Air Fryer Vegetables

These Air Fryer Vegetables are a delicious, quick, and easy side dish that comes together in just minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup. With a colorful medley of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red pepper, this air fryer vegetables recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

One of the best things about cooking vegetables in the air fryer is how fast and effortless it is. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can have perfectly tender, lightly caramelized veggies on the table in under 20 minutes. Plus, the air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a delicious alternative to traditional roasting or sautéing methods.

I love making these Air Fryer Vegetables because they're so versatile and customizable. The combination of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red pepper is a classic mix that works well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled chicken to fish to pasta. Another delicious side dish is this Squash, Zucchini and Tomato Casserole.

But you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand - just keep in mind that different vegetables may have slightly different cooking times.

Another reason these veggies are a go-to in my kitchen is that they're so flavorful, despite being incredibly simple. The Italian seasoning blend adds a subtle flavor that compliments the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the olive oil helps them caramelize and develop a lovely golden-brown color. 

And if you want to take things up a notch, try sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.

I love that these air fryer vegetables can be paired with absolutely anything. They go great with steak, grilled chicken, and seafood dishes and are the perfect way to add some nutrition to your meal. 

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Zucchini: Look for firm, smooth zucchini with bright green skin. One small zucchini yields about 1 to 1 ½ cups when diced.
• Yellow Squash: Choose squash that feels heavy for its size and has a vibrant yellow color. One small squash is roughly 1 to 1 ½ cups diced.
• Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms work well in this recipe. 4 ounces of whole mushrooms is about 1 to 1 ½ cups when quartered.
• Red Pepper: A medium-sized red bell pepper will give you about 1 cup of diced pieces. Feel free to use yellow or orange peppers if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: Helps the vegetables caramelize and brown in the air fryer. You can use avocado oil or coconut oil if you prefer.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that adds an aromatic flavor to the veggies.

These air fryer vegetables are great for meal prepping. Just cook up a big batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week. You can even toss them into salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a satisfying meatless lunch.

How To Make Air Fryer Vegetables

Start by washing and prepping your vegetables. Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into ½ inch slices, then quarter the slices to create large, chunky pieces. Quarter the mushrooms and dice the red pepper into ½ inch pieces as well. Having evenly sized pieces ensures that the vegetables cook at the same rate.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. In a large bowl, combine the diced zucchini, yellow squash, quartered mushrooms, and diced red pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning.

Transfer half of the seasoned vegetables to the basket of your air fryer. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between the pieces to allow for good air circulation. This is key for getting evenly cooked, lightly crispy veggies. If you overcrowd the basket, the vegetables may steam instead of caramelizing.

Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 4 minutes on the "air fry" setting. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the basket and give the vegetables a good shake to redistribute them. This helps ensure even browning on all sides.

Return the basket to the air fryer and set the timer for an additional 3 minutes. The total cooking time for each batch of vegetables is 7 minutes, but we split it up to allow for shaking halfway through.

Once the timer goes off, remove the basket and transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving platter or bowl. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining vegetables.

Serve the Air Fryer Vegetables hot, with your favorite toppings or seasonings. I like to sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper, but feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors!

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

While you can use frozen vegetables in the air fryer, they may release more moisture and won't caramelize as well as fresh vegetables.

Can I make these vegetables oil-free?

While the olive oil helps the vegetables caramelize and brown in the air fryer, you can make this recipe oil-free by omitting it and using a bit of vegetable broth or water to help the seasoning stick instead. Keep in mind that the vegetables may not get quite as crispy without the oil.

Storing and Freezing

Store: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the vegetables back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the cooked vegetables may become mushy when thawed. 

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap out the vegetables. Try using broccoli florets, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, or brussels sprouts in place of or in addition to the zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and pepper.
• Change up the seasoning. Use a different herb blend like herbes de Provence or za'atar, or try a spice mix like cajun or taco seasoning for a bolder flavor.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the vegetables before cooking for a kick of heat.
• Add more flavor. Toss in some minced garlic or sliced shallots for an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook the vegetables in two batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to redistribute the vegetables and promote even caramelization.
• Keep an eye on the vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly done to overcooked very quickly. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations and seasonings to find your favorite flavors. The possibilities are endless!

Check out my other air fryer recipes!

• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Chicken Legs
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes

These Air Fryer Vegetables are perfect for anyone looking to add more healthy and easy-to-prepare side dishes to their meal rotation. With minimal prep, quick cooking time, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is going to become your go-to for busy weeknight meals.