Ever dream of perfectly roasted, crispy vegetables without all the oil or the hassle of a big oven? Air fryers are absolute game-changers, especially when it comes to transforming humble veggies into superstar sides or even main courses. They use superheated air to cook food, giving you that delightful crunch we all love, but with significantly less fat. It’s no wonder so many home cooks are on the hunt for the best air fryer for veggies!
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick, healthy dinners or a health enthusiast aiming to reduce oil intake, an air fryer can seriously up your vegetable game. Think crispy Brussels sprouts, tender roasted asparagus, sweet potato fries, or even bell peppers with a lovely char – all done quickly and efficiently.
But with so many models on the market, how do you pick the right one? And what about those handy accessories or guides that can make your veggie cooking even better? We’ve rounded up 7 top products – a mix of fantastic air fryers and two indispensable cookbooks – to help you make an informed choice and unlock the full potential of your air fryer for cooking veggies.
Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks for Crispy Veggies
1. Ninja Air Fryer (4-Quart)
This Ninja Air Fryer is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and enjoy healthier meals. What makes it stand out is its balance of capacity and versatile functionality in a compact design. It’s truly an all-rounder that excels at air frying, roasting, reheating, and even dehydrating, making it perfect for whipping up everything from crispy broccoli florets to homemade veggie chips. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it gets those vegetables perfectly tender on the inside and delightfully crisp on the outside.
- Key Features:
- Air fries with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F) for diverse cooking.
- Family-sized 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Dehydrate function for making homemade veggie snacks.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
- Pros:
- Excellent for healthy frying with minimal oil.
- Versatile functions beyond just air frying.
- Generous capacity for small to medium families.
- Easy to clean components.
- Included recipe booklet is a great starting point.
- Cons:
- May not be large enough for very big families or meal prepping.
- Some users might prefer a digital display over physical buttons.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise this Ninja model for its consistent cooking results, especially for crispy foods. Many highlight its ease of use and quick cleanup, making it a go-to appliance for everyday meals. It’s often recommended for its reliability and ability to deliver that satisfying “fried” texture without the guilt.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Cathy Yoder’s Air Fryer Cookbook: Air Fryer Recipes
While not an air fryer itself, Cathy Yoder’s cookbook is an absolutely essential companion if you want to master cooking vegetables and much more in your appliance. What makes this cookbook shine is its practical, user-friendly approach from a real mom who understands the need for fast, delicious meals. It goes way beyond basic fries and nuggets, opening up a world of possibilities for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking the best air fryer for veggies recipes.
- Key Features:
- Over 150 diverse recipes, from breakfast to dessert.
- Easy-to-follow instructions, designed for busy home cooks.
- Audience-tested recipes from Cathy Yoder’s popular YouTube channel.
- Encourages exploration beyond typical air fryer uses.
- Focuses on fast cooking for family meals.
- Pros:
- Great variety of recipes to keep meals exciting.
- Recipes are genuinely easy for everyday cooks.
- Tried-and-true recipes reduce guesswork.
- Helps maximize the potential of your air fryer.
- Saves time with quick cooking methods.
- Cons:
- It’s a cookbook, not an appliance (so you still need an air fryer!).
- Some very advanced cooks might find recipes too simple.
- User Impressions: Reviewers love how accessible and practical this cookbook is. Many mention that Cathy Yoder’s relatable style makes cooking less intimidating, and they appreciate the clear, simple instructions that lead to delicious results. It’s often cited as a must-have for new air fryer owners.
- See it on Amazon here
3. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt with TurboBlaze
The COSORI 6-quart Air Fryer with TurboBlaze Technology truly stands out for its powerful performance and advanced features, making it a stellar choice for anyone serious about air frying vegetables. Its innovative TurboBlaze fan system and wide temperature range deliver incredibly crispy, evenly cooked results, whether you’re making a simple side of roasted carrots or a more complex veggie dish. The generous 6-quart capacity means you can cook bigger batches, perfect for families or meal prep, without sacrificing counter space.
- Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and up to 450℉ for superior crisping.
- Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for even cooking.
- Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system for professional-grade versatility.
- Speeds up cooking time for quick family meals.
- Large 6-quart square basket designed for family meals.
- Operates quietly at less than 53 dB.
- Up to 95% less oil for healthier frying.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories for easy cleaning.
- Customizable preheat function.
- Includes user manual and 30-recipe cookbook.
- Pros:
- Exceptional crisping and even cooking due to TurboBlaze technology.
- Large capacity is great for families or batch cooking.
- Quieter operation compared to many other models.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Excellent for healthy cooking with minimal oil.
- Cons:
- Higher price point than some basic models.
- Might be too large for very small kitchens.
- User Impressions: Users rave about the COSORI’s ability to produce incredibly crispy food with very little oil. The quiet operation and large capacity are frequently highlighted as major advantages. Many commend its build quality and ease of cleaning, calling it a significant upgrade from previous air fryers.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for an appliance that goes beyond just air frying and offers a full countertop cooking experience, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a showstopper. Its large 26-quart capacity and elegant French doors make it a versatile workhorse, perfect for roasting entire meals, toasting, baking, and, of course, air frying a big batch of your favorite veggies. The 25 cooking presets take the guesswork out of various dishes, making it incredibly user-friendly for all your culinary adventures.
- Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
- “Perfectly Done Toast” feature with automatic shut-off.
- 25 diverse cooking presets (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, etc.).
- Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air for golden crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, fits a 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza.
- Stylish stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors.
- Pros:
- Huge capacity ideal for larger families or entertaining.
- Extremely versatile, replacing multiple appliances.
- Preset functions simplify cooking for various dishes.
- Stylish design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
- French doors and interior light offer convenience.
- Cons:
- Large countertop footprint might not suit smaller kitchens.
- Can be more complex to learn than a simple basket air fryer.
- User Impressions: Customers love the multi-functionality and large capacity of this Emeril Lagasse appliance, often remarking on its ability to handle full meals. The French doors and aesthetic appeal are frequently praised, along with its capability to produce perfectly crispy air-fried items and evenly toasted bread.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro takes everything great about Ninja’s air frying capabilities and bumps up the capacity and technology, making it another fantastic contender for the best air fryer for veggies. With its Air Crisp Technology, you can expect superior crisping with very little oil, ensuring your roasted root vegetables or sautéed greens get that perfect texture. The 5-quart nonstick basket offers ample space for family-sized portions, and its sleek design is surprisingly counter-friendly.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology uses 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Achieves up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying.
- Cooks frozen foods to a crispy finish in minutes.
- Space-saving design without compromising capacity.
- Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean.
- Includes a 20-recipe book and cooking charts.
- Pros:
- Excellent for achieving superior crispiness.
- Good capacity for families.
- Versatile functions for a wide range of foods.
- Healthier cooking alternative with less oil.
- Compact footprint for its capacity.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Specific capacity might still be limiting for very large gatherings.
- Dehydrate function might be slower than dedicated dehydrators.
- User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the Ninja Air Fryer Pro’s exceptional performance in making food crispy, particularly vegetables and fries. Its ease of use and quick cooking times are highly appreciated, and many users find the 5-quart capacity just right for their family’s needs. The easy cleanup is also a recurring positive comment.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes
If Cathy Yoder’s cookbook got you started, this “600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes” book is ready to make you an air fryer master! Packed with an incredible array of dishes, this cookbook is a treasure trove for expanding your culinary repertoire, especially when it comes to experimenting with various vegetables and side dishes. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who truly wants to leverage their air fryer’s potential for healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meals.
- Key Features:
- 600 diverse and effortless air fryer recipes.
- Aims to help users unlock the full potential of their air fryer.
- Focuses on easy and healthy meal preparation.
- Pros:
- Massive collection of recipes ensures endless cooking possibilities.
- Promotes healthy eating with air-fried alternatives.
- Great for inspiration and trying new dishes.
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced air fryer users.
- Cons:
- Requires an air fryer to be useful!
- The sheer volume of recipes might be overwhelming for some.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the sheer quantity and variety of recipes offered, often stating it’s a valuable resource for breaking out of a cooking rut. Many find the recipes genuinely easy to follow and praise the book for helping them make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
- See it on Amazon here
7. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving
For solo cooks, couples, or those with very limited kitchen space, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is an absolute gem. Its compact, sleek design belies its powerful performance, making it an excellent candidate for the best air fryer for veggies if you’re cooking for one or two. This mini air fryer heats up incredibly fast and cooks food up to three times quicker than a conventional oven, ensuring you get perfectly crisp veggies in a flash, all with minimal oil and fuss.
- Key Features:
- Fast and easy cooking with a capacitive touch screen display.
- Customizable cooking time and temperature up to 400°F.
- Uses little-to-no oil for healthy cooking.
- Supreme space-saver with a sleek, narrow design.
- Square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity.
- “Shake Notifications” for even crisping.
- Perfectly sized for 1-2 people.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack for simple cleanup.
- Automatic shutoff technology for added safety.
- Pros:
- Ideal for small kitchens or individuals/couples.
- Extremely fast cooking times.
- Very healthy cooking with minimal oil.
- Easy to use digital controls.
- Simple to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Audible shake notifications are a handy feature.
- Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger families or meal prep.
- Only offers basic air frying functionality (no roast/dehydrate).
- User Impressions: Users love this mini air fryer for its compact size, quick cooking, and ease of use. It’s frequently praised by those living alone or in small apartments for its perfect portion sizing and ability to deliver perfectly crispy results for snacks and small meals, including veggies. The easy cleanup is a definite bonus.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kinds of vegetables can I air fry?
A: Almost any vegetable can be air-fried! Popular choices include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, zucchini, and various root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes. Air frying brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a wonderful crisp texture.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking vegetables?
A: Yes, generally it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding vegetables. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispier result, as the hot air immediately starts to cook the surface of the veggies. Think of it like preheating a conventional oven for roasting.
Q3: How much oil should I use for air frying vegetables?
A: You only need a very small amount, usually 1-2 teaspoons, just enough to lightly coat the vegetables. This helps with crisping and prevents sticking. Some people even use a mister or spray bottle for a fine, even coat. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the nonstick coating over time.
Q4: What’s the best temperature and time for air frying common vegetables?
A: Most vegetables do well at temperatures between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Cooking times vary:
* Broccoli/Cauliflower: 10-15 minutes
* Brussels Sprouts: 12-18 minutes
* Asparagus/Green Beans: 8-12 minutes
* Bell Peppers/Onions: 10-15 minutes
* Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes (cubed/fries): 15-25 minutes (shake halfway)
Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping!
Q5: How do I get my air-fried vegetables extra crispy?
A: A few tips for maximum crispiness:
1. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary, allowing air to circulate.
2. Lightly oil: Just enough to coat, but not drench.
3. Shake the basket: Every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning.
4. Dry veggies: Pat wet veggies dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Excess moisture can steam them instead of crisping.
5. Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer.
Q6: Can I cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air frying frozen vegetables is a fantastic way to quickly get a crispy texture without thawing. Add a little extra cooking time (usually 5-10 minutes more than fresh) and a touch more oil. Shake the basket frequently to prevent them from sticking together.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking vegetables?
A: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher safe. For stubborn bits, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth after each use once it has cooled down. Always refer to your specific model’s cleaning instructions.
Finding the best air fryer for veggies really comes down to your needs: capacity, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you opt for a compact model like the Chefman, a family-sized Cosori, a multi-functional Emeril oven, or one of the popular Ninja models, you’re on your way to enjoying healthier, crispier vegetables in no time. And don’t forget those invaluable cookbooks to keep your air fryer journey exciting and delicious! Happy cooking!