Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish, Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the savory, roasted flavor of broccoli. Thanks to the air fryer, you get perfectly crispy vegetables with minimal oil and cooking time, making it a convenient and nutritious addition to any meal.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Vegetables?

Air fryers are game changers for home cooks, especially when it comes to roasting vegetables. Here’s why:

1. Quick Cooking: The high heat circulates evenly, cutting cooking time in half compared to traditional roasting.
2. Crispy Texture: Vegetables come out perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
3. Healthy Option: You use much less oil without sacrificing flavor or texture.
4. Versatile: It works well with a variety of vegetables and seasoning combinations.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash the broccoli and carrots thoroughly under cold water.
2. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
3. Peel the carrots and slice them into sticks or rounds, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets and carrot pieces.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables.
3. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the vegetables cook evenly from the start.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

1. Place the seasoned broccoli and carrots in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast evenly.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
3. Check for doneness—broccoli should be slightly charred and crispy, while carrots should be tender with caramelized edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving dish.
2. Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
3. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots

1. Keep It Uniform

• Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Don’t Skip Preheating

• Preheating the air fryer helps achieve that crispy texture without overcooking the vegetables.

3. Shake It Up

• Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures all sides of the vegetables are roasted evenly.

4. Adjust Seasonings

• Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, curry powder, or Italian seasoning for a new twist.

5. Avoid Overcrowding

• If you’re cooking a large batch, work in batches to maintain the air fryer’s efficiency.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.
• Serve as a healthy side for pasta or risotto.
• Add to grain bowls for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Toss with a light vinaigrette and serve as a warm salad.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for some heat.

2. Herb-Infused

• Toss the vegetables with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a Mediterranean vibe.

3. Asian-Inspired

• Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty flavor profile.

4. Cheesy Delight

• Top with shredded cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a gooey finish.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: A guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful vegetable medley.
3. Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli and carrots?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry to ensure they roast well in the air fryer.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can roast the vegetables in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower make excellent additions.

4. How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan. Simply skip optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The slightly sweet carrots and crispy broccoli are usually a hit with kids. You can reduce spices if needed for picky eaters.

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish, Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the savory, roasted flavor of broccoli. Thanks to the air fryer, you get perfectly crispy vegetables with minimal oil and cooking time, making it a convenient and nutritious addition to any meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups carrots, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds or sticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Rinse and dry the broccoli florets and carrot slices thoroughly to ensure they crisp up in the air fryer.
   
2. Season the Vegetables:
   In a large bowl, toss the broccoli and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
   
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
   
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
   The broccoli should be slightly crispy, and the carrots tender with a bit of caramelization.
   
5. Add Parmesan (Optional):
   Sprinkle the vegetables with grated Parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking if desired.
   
6. Serve:
   Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top (optional), and serve warm.

Notes

Customizable Seasoning: Add your favorite spices, such as chili powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, for a flavor twist.

Vegetable Substitutions: Substitute or add other veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. Adjust cooking time as needed.