healthy vegetables including potatoes tomatoes onions carrots

Effortless Gourmet with Air Fryer Vegetables

Written by: Caleb Aguilera & the COSORI Chefs and Staff

|

|

Time to read 6 min

Introduction: The Versatility of Air Fryer Vegetables

Struggling to decide what to cook for dinner? Maybe you open your fridge only to find random or leftover ingredients that don’t seem to fit together. 

It’s these situations where an air fryer makes all the difference. Air fryers can help turn even the most basic ingredients into gourmet-style meals that are tasty and healthy. On top of that, they can cook your food faster than traditional cooking methods, making them the perfect tool for cooking a wholesome meal with limited time.
 

Here are some healthy vegetable recipes that deliver mouthwatering results in less time:


Savory & Crispy: Garlic & Herb Air Fryer Chickpeas

garlic and herb air fryer chickpeas


Chickpeas are not only a fantastic source of protein and fiber, but they also turn delightfully crispy when cooked in an air fryer. Infused with a blend of garlic and aromatic herbs, these chickpeas transform into a crunchy, guilt-free snack that rivals any store-bought alternative, perfect for munching on during movie nights or as a salad topper for added texture.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt


Directions

1. Remove the crisper plate from the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function, adjust the temperature to 385°F, then tap Start/Pause.

3. Toss the chickpeas with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herb seasoning, and salt in a mixing bowl, then place directly into the preheated basket.

4. Select the Air Fry function, adjust time to 12 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

5. Shake the chickpeas halfway through cooking. 

6. Remove the chickpeas when golden brown and crispy and serve.


Craving something different? Instead of garlic and herbs, try adding chili powder for a spicy twist, or a touch of cinnamon and honey for a sweet note.

Flavorful Twist: Asian-Inspired Air Fryer Zucchini

asian inspired air fryer zucchini


Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for a quick Asian-inspired side dish. It’s also low in calories but high in Vitamins A and C. With this recipe, the zucchini becomes tender and flavorful in the air fryer, coated in a savory mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices. This recipe offers a perfect balance of health and taste, enhancing any meal with its subtle, sweet undertones.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes


Ingredients

  • 2 zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds 
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Oil spray 
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger 
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil 
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish 


Directions:

1. Remove the crisper plate from the COSORI Air Fryer basket. 

2. Select the Preheat function and tap Start/Pause. 

3. Toss the zucchini in cornstarch until evenly coated, lightly spray with oil spray, then place directly into the preheated basket. 

4. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 450°F and time to 10 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

5. Stir together the ginger, sesame oil, garlic powder, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, honey, and soy sauce in a small bowl.

6. Pour the soy sauce ginger mixture onto the zucchini after 8 minutes of cooking and stir until evenly coated.

7. Remove the zucchini when done, caramelized, and golden-brown, then garnish with sesame seeds and serve.


This recipe pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. You can also adjust the spice levels to your liking or add a hint of sweetness with a drizzle of honey. 

Sweet & Crispy: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

air fryer sweet potato fries


Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, sweet potato fries are a nutritious alternative to regular fries. When cooked in an air fryer, sweet potatoes maintain their nutritious profile while becoming irresistibly crispy and caramelized. This recipe offers a sweet, smoky flavor enhanced by a hint of paprika, making these fries a perfect side that doesn’t compromise on taste.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound sweet potatoes, cut into ½-inch-thick fries
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt


Directions:

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function, adjust the temperature to 375°F, then tap Start/Pause.

3. Combine the sweet potatoes with the cornstarch in a large bowl, then add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper and toss to combine.

4. Place the sweet potato fries onto the preheated crisper plate.

5. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 375°F and time to 16 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

6. Flip the fries halfway through cooking.

7. Remove the sweet potato fries when done, then immediately season with salt and serve.


These crispy fries pair perfectly with a good burger or as part of a healthier meal. Add some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick!

Super Snacks: Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

air fryer kale chips


Kale chips are a superfood phenomenon that turns the leafy green into a crispy snack packed with nutrients like iron and Vitamin K. Air frying gives the kale a light, airy, and crispy texture that’s perfect for snacking without the guilt associated with most store-bought options. These chips are so tasty and easy to make that you’ll forget they’re also healthy.


Yield: 10 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch kale, washed and dried 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt 


Directions:

1. Tear the leaves from the spine of the kale, then roughly tear or cut into bite-sized pieces. 

2. Place the kale into a large bowl, then add the olive oil and salt and massage to combine. 

3. Remove the crisper plate from the COSORI Air Fryer basket. 

4. Select the Preheat function, adjust the temperature to 350°F, then tap Start/Pause. 

5. Place the kale onto the preheated basket, ensuring they are in an even layer, then lightly place the crisper plate on top. You may need to work in batches. 

6. Select the Air Fryer function, adjust time to 5 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

7. Remove the kale chips when crispy. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining kale, then serve.


This snack is tasty by itself, but it also pairs nicely with any dip. For a cheesy twist, try adding Parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy. 

Citrus Touch: Zesty Lemon Air Fryer Asparagus

zesty lemon air fryer asparagus


Asparagus is rich in fiber, folate (Vitamin B9), and Vitamins A, C, and K. When combined with tangy lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it becomes a flavorful, gourmet-level side dish that'll turn heads at any dinner table. The air fryer locks in the flavors and makes the asparagus stems crispy and tender.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt & pepper, to taste


Directions:

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function and tap Start/Pause.

3. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Place the asparagus onto the preheated crisper plate.

5. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 400°F and time to 7 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

6. Remove the asparagus when golden brown and crisp-tender, then serve.


This recipes pairs nicely with seafood or steak. To change things up, try adding some garlic seasoning or a balsamic glaze. 

Air Frying Tips for Perfect Vegetables

When you’re cooking a lot of vegetables in your air fryer, you want to make sure they come out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to help make that happen: 


  • Preheating your air fryer beforehand is key. This makes sure the fryer is already at the right temperature when you start cooking. 
  • Make sure you don’t overfill the basket. When there’s too much in the basket, the air flow is blocked and your food doesn’t cook evenly, overcooking the food on top while undercooking what's on the bottom. But with the right amount, everything cooks evenly.
  • Shake, shake, shake. Shaking or flipping your food halfway through cooking helps everything cook evenly on top and bottom. 
Creative Serving Suggestions

You can always get creative with how you serve these recipes. For example, use the Garlic & Herb Air Fryer Chickpeas as a topping for soups or salads instead of croutons. Or, instead of using deep-fried chips, pair the Air Fryer Kale Chips with salsa or guacamole for a fresh snack. With delicious recipes like these, the pairing possibilities are endless.