Got an air fryer sitting on your counter, ready to revolutionize your cooking game? You’re in luck! Air fryers aren’t just for fries and chicken wings; they’re also absolute magic for transforming humble frozen vegetables into crispy, flavorful powerhouses. Forget soggy, bland veggies – with the right choices and a little air fryer know-how, you can achieve restaurant-quality sides in minutes.
But with so many options in the freezer aisle, how do you pick the best frozen vegetables for air fryer cooking? Don’t sweat it! We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks that truly shine when air-fried. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to eat your greens (and reds, and yellows!).
Why Air Fry Frozen Vegetables?
Before we dive into our picks, let’s talk about why air frying frozen veggies is such a game-changer.
* Crispy Perfection: The circulating hot air crisps up the exterior while keeping the interior tender.
* Speed & Convenience: Most frozen veggies cook up in 10-20 minutes, with minimal prep. No chopping, no fuss!
* Healthier Option: You use significantly less oil than traditional roasting or frying.
* Flavor Boost: Many frozen options come pre-seasoned, saving you time and effort.
* Less Waste: Use what you need and store the rest back in the freezer.
Ready to find the best frozen vegetables for air fryer cooking? Let’s get to it!
1. Birds Eye Oven Roasters, Seasoned Broccoli and Cauliflower
If you’re looking for an effortless way to get delicious, seasoned veggies on the table, Birds Eye Oven Roasters are a fantastic choice. While designed for the oven, their seasoning blend and cut make them incredibly well-suited for the air fryer. This mix of broccoli and cauliflower comes pre-seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and herbs, meaning you can simply toss them in your air fryer basket and let the magic happen. They crisp up beautifully, offering a tender interior and a savory exterior that even veggie skeptics will enjoy. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it solution for busy weeknights.
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Key Features:
- One 14 oz bag of Birds Eye Oven Roasters, Seasoned Broccoli and Cauliflower Frozen Vegetables
- Oven-ready and seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and herbs
- No washing, chopping, or seasoning required
- Flash frozen to lock in flavor and nutrients
- Made without any artificial colors
- Ready in about 25 minutes (even faster in an air fryer!)
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Pros:
- Pre-seasoned, saving prep time
- Great flavor profile that crisps well
- Convenient and easy to use
- No artificial colors
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Cons:
- Contains sea salt, so monitor your added salt if on a restricted diet
- May require a slight adjustment to air fryer cooking times compared to oven instructions
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and the balanced seasoning, often noting how much quicker they cook in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven, making them a weeknight staple.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Birds Eye Steamfresh Asparagus Spears, Frozen Vegetable
Asparagus in the air fryer? Absolutely! While these Birds Eye Steamfresh Asparagus Spears are marketed for steaming, don’t let that deter you. When air-fried, they transform into delightfully tender-crisp spears with slightly browned tips, creating an elegant and healthy side dish. The beauty here is in the simplicity – just pure asparagus, flash-frozen to lock in its fresh flavor. A light spray of oil and a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings (garlic powder and a pinch of salt are perfect) is all you need to elevate this humble vegetable to new heights in your air fryer.
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Key Features:
- One 8 oz bag of Birds Eye Steamfresh Asparagus Spears
- Quick, easy side dish option
- Flash frozen asparagus locks in flavor
- Contains nothing artificial
- Microwave in the bag or cook on the stove (or air fry!)
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Pros:
- Pure asparagus with no artificial ingredients
- Cooks quickly to a perfect tender-crisp texture
- Versatile for various seasonings
- Healthy and low in calories
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Cons:
- Not pre-seasoned, so you’ll need to add your own flavorings
- Small bag size might not be enough for larger families
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the fresh taste and consistent quality of these asparagus spears. Many air fryer enthusiasts have discovered they cook beautifully, becoming a go-to for a quick green vegetable side.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Pictsweet Farms Seasoned Vegetables for the Air Fryer
Now, this is truly a game-changer! Pictsweet Farms has embraced the air fryer craze head-on with their “Seasoned Vegetables for the Air Fryer” line. This particular one, featuring Mexican Street Corn, is an absolute standout. Imagine mini cobs of corn perfectly seasoned with traditional Mexican flavors, ready to go from freezer to air fryer to plate in just 14 minutes. This product is designed specifically for your air fryer, ensuring optimal crispiness and flavor. It’s a fun, unique side that brings a gourmet touch to your meal without any fuss.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed for air fryer cooking
- Experience the flavor of Mexican Street Corn
- Perfectly seasoned and prepped mini ears of cob corn
- Ready for your family in just 14 minutes
- Pictsweet Farms 100% All Natural Vegetables
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Pros:
- Optimized for air fryer cooking – no guesswork!
- Unique and delicious Mexican Street Corn flavor
- Very fast cooking time
- All-natural ingredients
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Cons:
- Might not appeal to those who prefer unseasoned or plain vegetables
- Availability might vary by store, as it’s a specialty air fryer product
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User Impressions: People rave about the convenience and incredible flavor, especially the authentic Mexican Street Corn taste. It’s often praised as an innovative product that makes getting a tasty side dish incredibly easy.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Birds Eye Steamfresh Baby Broccoli Blend, Frozen
Looking for a convenient and colorful vegetable medley that cooks up quickly in your air fryer? The Birds Eye Steamfresh Baby Broccoli Blend is a fantastic option. While the “Steamfresh” name implies microwave steaming, a quick toss in the air fryer basket can yield delightful results. This blend features baby broccoli, soybeans (edamame), carrots, and water chestnuts, offering a variety of textures and flavors. It’s an easy way to get diverse nutrients into your meal, and the air fryer helps bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots while crisping the broccoli florets just right.
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Key Features:
- One 10.8 oz bag of Birds Eye Steamfresh Baby Broccoli Blend Frozen Vegetables
- Easy frozen vegetable blend for a quick side
- Includes frozen broccoli, soybeans, carrots, and water chestnuts
- Made without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Microwave in the bag in under 6 minutes (or air fry!)
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Pros:
- Diverse vegetable mix for varied nutrients
- No artificial ingredients
- Cooks quickly
- Good textural contrast from different vegetables
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Cons:
- Not pre-seasoned, so plan to add your own flavors
- The water chestnuts might not be to everyone’s liking when air-fried
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the mix of vegetables and the convenience. Air fryer users find that, with a little oil and seasoning, this blend cooks up well, providing a healthy and appealing side.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Amazon Grocery, Mixed Vegetables, 12 Oz, Frozen
Sometimes, you just need the basics, and this Amazon Grocery Mixed Vegetables blend delivers exactly that. Featuring a classic combination of carrots, corn, green peas, and green beans, this bag is a pantry staple for a reason. While designed for stovetop or microwave cooking, these simple mixed veggies air-fry surprisingly well. The key is to avoid overcrowding your basket and to give them a light spray of oil and your choice of seasoning. You’ll end up with slightly browned corn kernels, tender-crisp beans, and perfectly cooked carrots and peas, all ready in minutes. It’s a no-frills, reliable option for a healthy side.
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Key Features:
- One 12-ounce bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables (previously Happy Belly)
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients
- Contains: carrots, corn, green peas, green beans
- Cooks in bag (microwave) or can be air-fried
- Ready in 7 minutes (microwave)
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Pros:
- Affordable and readily available
- Classic, family-friendly vegetable mix
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Versatile for various dishes
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Cons:
- Not pre-seasoned
- Can become mushy if overcooked; needs careful monitoring in the air fryer
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User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the great value and the quality for a basic mixed vegetable blend. They appreciate the simplicity and that it’s a go-to for quick meal additions.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Amazon Grocery, California Vegetable Blend, 12 Oz, Frozen
If you’re a fan of broccoli and cauliflower, the Amazon Grocery California Vegetable Blend is an excellent choice for your air fryer. This blend focuses on the popular combination of broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and carrots, offering a robust and nutrient-rich side. Like its mixed vegetable counterpart, this blend contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients, making it a wholesome option. When air-fried, the broccoli and cauliflower florets get wonderfully crisp on the edges, while the carrots sweeten and tenderize, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight meal.
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Key Features:
- One 12-ounce bag of Frozen California Vegetable Blend (previously Happy Belly)
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients
- Contains: broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, carrots
- Cooks in bag (microwave) or can be air-fried
- Ready in 5 minutes (microwave)
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Pros:
- Classic and popular vegetable combination
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Broccoli and cauliflower crisp up nicely in the air fryer
- Good source of vitamins
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Cons:
- Requires added seasoning for flavor
- Can be a bit bland if not properly seasoned
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User Impressions: Many users praise this blend for its consistent quality and versatility. Air fryer owners specifically note how well the broccoli and cauliflower florets roast up, making them a delicious and convenient side.
- See it on Amazon here
7. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Mixed Vegetables No…
For those who prioritize organic options, the 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Mixed Vegetables is a solid contender for your air fryer. This blend, like others, includes a classic mix of carrots, corn, peas, and green beans, but with the added benefit of being certified organic. The vegetables are quick-frozen to preserve their flavor and nutrients, ensuring a fresh taste once cooked. While unseasoned, this gives you full control to add your preferred herbs, spices, or sauces. Air frying these will yield perfectly tender-crisp results, making it a great base for any healthy meal.
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Key Features:
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market
- Certified organic mixed vegetables
- Quick-frozen for great flavor
- Ready in 12-15 minutes (general cooking time)
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Pros:
- Organic certification for peace of mind
- Good blend of commonly enjoyed vegetables
- No added ingredients, allowing for custom seasoning
- Freezes well and cooks quickly
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to being organic
- Requires personal seasoning and oil application
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User Impressions: Customers who opt for organic produce are generally very satisfied with the quality and freshness of this blend. Air fryer users appreciate its versatility and how well it takes on different seasonings.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Frying Tips for Frozen Vegetables
To get the absolute best frozen vegetables for air fryer cooking, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Thaw: Cook them directly from frozen. Thawing can make them soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in a single layer if possible. Overlapping veggies will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
- Light Oil is Key: A light spray of olive oil or avocado oil helps them crisp up beautifully and allows seasonings to stick.
- Season Generously: Even pre-seasoned options can benefit from a little extra salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs and spices.
- Shake & Toss: Shake the air fryer basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust Cook Times: Different veggies and air fryer models will vary. Start with recommended times (usually 10-20 minutes at 375-400°F / 190-200°C) and adjust as needed until desired crispness is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can all frozen vegetables be cooked in an air fryer?
A1: While most frozen vegetables can be air-fried, some perform better than others. Harder vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and green beans tend to crisp up wonderfully. Softer vegetables like peas or corn can also be air-fried, but they might not achieve the same level of crispiness and are prone to drying out if overcooked.
Q2: Do I need to add oil to frozen vegetables in an air fryer?
A2: For the best results, yes, a light coating of oil (like olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil spray) is highly recommended. It helps the vegetables crisp up and allows seasonings to adhere better, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Q3: What temperature and time should I use for air frying frozen vegetables?
A3: A good starting point is 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. Thicker or denser vegetables will take longer, while thinner ones will cook faster. Always check for your desired tenderness and crispiness.
Q4: How do I prevent my frozen vegetables from becoming soggy in the air fryer?
A4: The key is to avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook frozen vegetables in a single layer or in batches if necessary. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, promoting crispiness rather than steaming. Also, ensure they are dry before adding oil and seasoning.
Q5: Can I air fry frozen vegetable blends?
A5: Absolutely! Many frozen vegetable blends work great in the air fryer. Just be aware that different vegetables in the blend might cook at slightly different rates. Shake the basket frequently to ensure even cooking, and remove any smaller pieces if they cook faster.
Q6: What seasonings work best for air-fried frozen vegetables?
A6: The possibilities are endless! Classic choices include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. For an extra kick, try chili powder, cumin, or a touch of smoked paprika. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
Q7: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before adding frozen vegetables?
A7: While not always strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes can help achieve more consistent and quicker results, especially for crispier textures. It ensures the cooking chamber is already at the optimal temperature when the food goes in.
Conclusion
The air fryer is truly a culinary superhero, especially when it comes to transforming the humble frozen vegetable. From perfectly seasoned blends to pure, organic options, finding the best frozen vegetables for air fryer cooking has never been easier. With these top picks and a few simple tips, you’ll be enjoying delicious, crispy, and healthy sides in no time. So, go ahead, stock up your freezer, and get ready to air-fry your way to tastier meals!