Air Fryer Vegetables Guide
Air fryer vegetables are a revelation — caramelised at the edges and tender inside, usually in 8–20 minutes with just a little oil. No more soggy oven veg. Here are times for every common vegetable and the tricks that make them properly crispy.
Quick Answer: How Long to Cook Vegetables in an Air Fryer
Most vegetables take 8–20 minutes at 180–200°C. Small florets and thin slices are on the quicker end; dense root veg, squash and potatoes take longer. Cut everything to an even size, toss in a teaspoon or two of oil, cook in a single layer and shake halfway.
Air Fryer Vegetable Times
| Vegetable | Prep | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Even florets, oiled | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 mins |
| Cauliflower | Florets, oiled | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 mins |
| Brussels sprouts | Trimmed and halved | 180°C / 350°F | 15–18 mins |
| Butternut squash | 2cm cubes | 200°C / 400°F | 15–20 mins |
| Butternut squash | Halves | 190°C / 375°F | 35–40 mins |
| Corn on the cob | Brushed with butter | 200°C / 400°F | 12–15 mins |
| Carrots / root veg | Even batons or chunks | 180°C / 350°F | 14–18 mins |
| Peppers & courgette | Even slices | 190°C / 375°F | 10–12 mins |
| Onions | Wedges or thick slices | 180°C / 350°F | 12–15 mins |
| Kale chips | Torn, dried, lightly oiled | 160°C / 320°F | 5–7 mins |
| Roast potatoes | Parboiled 8–10 mins first | 190°C / 375°F | 25–30 mins |
| Jacket potato | Medium (200–250g), oiled | 200°C / 400°F | 40–45 mins |
Shake the basket halfway for anything in pieces. Times assume a preheated air fryer and a single layer — a full basket needs a few minutes longer.
How to Get Crispy Air Fryer Vegetables
- Dry them well. Wet veg steams instead of roasting. Pat dry after washing.
- Cut evenly. Floret and chunk size matters more than almost anything — mixed sizes give burnt bits and raw bits in the same batch.
- Use a little oil. One to two teaspoons for a basket of veg, tossed in a bowl so every piece is coated. Too much oil makes them greasy, none makes them dry.
- Don’t overcrowd. A single layer with gaps lets the hot air reach every side.
- Season after. Add delicate herbs, garlic or grated cheese for the last few minutes so they don’t burn.
Still coming out soft? Air Fryer Not Crispy? Here’s Why covers the usual causes.
Can You Air Fry Frozen Vegetables?
Yes. Cook frozen veg straight from frozen — don’t thaw — at 180–200°C, adding a few minutes compared with fresh, and shake every 4–5 minutes to drive off the extra moisture. Frozen veg won’t get quite as crisp as fresh, but roasted frozen broccoli, cauliflower and peppers are excellent. For more frozen food times, see our frozen foods guide.
Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Broccoli: How to Actually Get It Crispy
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy & Quick
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash: Cubes & Halves
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: Crunchy in 15 Minutes
- Air Fryer Roast Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
- Air Fryer Jacket Potato: Times by Size
Cooking veg alongside a main? The Multi-Food Planner tells you when to add each item so everything finishes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need oil to air fry vegetables?
A small amount helps a lot — one to two teaspoons per basket gives colour and crispness. Vegetables cooked with no oil at all tend to dry out rather than roast.
What temperature should I air fry vegetables at?
200°C suits quick-cooking florets and anything you want charred. Drop to 180–190°C for denser vegetables, larger pieces and anything with a sugary glaze, so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is tender.
Can I cook vegetables and meat together in the air fryer?
Yes, if they need similar temperatures. Add the vegetables partway through so both finish at the same time, or use a dual-zone air fryer. The Multi-Food Planner works out the timings.
Why are my air fryer vegetables soggy?
Usually too many in the basket, pieces that are too wet, or too much oil. Cook in a thinner layer, dry the veg thoroughly and use a light coating of oil.
Latest Air Fryer Vegetables Articles
From our blog — hand-written guides and tested recipes.
