Air Fryer Vegetables (The Ultimate Guide!)

These crispy air fryer veggies are your new go-to side dish that are ready in under 20 minutes. Tender, flavorful, and tossed in a zesty Dijon-herb blend. Includes a full guide to air frying any vegetable!

If you’re only going to try one air-fried veggie recipe from the internet, let it be this one. I mean, it checks every box: evenly roasted veggies, lightly charred edges, and bold flavor that actually sticks to the veggies.

It’s not just a random mix of vegetables. It’s a thoughtfully tested blend of vegetables that cook in the same amount of time, tossed in a punchy dressing that roasts into every bite. Whether you’re new to air frying or just tired of soggy, underwhelming veggies, this is the one that finally gets it right.

Key Ingredients

While many recipes throw in ingredients like carrots and potatoes, we found that these consistently came out undercooked in our testing. The veggies in this recipe have all been tested to have the same cook times (so every bite is perfect)! Jump to the recipe card for measurements and printable instructions.

• Bell pepper
• Summer squash (like zucchini and yellow squash)
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Red onion

This veggie combo is our favorite because everything cooks evenly and tastes great together, but feel free to mix it up! I’ve included cooking temps and times for a whole bunch of vegetables under the recipe. Once you’ve got your veggies picked out, whisk together this quick seasoning:

• Olive or avocado oil
• Dijon mustard
• Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)

How To Air Fry Tender Vegetables

Any quick-cooking veggie will fall into the “Tender Vegetable” category. These are great for busy weeknights when you need to get a vegetable on the table! It includes veggies like:

• Crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
• Summer Squash (like zucchini and yellow squash)
• Soft Veggies (like bell pepper, tomato, mushrooms, and onions)
• Thin Veggies (like asparagus and green beans)

To cook tender vegetables in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prep your veggies by chopping them to the size you want, optionally drizzling with olive oil (this will make them a bit more roasted tasting in the end). Add to your air fryer in as flat of a layer as possible and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even cooking.

Broccoli Or Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are just better when they’re a bit charred and crispy, right? To air fry crucifers like broccoli or cauliflower, toss them with a bit of oil (or cooking spray) to keep those florets from burning, and pop them in a 375°F (190°C) air fryer for about 10 minutes.

• Buffalo Cauliflower Wings 👈 Crispy from the air fryer and packed with flavor

Summer Squash

Tender types of squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, are amazing when cooked in the air fryer. They don’t necessarily need oil, but a little salt and pepper go a long way! Cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

• Air Fried Zucchini Chips 👈 For a healthy snack that you can’t stop eating!

Onions

Air fryer onions are such a fun way to transform the humble onion! Use a bit of oil to prevent the onion chunks from burning (each layer of onion is quite thin, so they burn easily). Simply toss the onion chunks in a small amount of oil, then air fry in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Bell Peppers

Air frying bell peppers is a nice way to give them a little char without having to wait for them to cook forever in the oven. As with the onions, bell pepper need a little oil to prevent their thin skins from burning. Then just air fry the bell pepper in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes

How To Air Fry Firm Vegetables

When I think of roasted veggies, the “Firm Vegetables” usually come to mind. These guys take a bit longer to cook, but oh is it worth it! Firm vegetables include:

• Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnip)
• Winter Squash (butternut, acorn, pumpkin)

To cook firm vegetables in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prep your veggies by chopping them to the size you want (remember: smaller pieces cook faster!) Optionally drizzle with oil and add to your air fryer in as flat of a layer as possible. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the air fryer pan a few times during cooking to promote even cooking.

Potatoes

When it comes to air frying potatoes, the type of potato matters. Where sweet potatoes are firmer and will take a bit more time, white potatoes can be softer and will cook quicker. The general rule of thumb is to air fry potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Beginners Guide To Air Fryer Potatoes 👈 Learn how to make fries, wedges, or baked potatoes

Butternut Squash

It can take hours for winter squash, like butternut or acorn squash, to cook in the oven. Fortunately, you have an air fryer! Simple peel and dice your butternut squash, toss the cubes with a bit of oil, and air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes (the smaller you dice the squash, the quicker it will cook).

Beets or Carrots

Other firm vegetables, like beets, carrots, and parsnip, take a similar approach when being cooked in the air fryer. Dice them up, toss with a little oil and seasonings, then air fryer in a single layer at 375°F (190°C).

• Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Chips 👈 You can’t eat just one!

How To Air Fry Frozen Vegetables

You can even use your air fryer to cook frozen vegetables! Figure out which category your veggie falls under (tender or firm, see notes above), then just add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the veggies having to thaw during the cooking process. It’s crucial when cooking frozen vegetables in your air fryer to give them space! Be sure there is some room between your veggies to ensure water can evaporate and they can become perfectly roasted.