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Air fryer vegetables with crispy roasted zucchini, potato wedges, and bell peppers, lightly seasoned with herbs and roasted until tender crisp, served as a colorful and healthy side dish.
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Best Air Fryer Veggies - Crispy, Colorful, and Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Vegetables (about 6 cups total): Broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, Brussels sprouts (halved), carrots (sliced), bell peppers (strips), zucchini (half-moons), red onion (wedges), or green beans (trimmed). Pick 3–5 kinds for best results.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2–3 tablespoons, enough to lightly coat.
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon.
  • Smoked paprika or paprika: 1 teaspoon for color and warmth.
  • Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, or 1–2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari for umami.
  • Finishes (optional but excellent): Fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro), or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket gives you better browning.
  • Prep the veggies. Wash, dry well, and cut into even pieces. Aim for bite-size chunks so everything cooks at the same rate.
  • Toss with oil and seasonings. In a large bowl, add vegetables, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until evenly coated. If using soy sauce or Italian seasoning, add now.
  • Load the basket in a single layer. Avoid crowding. A little overlap is fine, but air needs to circulate for crisp edges. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry for 10–15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. Softer veggies (zucchini, peppers, onions, green beans) cook in about 10–12 minutes. Denser veggies (carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower) take 12–15 minutes.
  • Check for doneness. Look for golden edges and a tender bite. If you want more color, add 2–3 more minutes.
  • Finish and serve. Move veggies to a bowl, then add a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt, and any toppings like Parmesan or fresh herbs. Serve hot.