Preparing air fryer frozen vegetables is the easiest and tastiest way to enjoy frozen mixed vegetables! It’s faster than roasting in the oven, retains more nutrients than steaming, and comes out crispy and flavorful every single time!
When I’m preparing dinner for my family, I always make sure to include a vegetable of some kind. I almost always use frozen veggies. I love frozen vegetables because they are frozen at the height of their freshness, which means they retain the majority of their nutrients. I don’t have to worry about them ever going bad, and best of all my kids love them!
My favorite way to prepare vegetables is in the air fryer. I started with air fryer squash, baked potatoes, and carrots. Now I’ve started preparing frozen foods in the air fryer and it’s totally life-changing! Be sure to try my air fryer frozen broccoli, the air fryer frozen sweet potato fries, and air fryer tater tots!
This air-fried vegetable recipe is super simple, quick, and tastes as if they were fresh roasted vegetables straight from the oven! They are delicious, quick, and family-friendly! Plus you can use this basic recipe to prepare just about any frozen vegetables in the air fryer! Be sure to see my recommended air fry times and temperatures for different frozen vegetables below.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy
- No Prep Time
- Perfectly Roasted
- No Need to Defrost
- Only 3 Ingredients
- Gluten-Free
- Keto and Low-Carb
- Vegan and Vegetarian
Ingredients and Notes
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Any type of frozen mixed vegetables will work for this recipe. I used a combination of carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. You’ll want to use a 12-14 ounce bag for this recipe.
Olive Oil: Any type of oil will do, but I don’t recommend using a cooking spray. Over time cooking spray can damage the enamel on your air fryer. Instead, opt for your favorite cooking oil. You can also place your olive oil in a mister to reduce the amount of oil you use.
Salt and Pepper: All you need for seasoning is a little salt and pepper. Feel free to use some other seasonings as you like. For example, garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like oregano.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer at 400 F, for 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the air fryer is heating, toss the frozen vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Do not thaw the vegetables before.
Step 3: Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the vegetables overlap one another but don’t overcrowd. Try to keep them in a single layer as best as you can. Cook at 400 F, for 10 minutes. Toss the vegetables and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
What are the best vegetables to cook in the air fryer?
This recipe calls for a mixed vegetable blend, but honestly, you can use any frozen vegetables with this simple recipe, and they are sure to come out well cooked and perfectly roasted. Cook time and temperature will vary depending on the size of the frozen vegetables.
Here are a few vegetables that turn out great in the air fryer…
- Brussels Sprouts, cooking time 14 minutes at 390 F.
- Broccoli, 15 minutes, 400 F.
- Green Beans, 15 minutes, 320 F.
- Zucchini, 15 minutes, 320 F.
- Carrots, 15 minutes, 400 F.
- Cauliflower, 15 minutes, 400 F.
- Butternut Squash, 15-20 minutes, 400 F.
Expert Tips to Air Fry Frozen Vegetables
- Leave the vegetables in the freezer until you’re ready to pop them in the basket. You don’t want them to defrost at all. This will avoid them from coming out soggy.
- Preheat the air fryer so that when the frozen vegetables go in they will cook more quickly.
- Toss the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning.
- Place the vegetables in a single layer so that they cook evenly and brown on all sides.
- Shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to ensure an even roast.
- Don’t use cooking spray. It will damage the enamel of your air fryer basket.
- Add any type of seasonings that you like.
Recipe FAQS
Yes, you can put frozen vegetables in the air fryer and they turn out perfectly crisp and delicious.
No, you do not need to defrost vegetables before placing them in an air fryer. You don’t want them to be wet and soggy when you add them to the air fryer basket because this will cause them to become rather soggy when you pull them out.
Serve as a side dish with your main course. Use in a casserole, or top with a melted cheese sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the microwave, or throw them back in your air fryer for 3-5 minutes to heat and crisp back up!
More air fryer recipes!
If you made this recipe, please comment below and leave a ⭐️ rating. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12-14 ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 F, for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is heating, toss the frozen vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Do not thaw the vegetables before.
- Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the vegetables overlap one another but don’t overcrowd. Cook at 400 F, for 10 minutes. Toss the vegetables and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- Don’t use cooking spray. It will damage the enamel of your air fryer basket.
- Use this simple basic recipe to prepare any type of frozen mixed vegetables you like.
- Add any type of seasonings that you like.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toss back into the air fryer and reheat for 3-5 minutes at 350 F.
Alison Corey
My favorite way to prepare veggies that I know the kids will devour!
Gail Montero
What a tasty and easy side dish this makes! I always have frozen veggies so this recipe is perfect!
Jamie
This is the perfect easy side for any meal! I love how simple and convenient it is!
Nathan
I’m always looking for quick ways to cook vegetables that won’t turn them to mush, so this air fryer method seems like a perfect middle ground. Can’t wait to try it out!