Transforming frozen vegetables into a delicious dinner has never been easier, thanks to the Air Fryer. This kitchen hack has revolutionized how I prepare veggies, turning what used to be a hard task into something I hardly consider work. It’s an incredibly fast and convenient way to cook, making any frozen veggie taste as good as fresh.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this easy recipe has become a staple in my house. Simply pop in your favorite veggies, and in no time, you’ll have a roasted treat to love. Having this tool on hand means healthy eating doesn’t need to be a chore.
How do you Make Frozen Veggies Crispy?
Turning frozen vegetables into crispy delights is simpler than you think, especially with an air fryer. Forget about the mushy outcomes of other methods; this appliance is a game changer. It’s almost like the oven-roasted method, but the air fryer makes a version that’s easier and more effective. Just like how you adore making french fries or onion rings, your veggies too can taste as if they were fresh.
Can you air fry frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just be sure that you do not thaw the vegetables first.
Step 1:
Place your frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil for even distribution of oil. I love keeping this step simple!
Step 2:
After placing the frozen veggies in the basket, spray the tops with olive oil to coat. Sprinkle with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, gently shake or stir.
Step 3:
Air fry at 400 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes, checking them once or twice until they’re crispy to your liking.
Absolutely, air fryers vary with different models, some cook faster, others slower. It’s recommended to check your veggies often towards the end to avoid a burn.
Related Article: How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
How Do You Cook Frozen Vegetables so they are Not Soggy?
To avoid soggy frozen vegetables, don’t let them thaw before air frying. I’ve found the best way is to cook them straight from the freezer, as fast as possible. This method works perfectly with Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, and Broccoli. Once served, sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese on top. They reheat well if served right away, ensuring nice, crispy veggies every time.
Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
Equipment:
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mixed vegetables frozen
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a small bowl, toss the frozen vegetables with a bit of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket. Ensure they don’t overlap to give room for the cooking process. Keep the quantity to a small amount for a single layer.
- Cook the veggies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Remove the basket, flip the vegetables, and continue air frying for an additional 4-6 minutes. Check in the last two minutes and add additional time in one-minute increments if not done to your likeness.
- Carefully remove the vegetables from the basket of the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes:
For this recipe, I used a Cosori air fryer. With a different model, you might need to adjust the cooking time. If you have a small basket, cook the vegetables in batches for best results. Remember, a single layer is key. This method is great for a Healthy side dish or even alongside main course dishes like steak, chicken, or pork tenderloin. You can also serve it with pasta. Just down the cooking time by a few minutes compared to raw, fresh produce. Always check after 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 105kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 344mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 5768IU
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Calcium: 38mg
- Iron: 1mg
How to Make Frozen Veggies in the Air Fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s essential to prepare the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil for easy release of the veggies. In a small bowl, toss your frozen vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
After a good mix, transfer the seasoned vegetables to the basket. Be sure not to overlap the vegetables; giving them room is crucial for the cooking process. Aim to cook a small number at a time in a single layer for the best results. Cook the veggies for 5 minutes, then remove the basket to flip them. Continue cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes.
It’s wise to check on them in the last two minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed to reach your desired likeness, potentially adding additional time in one-minute increments. When done, carefully remove and serve immediately to enjoy them at their crispiest.
Note:
This recipe was tailored for a Cosori air fryer. If you’re using a different model, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Especially if you have a small basket, it’s better to cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they all get that perfect crispiness. Remember, for best results, always cook in a single layer.
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How to Air Fry Frozen Vegetables?
Cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer is a game-changer, and mastering the right technique is key. No matter the type of frozen vegetable, the air fryer makes them delectable. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get those frozen veggies perfectly cooked:
- First, mist the air fryer basket or rack with an oil spray. Stir the frozen, unthawed vegetables with a bit of cooking oil and sprinkle on your favorite seasoning.
- Place the veggies in a single layer on the air fryer racks. If using the smallest air fryers, you might need to cook the vegetables in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- The ideal temperature to air fry frozen veggies is around 400°F (200°C). They generally take about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip or shake the veggies, and if using an air fryer oven, switch the position of the racks. Continue to air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Chef’s tip!
I recommend to cut back on oil in this recipe. This helps to turn your frozen veggies into crispy-edged, roasted vegetables. While an oil-free roasting method can work, a little oil does guarantee better results.
How Long to Cook Frozen Veggies in an Air Fryer?
To roast frozen vegetables in an air fryer, a good rule of thumb is about 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind, different air fryers may have varying cooking times, so this should be used as a guideline. Sometimes, you might need a longer cooking time depending on the vegetable and air fryer model.
When air frying frozen veggies, start with a setting of 12 minutes at 400 degrees. If your air fryer has two racks, switch their positions halfway through. Then, roast for an additional 8 minutes. This brings the total cooking time to about 20 minutes.
For tender, watery veggies like zucchini, they may need more time to properly roast. Conversely, firmer veggies, such as broccoli, especially if chopped in larger pieces, might require a longer time. Remember, the smaller you cut the pieces, the less time they’ll need.
How to Cook Frozen Broccoli in an Air Fryer?
For perfectly cooked frozen broccoli in an air fryer, start by lightly misting the air fryer racks with cooking spray. Cut the frozen broccoli florets into smaller pieces if they are too large to ensure they cook evenly and are approximately the same size.
Next, mix them with a little cooking oil and sprinkle your favorite seasoning. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly. Then, place them on the drip tray of your oven and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. Remember to switch the position of the trays halfway through and roast for an additional 8 minutes.
Related Article: How to Cook Chicken Sausage in Air Fryer?
Making Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
The technique for air frying frozen cauliflower is quite similar to that of frozen broccoli. Begin by misting the air fryer racks with cooking spray. Cut the cauliflower into uniform pieces for even cooking. After mixing with oil and seasoning, spread them in a single layer in the basket. Then, roast at 400°F for 12 minutes, and like with broccoli, switch the position of the trays in the oven, continuing for an additional 8 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
Transforming frozen Brussels sprouts into a favorite side dish is simple with an air fryer. Unlike the oven, where they often end up burnt-looking, the air fryer gets them crisp on the outside and tender on the inside to perfection. While they’re frozen, they’ll need slightly less time compared to broccoli or cauliflower. The key is in the directions: firstly, mist your racks with oil and season your sprouts.
Next, spread the sprouts in a single layer on the racks and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Remember to switch the position of the trays in your air fryer halfway through. Then, roast for an additional 8 minutes. Voila! You’ll have perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Spinach?
For a unique side dish, try air fried frozen spinach. It’s best to use whole leaf, not chopped, for this. First, mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray. In a bowl, stir the spinach with a bit of oil and a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s everything but the Bagel seasoning.
Spread the leaves across two racks, ensuring they aren’t too clumpy. This method gets them tender yet crisp. If you like them extra crispy, break up large clumps. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then toss and switch their position for an additional few minutes. Bon appétit!
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Okra?
Frozen okra is another great candidate for air frying as it crisps up nicely and the sliminess diminishes. For this recipe, cut the okra if needed, then spritz with cooking oil spray. Mix it with cooking oil and everything but the Bagel Seasoning.
Divide the okra onto two racks in an even layer, making sure it’s not overcrowded. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, then flip, stir, and switch their position for an additional 8 minutes. The result? Crispy, delicious okra.
Related Article: How to Dehydrate Fruit in an Air Fryer?
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Butternut Squash?
Frozen butternut squash can be a bit tricky to perfect in an air fryer due to varying sizes and cuts by different brands. However, with the right approach, you can achieve success in air frying even the small pieces. First, mist your air fryer racks with cooking spray.
Then, mix the squash with a bit of oil and your preferred seasoning. Spread the pieces in a single layer on the rack, and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Place them on the top rack position, and halfway through, flip and stir them. Continue to roast for another 8 minutes.
If your squash starts to overcook and become dry, there’s an easy fix. If you’ve accidentally gone a bit too far in the air fryer, try stirring in some pesto (your favorite brand will do). I once used carrot leaves in a recipe with air fried butternut squash the photos saved the day! This technique elevates the squash to a delightful side dish. So, to the question “Can you air fry frozen vegetables?”, the answer is a resounding heck yes, as I’ve tried and succeeded.
Conclusion
The versatility and efficiency of the air fryer in transforming frozen vegetables into delicious, crispy side dishes is remarkable. This cooking method not only simplifies meal preparation but also enhances the taste and texture of a variety of frozen vegetables, from broccoli to butternut squash. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, retaining the nutritional value without compromising on flavor. The ease of use, combined with the ability to cook without thawing, makes the air fryer an indispensable tool for quick, nutritious meals. Whether you are a busy professional or a home cook, the air fryer’s ability to turn ordinary frozen veggies into gourmet-like sides ensures that healthy eating is both effortless and enjoyable. In a world where convenience and health are paramount, air frying frozen vegetables stands out as an innovative, practical solution for everyday cooking.
FAQs about Frozen Vegetables in an Air Fryer
What vegetables can you not cook in an air fryer?
Certain vegetables do not air fry well. It's best to prefer to eat raw items like lettuce rather than attempting to air fry them. Some fresh or frozen veggies might have trouble in the air frying process. If you encounter a veggie that doesn’t fare well, feel free to comment for help.
Are air fried vegetables healthy?
Yes, air fried vegetables are healthy. They don't drown in added oil, making air frying a healthier choice. Frozen vegetables achieve similar results, both nutritionally and texture-wise, to those cooked in a convection oven.
Can you cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Certainly! You can cook a variety of frozen foods in an air fryer, not just frozen vegetables. From frozen meats and pizza to egg rolls and hash browns, many frozen foods are excellent contenders for air frying.
Can frozen vegetables be thawed and eaten raw?
It's generally not recommended to eat thawed frozen vegetables raw. For food safety and product quality, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking. This helps prevent foodborne illnesses like listeriosis, especially if used in uncooked dishes like salads or smoothies. As a precautionary measure, always cook them.
Can you freeze vegetables that have been previously frozen and thawed?
According to the USDA, it’s safe to refreeze thawed foods after cooking or heating them. This applies to vegetables thawed in the refrigerator and not left out for more than two hours.
What Can I Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables?
Air fryer frozen vegetables are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main course dishes. They complement air fryer steak, chicken, or pork tenderloin beautifully. For a lighter meal, consider serving them alongside pasta.
Can I Use Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use parchment paper in the air fryer, but it's important to preheat the appliance WITHOUT the parchment paper inside. Only add the parchment paper to the air fryer AFTER it's preheated and ready to add your vegetables.