Frozen Vegetables in the Air Fryer
Boiled frozen vegetables are soft and watery. In the air fryer they come out roasted, with lightly crisp edges and no need to defrost, and it takes about 12 minutes. The key is a hot start, a spoonful of oil and a single layer. This page gives times and temperatures for the most popular bags in the freezer aisle.
- Temperature
- 200°C
- Total time
- 14min
- Prep
- 2min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 85kcal
Why the air fryer works for frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables in air fryer baskets cook well because the hot air removes surface moisture quickly. Frozen veg is already blanched, so it only needs reheating and browning. Boiling or microwaving adds water to something that already contains plenty, while the air fryer does the opposite and dries the outside, leaving slightly crisp edges and a concentrated flavour.
This is also one of the quickest ways to get a vegetable side on the table. There is no defrosting, no pan and almost no washing up. Cooking frozen veg in the air fryer works best with firm vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, green beans and Brussels sprouts. Watery ones, including spinach and courgette, tend to go limp and need more care.
How to cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Check the bag Take the vegetables straight from the freezer. Do not defrost them, as thawed veg turns soft and soggy. If large ice crystals have formed, shake them off.
- Season Put the vegetables in a bowl with the oil, salt, garlic granules, pepper and paprika. Toss until evenly coated and the ice has melted into the oil.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200 °C for . A hot basket is what dries off the surface water and starts the browning.
- Cook Spread the vegetables in a single layer, no more than half full. Cook for , shaking the basket every , until the edges are browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve Taste one and add salt if needed. Serve straight away while crisp.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Frozen Vegetables | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen mixed vegetablesShake every 4 minutes | 200 °C | 10–14 min |
| Frozen broccoli florets | 200 °C | 12–14 min |
| Frozen cauliflower florets | 200 °C | 12–15 min |
| Frozen peas or sweetcorn | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Frozen peppers and onions | 200 °C | 10–12 min |
| Frozen green beans | 200 °C | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: Frozen food in an air fryer
Tips
- Never fill the basket more than half. Frozen vegetables release steam as they thaw. Space lets it escape.
- Cook straight from frozen. Defrosting makes them soft and wet. The first few minutes of dry heat melt the ice and the rest of the time browns them.
- Season after shaking. Add herbs, grated cheese or lemon zest in the last 2 minutes so they do not burn.
Serving
Serve the vegetables alongside chicken breast or salmon fillet for a weeknight dinner that is ready in 15 minutes. They also suit a bowl of rice and a fried egg. For more on cooking from frozen, see the frozen food in the air fryer guide and the air fryer cooking times chart.
Storing and reheating
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 180 °C for 3–4 minutes, until steaming hot (75 °C). Do not refreeze vegetables once they have been cooked from frozen, as the texture falls apart.
Variations
- Parmesan and garlic: Toss broccoli or cauliflower with 1 tbsp grated parmesan and extra garlic granules in the last 2 minutes. Not vegan or dairy-free.
- Sweet chilli: Toss cooked mixed vegetables in 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce for the last minute.
- Curry spice: Replace the paprika with 1 tsp mild curry powder and a squeeze of lemon.
Troubleshooting
- The vegetables are soggy
- Too much ice or too many in the basket. Shake off the ice, keep to a single layer and always preheat. Overcrowding traps steam.
- The vegetables are burnt on the outside but frozen inside
- Large pieces such as whole cauliflower florets need longer. Drop to 180 °C and add 4–5 minutes, or break the florets into smaller pieces first.
- The seasoning falls off
- Oil makes the seasoning stick. Mix it all in a bowl first and do not add dry spices straight into the basket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
Yes, and from frozen is best. The hot air drives off the ice quickly, and the vegetables roast rather than steam. Do not defrost them first.
How long do frozen vegetables take in an air fryer?
Most take 10–14 minutes at 200 °C. Small pieces such as peas and sweetcorn need 8–10 minutes, while broccoli and cauliflower florets take 12–15 minutes.
Do I need oil for frozen veg in the air fryer?
A tablespoon of oil per 500 g is plenty and gives the best browning. You can spray lightly instead, or cook with no oil, but the veg will be paler and drier.
Can you cook frozen vegetables and chicken together?
Only if both cook at the same time and temperature. Chicken takes longer, so add the vegetables for the last 10 minutes and check the chicken reaches 75 °C.
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