Introduction
Air frying is a fantastic method for preparing vegetables that not only enhances their natural flavors but also keeps them healthy. This recipe combines a delightful mix of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper, creating a colorful and nutritious dish. Ideal as a side or a main course, these air-fried vegetables are sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 small zucchini, diced
1 small yellow squash, diced
4 ounces mushrooms, quartered
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 people
To start, wash and prepare your vegetables by slicing the zucchini and yellow squash into ½-inch pieces and then quartering each slice. Quarter the mushrooms and dice the red bell pepper into ½-inch pieces.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 390°F. In a large bowl, combine the prepared zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
Now, place half of the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully remove the basket and shake it to redistribute the vegetables. Return the basket and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
Once your vegetables are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining vegetables.
Serve your air-fried vegetables hot, and for an extra touch, you might want to garnish them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy dish as part of your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Wash and prepare the vegetables
– Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into ½-inch slices, then quarter each slice.
– Quarter the mushrooms.
– Dice the red bell pepper into ½-inch pieces.
2. Preheat the air fryer
– Set the air fryer to a temperature of 390°F.
3. Combine the vegetables
– In a large bowl, mix together the diced zucchini, yellow squash, quartered mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper.
4. Add oil and seasoning
– Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables.
– Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the mixture.
5. Toss to coat
– Mix the vegetables thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket
– Place half of the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket.
– Spread the vegetables out in a single layer for even cooking.
7. Initial cooking
– Insert the basket into the preheated air fryer.
– Cook the vegetables for 4 minutes.
8. Shake the basket
– After 4 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the basket.
– Shake the basket gently to redistribute the vegetables.
9. Continue cooking
– Return the basket to the air fryer.
– Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
10. Transfer cooked vegetables
– Once the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving dish.
11. Repeat cooking process
– Repeat steps 6 to 10 with the remaining seasoned vegetables.
12. Serve and garnish
– Serve the air-fried vegetables hot.
– Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Notes
Storing leftovers
– Store any leftover air-fried vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Air fryer adjustments
– Cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model, so monitor the vegetables closely the first time you prepare them.
Variations
– Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli for different flavor profiles.
Cook techniques
Washing and Preparing Vegetables
Ensure to wash all vegetables thoroughly. Cut zucchini and yellow squash into ½-inch slices, then quarter each slice. Quarter the mushrooms and dice the red bell pepper into ½-inch pieces.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F before cooking to ensure even heating and browning of the vegetables.
Tossing with Oil and Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning, then toss to evenly coat the vegetables for optimum flavor.
Cooking in Batches
Place half of the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the vegetables evenly.
Shaking for Even Cooking
After the initial cooking time of 4 minutes, shake the basket to redistribute the vegetables, promoting even cooking and browning.
Serving Suggestions
Transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving dish. They can be garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, as long as they are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover air-fried vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with these air-fried vegetables?
These vegetables pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or can be served as a side to pasta dishes. They can also be used in salads or wraps.
How can I achieve crispier vegetables?
For crispier vegetables, make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and consider adding a little more olive oil or cooking them for an additional minute or two, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
Conclusion
The air-fried medley of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This dish not only highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables but also makes for a tasty and healthy side dish or snack. The use of Italian seasoning adds a warm, aromatic touch, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Combine the air-fried vegetables with cooked quinoa, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a refreshing salad.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Add the air-fried vegetables to a wok with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a quick and easy stir-fry.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the air-fried mix as a filling for halved bell peppers, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
Pasta Primavera
Toss the air-fried vegetables with your favorite pasta and a light olive oil or marinara sauce for a colorful, nutritious dish.
Vegetable Omelette
Incorporate the air-fried vegetable mix into an omelette for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
