with every vegetable from frozen cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and even zucchini, I've determined that you can make pretty much anything work. I've even done air fryer kale chips!
These basic air fryer frozen vegetables are my ultimate healthy lazy girl hack, so get ready for it to change your life.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Easy and fast. Since we're using frozen veggies, there's no cutting and dicing. Prep time only takes 2 minutes total and cooking time is just 15 minutes.
- Small batch. This recipe is great for college students without a full oven or anyone who's making a smaller portion of food. No need to make a full tray of oven-roasted veggies when you have an air fryer!
- Budget friendly. Healthy eating doesn't have to break the bank. Frozen vegetables are an affordable option that still packs in your nutrients.
Ingredients
Frozen vegetables. Most frozen vegetables will work. Choose from mixed vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, green beans or even sliced brussels sprouts.
Spices. Pantry staples like salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder are the only spices you will need for this recipe. Feel free to use other spices and seasoning blends that you like.
Olive oil. This is my oil of choice, to help get the vegetables roasted and caramelized. Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or any other neutral flavour cooking oil of choice.
Parmesan cheese. Optional, but highly recommended. In my opinion cheese + vegetables are a match made in heaven! Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end of cooking is a great way to add even more flavour so you can actually enjoy your veggies.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 390F.
Add your frozen vegetables directly into the basket of your air fryer. I do not recommend using an air fryer liner for this recipe as it will result in more soggy vegetables. Toss with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Toss to combine.
Air fry for about 7 minutes. Shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket. Air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes.
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle with Parmesan and air fry for 1 final minute.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: Parmesan is naturally low in lactose and may be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. If you are completely dairy-free, skip the Parmesan or use another dairy-free cheese of choice.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
This is a great base recipe for perfectly cooked air fryer vegetables every time, The seasonings can be changed up based on your personal preference. Some great options include:
- Spicy: add 2 teaspoon of sriracha sauce prior to roasted
- Hot honey: add 2 tablespoon of hot honey or 1.5 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce prior to roasting
- Garlic Parmesan: add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 3 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to your vegetables prior to roasting. In the final minute, top with an additional 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
- Sesame soy: add 2 tablespoon of soy sauce and substitute the olive oil with 2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Za'tar: swap the spices for 1 tablespoon of za'atar prior to roasting
Equipment
Storage
These air fryer veggies are best eaten when fresh, as they tend to loose a bit of their crispy edges during storage however, they can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat I recommend airfrying at 350F for an additional 2 minutes!
Top Tip
If you liked steamed vegetables, there is no need to drain the excess water at the bottom of the basket. Just shake the vegetables, halfway through cooking.
For crispier vegetables, ensure the vegetables are not sitting in water while roasting. This can be avoided by using an air fryer with a crisper plate or draining the water half way through cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
ir fryer veggies make a great side dish, just pair them with some fiber-filled carbohydrates and lean protein for an easy balanced meal! Some great options include lemon chicken and rice, squash sausage orzo, and hamburger helper lasagna. You also can't go wrong with the classic baked chicken breast and crispy sweet potato wedges!
No you do not, I understand not all air fryers have a preheat function. If this is the case, you may need to increase the cook time about 2 minutes longer, to account for the decreased temperature when air frying begins.
I've been using this air fryer recently and loving it!
No! What I love about this recipe is you can add the frozen vegetables directly to your air fryer.
Yes, this recipe should work with most frozen vegetables! For larger vegetables like whole brussels sprouts, the cook time may need to be increased slightly to about 20 minutes total.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
If you loved this recipe, I have a round-up post with all my air fryer veggie recipes. Here's some you can try next:
- Spiced Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
- 10 Minute Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these air fryer frozen vegetables, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen vegetables mixed, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans etc. about 600g
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390F.
- Add your frozen vegetables directly into the basket of your air fryer. I do not recommend using an air fryer liner for this recipe as it will result in more soggy vegetables.
- Toss with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Toss to combine.
- Air fry for about 7 minutes. Shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom of the basket. Air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes.
- If using parmesan cheese, sprinkle with parmesan and air fry for 1 final minute.
Alyssa says
This is a new go-to recipe for our family! It’s such an easy (and inexpensive) way to make a side for dinner. I didn’t have Parmesan, but I’m sure it would be even better with that!
Janeen says
Oh my word these were fabulous! I didn't have parmesan but I loved them without. This is my go to from here on out! Thank you!
Nicole Addison says
My go-to way for perfect veggies! I hope you enjoy!
Linda Behr says
The loose corn was burned. I think that the cooking time should be lower.
Nicole Addison says
Hi Linda! I wouldn't recommend this recipe for corn as it is quite small, I provide a few vegetable suggestions and cook time variations above!
sharlene says
Is there a way to make frozen vegetables in the oven without getting them soggy?
Nicole Addison says
Hi Sharlene!
I recommend arranging your veggies on a baking tray and cooking at 450F for around 25 minutes, tossing halfway. For best results, try using a baking tray with edges and draining any excess water halfway to ensure you are achieving the crispiest veggies!