Growing up in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly roasted vegetables was a comforting constant. Every Sunday, our family would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the golden-brown medley of peppers, carrots, and zucchini that she skillfully prepared. Those moments were more than just about the food; they were about the laughter, stories, and shared experiences that made our Sundays special.
As a young girl, I was fascinated by how my grandmother could transform the simplest ingredients into something magical. Her secret, as she once told me, was her ability to let each vegetable shine in its own way, bringing out its natural flavors. This approach inspired me throughout my culinary journey, and now, with the convenience of modern kitchen appliances, I’ve found a way to bring that same magic into my own home with a contemporary twist.
Enter the Air Fryer Vegetables recipe, a modern homage to those cherished Sunday meals. The air fryer, with its rapid hot air circulation, provides a quick and healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods. It captures the essence of those family gatherings while saving time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend treat.
This recipe is not just about the ease of preparation—it’s about recreating the joy of those family dinners in a way that fits today’s lifestyle. The mix of bell peppers, carrots, onions, zucchini, broccoli, and cremini mushrooms, seasoned with a touch of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs, brings together a symphony of flavors and textures. Each bite is a reminder of those precious moments spent around my grandmother’s table, now made even easier with the air fryer.
I love how this dish combines convenience with nostalgia. The air fryer transforms these vegetables into a crispy, flavorful delight, much like how my grandmother’s oven did, but in a fraction of the time. The addition of Parmesan cheese, if you choose, adds a rich, savory touch that takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or serving it as a side for a special occasion, this recipe will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face and a taste of tradition to your plate.
How to Make Air Fried Vegetables
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Ingredients
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced (about two small to medium carrots)
- 1 small to medium red onion, diced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional; Romano can be used as well)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to its highest setting for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
Transfer the seasoned vegetables to the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.
Air fry at 390°F for 7 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the vegetables before the final minutes of cooking.
Continue to air fry for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and have reached your desired level of crispness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover air fried vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Cooking Tips
Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model and the size of the vegetable pieces. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vegetables as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for salads and grain bowls. They also pair well with a dipping sauce such as ranch or tzatziki.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the vegetables with your favorites or what’s in season. Sweet potatoes, asparagus, or cauliflower work well in this recipe. Use any type of vinegar if you don’t have balsamic.
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, use asparagus and snap peas. In the summer, try cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. In the fall, consider adding butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
Allergen Information
This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts and dairy. To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen vegetables. Just ensure they are thawed and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Ensure the vegetables are well coated but not too greasy. Cooking in batches and shaking the basket halfway through helps achieve even crispness.
Can I add more seasoning to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like paprika or cumin.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can roast the vegetables in an oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they are tender and crispy.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar or feta. Just add it in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the vegetables before cooking. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Air Fryer Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots thinly sliced (about two small-medium)
- 1 small-medium red onion diced
- 1 small zucchini cut into slices
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms large ones halved or quartered
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese optional; or Romano
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer on its highest temperature setting for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Place the seasoned vegetables into the preheated air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the vegetables at 390°F for 7 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking, then sprinkle the vegetables with parmesan cheese if using.
- Continue air frying for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and cooked to your preference. Enjoy!
