Market Fresh Magic: Seasonal Vegetable Recipes for Mother's Day

Market Fresh Magic: Seasonal Vegetable Recipes for Mother's Day

Written by: Caleb Aguilera & the COSORI Chefs and Staff

|

|

Time to read 9 min

Celebrate With Air Fryer Delights: A Guide to Quick and Healthy Recipes

Introduction

Struggling to find something special to cook for Mom? With a COSORI air fryer, you can transform any recipe into something special. Whether you’re craving fresh spring veggies or a savory entrée, our air fryers can do it all.

Benefits of Air Frying

One of the main benefits of air fryers is that they use little to no oil, so you can enjoy the same golden crunch without all the unwanted grease. They also help preserve more nutrients since it doesn’t expose your food to hot oil. Less oil means less fat in your food, giving you the same delicious fried taste without guilt.


On top of that, COSORI air fryers can cook your food faster and more evenly than traditional cooking methods. That’s why it’s the perfect tool to cook your Mother’s Day dinner. Check out our compilation of delicious air fryer recipes that will make Mom feel extra special.

Main Dishes: Hearty Celebrations With a Healthy Twist

Tropical Tango Air Fryer Pork

tropical air fryer pork



Feast your eyes on our crowd-pleasing take on sweet and sour pork. This succulent pork perfectly balances the sweet and sour flavors with juicy pineapple and a tangy sauce—a combination that kids and grownups are sure to love.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 can unsweetened crushed pineapple (8 ounces), undrained
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 pork tenderloins (¾ pound each)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish


Directions:

1. Combine the pineapple, apple cider vinegar, both sugars, ketchup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until thickened. 

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

3. Select the Preheat function, adjust the temperature to 425°F, then tap Start/Pause.

4. Season the pork tenderloins with salt and pepper, then place onto the preheated crisper plate.

5. Select the Roast function, adjust time to 18 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

6. Brush ¼ cup of the pineapple sauce over the pork when 4 minutes remain on the cook time. 

7. Remove the pork when caramelized and done, then brush more sauce over the tops. 

8. Allow the pork to rest for 6 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with the remaining sauce on the side.

Parmesan-Crusted Air Fryer Cod & Savory Mash

parmesan crusted air fryer cod and savory mash


Introducing our fun approach to the classic fish and potatoes. Effortless, elevated, and easy for even the busiest Moms, our Parmesan-Crusted Cod will have your kids asking for seconds. The mild flavor of cod is enhanced by crispy, savory Parmesan cheese while the seasoned mashed potatoes are the perfect addition to round out a comforting meal.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes


Ingredients:

Air Fryer Cod

  • 1 pound cod fillets
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Olive oil spray


Mashed Air Fryer Potatoes

  • 1 pound small russet potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 thyme sprig
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chives, minced, for garnish


Items Needed

  • Aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Potato masher


Directions:

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

2. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and place directly onto the crisper plate.

3. Select the Roast function, adjust time to 40 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

4. Place the butter, milk, thyme, and garlic clove in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then turn off heat and allow the garlic and thyme to steep while the potatoes continue to cook in the air fryer. 

5. Remove the potatoes when done and fully tender. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a bowl. 

6. Discard the garlic clove and thyme sprig from the saucepan, then add the warm milk mixture to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency, then season generously with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl with foil to keep warm.

7. Season the cod fillets lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. 

8. Set up a breading station by placing the flour in a bowl, the eggs in another bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a final bowl. 

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

10. Dredge each cod fillet in the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. 

11. Spray the preheated crisper plate with oil spray, then place the cod fillets onto the crisper plate. Spray the tops of the fillets with oil spray.

12. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 400°F and time to 10 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

13. Flip the cod fillets halfway through cooking. 

14. Remove the cod when golden and crispy. Serve with mashed potatoes on the side and garnish with chives.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Frenzy

air fryer chicken fajita


Our quick and nutritious chicken and veggie fajitas will leave you wanting more after every bite. Spice up your dinner routine with this fast and easy recipe. This tasty meal is packed with seasonal veggies and can be made milder (or spicier!) by simply adjusting the amount of fajita seasoning.


Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch-thick strips
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into ½-inch-thick slices
  • 1 red onion, sliced into ½-inch-thick slices
  • 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil 
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • Warmed tortillas, for serving
  • Salsa, for serving
  • Guacamole, for serving


Directions:

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

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

3. Combine the chicken, bell peppers, onion, fajita seasoning, and oil in a bowl and toss to combine.

4. Place the mixture onto the preheated crisper plate.

5. Select the Air Fry function, adjust the temperature to 400°F and time to 17 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

6. Stir the chicken and vegetables halfway through cooking.

7. Remove the chicken and vegetables when done, then squeeze the juice of ½ a lime over the top. Serve on warmed tortillas with salsa and guacamole.

Air Fryer Side Dishes: Adding Color and Flavor to Your Table

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Drizzle

air fryer brussels sprouts with balsamic drizzle


Add a fresh, satisfying twist to your Mother’s Day dinner with our enhanced Brussels sprouts. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, this side dish offers mouthwatering flavors that pair perfectly with any main entrée.


Yield: 2–4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes


Ingredients: 

  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Directions:

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

2. Combine the Brussels sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and mix until well combined.

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

4. Add the Brussels sprouts onto the preheated crisper plate.

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

6. Remove the Brussels sprouts when done cooking, then drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and serve.

Air Fryer Squash Wedges

air fryer squash wedges

Enjoy our Italian twist on the classic summer squash. Each wedge is coated in a delicious mix of egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning. Then, they’re air-fried to perfection, leaving you with your next favorite side dish. The only problem is you might not be able to stop eating them.


Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 3 large zucchini squash
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Olive oil spray 


Directions:

1. Cut the squash lengthwise into 2-inch wedges. 

2. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in one bowl. 

3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.

4. Combine the panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.

5. Dip each squash wedge into the flour mixture, followed by the beaten eggs, then into the panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Spray both sides with olive oil spray.

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

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

8. Place the squash onto the preheated crisper plate.

9. Select the Air Fry function, adjust the temperature to 400°F and time to 12 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

10. Flip the squash wedges over halfway through cooking.

11. Remove when golden brown and crispy, then serve.

Tips for a Perfect Mother’s Day Air Fryer Feast

Optimizing Your Air Fryer

Let’s talk about how you can get the most out of your COSORI air fryer. No matter what you’re cooking, our air fryers have convenient cooking presets that eliminate guesswork. For example, the Preheat function heats up the air fryer before cooking, so your food doesn’t come out undercooked or overcooked. We also have the recipe-conquering Air Fry function that can do it all. Use the Roast function to whip up buttery mashed potatoes, or the Bake function to give Mom a tasty dessert. When the Mother’s Day celebration is over, you can use the Reheat function to warm up the leftovers. The possibilities are endless! 

Presentation Ideas

No matter what you’re cooking for Mother’s Day dinner, you want to make sure it’s a showstopper. That’s where presentation comes in. Here are some helpful tips on how to present your culinary creation:

  • Every meal should have a star of the plate, a component that stands out the most. It’s usually the biggest item on the plate such as a juicy steak, long crab legs, or a piece of fish. Whatever it is, it should be the first thing they notice, and they should be able to get to it without disturbing the rest of the plate. 
  • Make the most out of different colors and textures. Show off your creativity by incorporating different colors and textures that complement each other in your meal. For example, add red peppers or tomatoes to a plate of pesto pasta or fresh mango slices to tropical salmon. 
  • Don’t forget to garnish. The garnish is what gives your dish an extra flair, and it should always enhance the flavor. Parsley is the go-to garnish for many meals. Another example is chives sprinkled onto potatoes or sprinkles on top of ice cream. 

Engaging the Family

When you’re cooking up a storm, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or feel like the success of the meal all depends on you. Remember, that’s not true! Celebrating Mom should be a family activity, and getting everyone involved in the cooking process is a surefire way to make Mom feel like she’s number one. When a family cooks together, a good time is bound to follow. Everyone can share their favorite cooking tips and learn new ones, all while giving Mom a chance to put her feet up. 

Enjoying the Leftovers: Creative Ideas for Post-Mother's Day Meals

Storage Tips

When all the dust settles, it’s important to store your leftovers properly so you can enjoy them later. The best practices are to wrap in airtight packaging or seal in storage containers. This helps keep bacteria out and the flavors in. After they’re properly sealed, they can be stored in your refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for 3–4 months.

Innovative Leftover Dishes

No matter what you’re celebrating, one of the best parts of a big meal is savoring all the leftovers. If you spend all day preparing a delicious feast, you should be able to enjoy it for more than one meal. Our air fryers feature a convenient Reheat function that lets you bring your food back to life for a second round of deliciousness.

In the mood for something different? It’s easy to get creative, so your leftovers don’t go to waste. For example, throw those leftover spring veggies and air fryer cod into a bowl with some spinach and hardboiled egg to create a fresh salad. Or create a wrap with leftover fajita chicken or sweet and sour pork.

No matter what you have planned for Mother’s Day, you can make it one Mom’s sure to remember with COSORI.