From broccoli to zucchini, plenty of veg cook beautifully in an air fryer with minimal oil. So what veg can you cook in an air fryer? The honest answer is almost any vegetable you already enjoy roasted in a regular oven. Air fryers move hot air fast around food, which means veggies get crispy edges in less time and with a lot less oil.
This guide covers the best vegetables to try, how to prep them, and the temps and times that actually work.
Why Vegetables Work So Well In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is basically a small convection oven. The fan blows heat all around the food, so surfaces dry out and brown quickly.
That is great news for vegetables. Many veggies release water when they cook, and the fast moving air helps that moisture escape instead of steaming the food.
The result is caramelized edges, tender insides, and way less oil than deep frying or even pan frying.
What Veg Can You Cook In An Air Fryer
Here is the short list of vegetables that air fry extremely well. Most of these are done in under 20 minutes.
- Broccoli and cauliflower florets
- Brussels sprouts, halved
- Zucchini and yellow squash, sliced into coins or spears
- Bell peppers, cut into chunks or strips
- Green beans, trimmed
- Asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- Carrots, cut into sticks
- Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes, cubed or wedged
- Onions, sliced into thick rings or wedges
- Mushrooms, whole or halved
- Eggplant, cubed
- Corn on the cob, halved
- Kale, torn into pieces for chips
- Butternut squash, cubed small
- Tomatoes, halved (cherry tomatoes work great)
- Parsnips and turnips, cut into fries
Leafy greens like spinach and chard are the main exception. They are too light and thin, so they just fly around and burn. Save those for a skillet.
How To Prep Veg For The Air Fryer
Prep is simple, but a few habits make a big difference in how your veggies turn out.
- Wash and dry the vegetables well. Wet veggies steam instead of roast.
- Cut them into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Toss with 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil. Avocado, olive, or canola all work.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or whatever you like.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps every piece get that browned, crispy finish.
Best Temperatures And Times For Common Veg
Times vary by air fryer model and by how small you cut things. Use these as a starting point and adjust.
- Broccoli: 380F for 8 to 10 minutes
- Cauliflower: 380F for 12 to 15 minutes
- Brussels sprouts: 375F for 15 to 18 minutes
- Zucchini: 375F for 10 to 12 minutes
- Bell peppers: 380F for 10 to 12 minutes
- Green beans: 380F for 10 to 12 minutes
- Asparagus: 400F for 7 to 9 minutes
- Carrots: 380F for 15 to 18 minutes
- Potato cubes: 400F for 18 to 22 minutes
- Sweet potato cubes: 400F for 15 to 20 minutes
- Mushrooms: 380F for 10 to 12 minutes
- Kale chips: 350F for 5 to 7 minutes, watch closely
Tips For Crispy Results Every Time
Small changes add up fast when you are cooking veg in an air fryer.
- Cut pieces about the same size. Tiny pieces burn while big ones stay raw.
- Pat everything dry with a towel before adding oil.
- Use just enough oil to coat. Too much makes things soggy.
- Preheat for 3 to 5 minutes if your model recommends it.
- Shake or flip halfway through the cook time.
- Add a light dusting of cornstarch to potatoes for extra crunch.
- Salt after cooking, not before, for firmer textures.
Veg That Needs A Little More Care
Some vegetables work, but they need adjustments.
Tomatoes get very soft fast. Halve cherry tomatoes and cook them at 350F for about 6 to 8 minutes. They are great tossed with pasta.
Eggplant soaks up oil like a sponge. Brush slices lightly instead of tossing, and cook at 375F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Corn on the cob should be halved so it fits. Rub with a little oil and cook at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.
Frozen vegetables can go straight in, but add 3 to 5 extra minutes and expect a softer texture. Fresh usually gives better browning.
Easy Flavor Combos To Try
Plain salt and pepper gets old after a while. Try these simple mixes.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika
- Lemon zest, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger (toss after cooking)
- Parmesan and Italian seasoning
- Cumin, chili powder, and lime juice
- Balsamic vinegar drizzle after the basket comes out
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most air fryer veg fails come down to a few repeat problems.
- Overcrowding the basket. Air needs to move around every piece.
- Skipping the shake. Even browning requires a mid cook toss.
- Using too much oil. A teaspoon or two is plenty for most batches.
- Cutting pieces unevenly. Small bits burn before large bits soften.
- Not drying the veg first. Moisture equals steaming, not roasting.
Final Thoughts On Air Fryer Veg
Almost any vegetable you would roast in the oven will work in an air fryer. Broccoli, zucchini, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are some of the easiest wins.
Keep pieces similar in size, use a little oil, shake the basket halfway, and adjust times based on your model. Once you get a feel for your air fryer, you can cook veg any night of the week in under 20 minutes.