Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
Air fryer frozen vegetables go from freezer to browned and tender in about 12 minutes, with no defrosting, no boiling and no waiting for the oven to heat up. A little olive oil and garlic powder are all they need. This is the way to cook frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrots when you want roasted edges instead of soft, steamed pieces.
- Total
- 18 min
- Prep
- 3 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 75kcal
Basket size and batches
A 500g bag fits in a single thin layer in a 5-litre basket. In a smaller air fryer, the pieces pile up and steam, so split the bag into two batches of 250g. The second batch usually goes straight into the hot basket and cooks in the same 12 minutes, which makes about 27 minutes in total with the preheat.
Air fryer frozen vegetables work best with chunky pieces such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans and butternut squash. Small pieces like peas and sweetcorn are better boiled or steamed, as they do not brown well and tend to blow about in the basket.
Air fryer frozen vegetables, step by step
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . A hot basket helps the frozen pieces start to brown straight away instead of sitting and steaming.
- Season from frozen Tip the vegetables, still frozen, into a large bowl. Add the olive oil and toss until every piece is glossy, then add the salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss again. Do not defrost them first, or they will turn mushy.
- Cook Spread the vegetables in a single layer in the basket and cook at 200°C for , shaking the basket well after . If your basket is under 5 litres, cook in two batches of 250g, each.
- Check The edges should be browned and the stalks tender when pierced with a knife. If they are not, give them another . Serve straight away.
Fresh instead of frozen, and an oven alternative
Fresh florets cook faster, in roughly 8–10 minutes at 200°C, and do not need to be spread out as carefully. Without an air fryer, spread the frozen vegetables on a lined baking tray and roast at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.
Serve them with air fryer frozen salmon or air fryer frozen chicken for a full meal cooked from the freezer.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
- The vegetables come out soft and watery.
- The basket was too full, so they steamed. Keep them to a single layer, cook in batches if needed and shake halfway so the hot air reaches every side.
- The seasoning slides off or ends up in the bottom of the basket.
- Coat the frozen vegetables in the oil first, then add the dry seasoning, so it has something to cling to. Toss in a bowl rather than in the basket.
- The tips of the florets are dark but the middles are still icy.
- Break up any frozen clumps before cooking so the pieces cook evenly. If your air fryer runs hot, use 180°C and add 2–3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
Do you need to defrost frozen vegetables before air frying?
No. Cook them straight from the freezer. Defrosted vegetables release water and turn soft instead of browning.
How long do frozen vegetables take in the air fryer?
About 12 minutes at 200°C for broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, shaking halfway. Smaller pieces such as green beans may need a minute or two less.
Do you need to add oil?
Yes, a little. One tablespoon for 500g helps browning and stops the florets drying out. A light spray of oil also works.
Do you have to preheat the air fryer?
No, but it gives better browning. If you skip it, add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
Can you keep leftovers?
Yes. Cool them quickly, keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat until steaming hot, for 3–4 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 62 ratings
