To roast vegetables in an air fryer, toss oiled, seasoned veg and cook in a single layer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–18 minutes, shaking once.
If you have ever wondered how to cook roast vegetables in an air fryer, the short answer is that you follow the same basics as oven roasting, just faster and with less oil. The fan pushes hot air around every side of the veg, so you get crisp edges and tender centres without heating the whole kitchen.
This method works for weeknight mixed trays, meal-prep boxes, or a simple side next to chicken or tofu. Once you understand the base time and temperature, you can swap in any veg you like and build your own seasoning spin.
Below, you will find the core method, a handy time chart, seasoning ideas, and safety tips so you feel calm and confident every time you roast vegetables in your air fryer.
Air Fryer Roast Vegetable Time And Temperature Chart
Use this chart as a starting point for common vegetables. All times assume bite-sized pieces, a preheated air fryer, and a light coating of oil.
| Vegetable | Temperature | Approx. Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 375°F / 190°C | 8–12 minutes |
| Cauliflower florets | 375°F / 190°C | 10–14 minutes |
| Carrot slices or sticks | 380°F / 193°C | 12–16 minutes |
| Bell pepper strips | 375°F / 190°C | 8–11 minutes |
| Zucchini or summer squash chunks | 375°F / 190°C | 8–10 minutes |
| Brussels sprouts halves | 380°F / 193°C | 12–18 minutes |
| Sweet potato cubes | 380°F / 193°C | 14–20 minutes |
| Green beans | 375°F / 190°C | 8–12 minutes |
*Your exact time can shift with basket size, veg size, and brand of air fryer, so start at the low end and check early.
Why Air Fryers Roast Vegetables So Well
An air fryer is basically a small, powerful convection oven. The heating element and fan sit close to the food, so the hot air hits the vegetables from all sides. That constant airflow dries the surface a little and gives you the browned, caramelised edges you want from roast veg.
Because the chamber is compact, you do not need as much oil to get that golden colour. A teaspoon or two per basket of veg is enough. You also use slightly lower temperatures than a full oven while getting the same, or even better, browning in less time.
According to the USDA’s guidance on air fryers and food safety, you still treat the appliance like any hot cooking method: avoid overcrowding, cook food thoroughly, and follow the directions for your model.
How To Cook Roast Vegetables In An Air Fryer Step-By-Step
Here is a simple method you can use for any combination of veg. Once you run through it once, you will know exactly how to cook roast vegetables in an air fryer without guessing.
Choose And Prep Your Vegetables
Pick vegetables that roast well: carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and zucchini all behave nicely in an air fryer. Frozen mixed veg can work too, as long as you spread it in a thin layer.
Wash and dry the veg first. Drying matters, because extra surface water turns to steam and slows browning. Trim ends, peel if you like, and cut everything into similar-sized pieces so that each piece cooks at the same pace.
As a rough guide, aim for 1–1.5 cm chunks for firm veg like sweet potato and carrot, and slightly larger pieces for delicate veg like zucchini or peppers so they do not shrivel too quickly.
Season For Flavour And Browning
Move the cut veg to a mixing bowl. Drizzle on a small amount of oil, about 1–2 teaspoons per 2 cups of veg. Use an oil that behaves well at higher heat, such as avocado, canola, sunflower, or light olive oil. Toss until every piece looks shiny but not drenched.
Add salt and your chosen spices. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, curry powder, or ground cumin all pair nicely with roast vegetables. Toss again so the seasoning clings evenly. If you enjoy cheese, you can add grated parmesan near the end of cooking so it does not burn.
Preheat And Arrange The Basket
Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Many models do this with a built-in preheat setting; if yours does not, just run it empty at the cooking temperature for a few minutes. Preheating helps the veg start browning as soon as they touch the basket.
Once hot, spread the vegetables in a single, loose layer. A tiny bit of overlap is fine, but thick piles block airflow. When the basket is packed too tightly, the veg steam instead of roast, and you end up with soft, pale pieces.
Set Time, Temperature, And Shake
For mixed trays, 375°F (190°C) is a friendly default. Set the timer for 10 minutes, then plan to shake the basket or stir the veg halfway through. This exposes new surfaces to the hot air and keeps the edges from charring on one side.
After the first 10 minutes, check the colour. If the veg look pale, add 3–5 minute bursts until the edges look browned and the inside feels tender when pierced with a fork.
Check Doneness And Serve
Many home cooks judge doneness by colour and texture alone, which works well for vegetables. For mixed trays that include meat, or for dishes that sit on a buffet, it helps to think about temperature too. Food safety agencies advise keeping hot food above the danger zone of 40–140°F (4–60°C) while serving.
The chart from FoodSafety.gov on safe minimum internal temperatures focuses on meat, but it also reminds cooks to keep cooked vegetables hot and to reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) before serving again.
Once the vegetables look browned and feel tender, tip them into a warm serving dish. Add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a spoon of pesto right at the end if you like a bright finish.
Roasting Mixed Vegetables In Your Air Fryer: Time And Temperature
Mixed trays are where air fryers shine, but different veg cook at different speeds. Firm root veg need more time, while soft veg char more quickly. With a little planning, you can still roast everything in one basket.
Group Vegetables By Texture
Think in three groups: firm (potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots), medium (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower), and soft (peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes). If you roast firm veg with soft veg for the same time, the soft veg can burn before the roots soften.
A simple fix is to start the firm veg alone for 5–8 minutes, then add the medium group, and add the soft group for the last 5–7 minutes. Shake the basket whenever you add a new group so everything spreads out again.
Match Cut Size To Cooking Time
If you want everything to finish at once, make root veg pieces smaller than the soft veg. Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes and cut peppers into larger strips. That way, both have similar cooking times, and the tray reaches the right texture at the same moment.
Use Visual Cues Alongside The Timer
Timers help, but your eyes and nose tell you the rest. Look for edges that go deep golden brown and centres that look tender rather than dry. If you see dark spots forming quickly, drop the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and add a few more minutes to let the inside catch up.
Seasoning Ideas For Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
Once you know the base method for how to cook roast vegetables in an air fryer, seasoning turns a simple tray of veg into a side dish that feels new each time. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or go bold with spice blends.
| Vegetable Base | Oil And Extras | Flavour Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli, cauliflower | Olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest | Bright and garlicky |
| Carrots, parsnips | Avocado oil, honey or maple, thyme | Sweet and herby |
| Peppers, onions, zucchini | Olive oil, dried oregano, basil | Mediterranean-style |
| Brussels sprouts, potatoes | Canola oil, smoked paprika, garlic | Smoky and savoury |
| Sweet potatoes | Sunflower oil, chili powder, lime juice | Spicy and tangy |
| Mixed veg | Olive oil, curry powder, coriander | Curry-style |
| Green beans, cherry tomatoes | Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic | Rich and slightly sweet |
Sprinkle fresh herbs right before serving for extra aroma. Soft herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives hold their colour better when added off the heat, while woody herbs such as rosemary and thyme can go in before cooking.
Tips To Avoid Soggy Air Fryer Vegetables
No one wants a basket of steamed veg when they planned on roasted ones. A few small habits stop sogginess and keep your vegetables crisp and golden.
Dry The Vegetables Well
After washing, pat the veg dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel. Even a thin layer of surface moisture slows browning. This step matters for frozen veg too: if they look icy, spread them briefly on a tray to shed frost before seasoning.
Do Not Crowd The Basket
Air fryers rely on air movement. If the basket is packed, air cannot reach every surface, and you end up with soft patches. Follow the advice from air fryer safety guides and leave room for circulation in the basket and around the appliance itself.
If you are cooking for a group, cook in two batches rather than forcing everything into one. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you finish the second.
Use Enough Oil, But Not Too Much
Too little oil can leave the surface dry and patchy, while too much creates a wet film that slows crisping. Aim for a very light coat: you should see a sheen, not a puddle. Toss in a bowl, not directly in the basket, so you can control the amount more easily.
Shake Or Stir Partway Through
Shaking the basket halfway through moves the hot surfaces around and releases any steam trapped under the veg. This single action usually makes the difference between pale veg and evenly browned veg that tastes like it came from a hot oven tray.
Food Safety, Leftovers, And Cleaning
Roast vegetables are low-risk compared with meat, but simple food safety habits still matter. Cool leftovers quickly, store them in shallow containers, and refrigerate within two hours. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until piping hot in the centre.
General food safety advice from agencies such as the USDA and FoodSafety.gov stresses keeping cooked food out of the 40–140°F (4–60°C) danger zone for extended periods. That means no leaving a tray of veg on the counter for half a day, even if it looks fine.
After cooking, let the appliance cool, then wash the basket, tray, and any inserts with warm soapy water. Many models allow these parts to go in the dishwasher, but your manual has the final word. Wipe the inside of the drawer and the outer shell with a soft cloth to remove oil build-up so the next batch browns evenly.
Putting It All Together For Easy Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
When you know the basic air fryer temperatures, how long each veg takes, and how to layer firm and soft veg in the same basket, roast vegetables turn into a low-effort side you can cook on autopilot. Keep the time chart nearby the first few times you cook, then adjust it to fit your own appliance.
Once you feel comfortable, start playing with new seasoning blends, different oil choices, and mix-and-match trays. A simple method, a hot air fryer, and a bowl of chopped veg are all you need for roasted sides that fit weeknights, packed lunches, or holiday spreads.