Introduction
Air-frying vegetables is a quick and healthy way to enjoy a medley of flavors and textures. This recipe highlights a delightful combination of zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper, seasoned with Italian herbs. The air fryer not only cooks the vegetables evenly but also brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them crisp. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 to 1½ cups)
1 small yellow squash, diced (about 1 to 1½ cups)
4 ounces white button or cremini mushrooms, quartered (about 1 to 1½ cups)
1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
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: 4 servings
To prepare the dish, first wash and cut the vegetables as instructed. Preheat your air fryer while you mix the zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and bell pepper in a bowl. Coat them with olive oil and Italian seasoning, ensuring all pieces are evenly covered. Air fry in batches to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. Serve them hot, ideally topped with grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy this simple yet delicious air-fried vegetable dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Wash and prepare the vegetables:
Wash the zucchini and yellow squash thoroughly. Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into ½-inch slices, then quarter each slice. For the mushrooms, quarter them as well. Finally, wash and dice the red bell pepper into ½-inch pieces.
2. Preheat the air fryer:
Set the air fryer to preheat at 390°F (approximately 200°C).
3. Combine the vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced zucchini, yellow squash, quartered mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper.
4. Season the vegetables:
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mixed vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and toss everything together until the vegetables are coated evenly.
5. Air fry the first batch:
Take half of the seasoned vegetable mixture and place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation during cooking.
6. Cook the vegetables:
Insert the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 4 minutes.
7. Shake the basket:
After 4 minutes, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Shake it gently to redistribute the vegetables for even cooking.
8. Continue cooking:
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
9. Transfer and serve:
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving dish.
10. Repeat the process:
Follow the same steps to cook the remaining vegetables in the air fryer.
11. Final presentation:
Serve the air-fried vegetables hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Storage:
Leftover air-fried vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving suggestion:
These air-fried vegetables can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to salads, pasta, or grain bowls.
Cooking time variance:
Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so keep an eye on the vegetables to avoid overcooking.
Oil alternatives:
You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils such as avocado oil or melted coconut oil if desired.
Cook techniques
Washing and Preparing Vegetables
Before cooking, always wash your vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Cut zucchini and yellow squash into ½-inch slices before quartering. Quarter the mushrooms and diced red bell pepper to ensure uniform cooking.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. This step ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and achieve a nice crispiness.
Coating the Vegetables
Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Toss them well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Cooking in Batches
Place vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Cooking in batches helps achieve a uniform texture and prevents steaming.
Shaking for Even Cooking
After the initial cooking time, shake the basket to redistribute the vegetables. This step helps them cook evenly on all sides.
Serving and Garnishing
Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Optionally garnish 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 such as carrots, broccoli, or asparagus based on your preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the vegetables in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the vegetables before cooking.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, you can wash, chop, and season the vegetables a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal crispness.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cooked vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The air-fried zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper make for a vibrant and delicious side dish that is not only healthy but also easy to prepare. The combination of fresh vegetables with the Italian seasoning enhances their natural flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy this colorful dish hot, with or without cheese, and relish the delightful texture achieved by air frying.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Substitute the air fryer method with a wok to create a quick vegetable stir-fry, adding soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the diced vegetables as a filling for bell peppers, adding rice or quinoa, cheese, and spices for a hearty dish.
Vegetable Omelette
Incorporate the cooked vegetables into an omelette, adding eggs and your favorite herbs for a nutritious breakfast.
Pasta Primavera
Toss the cooked vegetables with cooked pasta and a light olive oil or tomato sauce for a refreshing pasta dish.
Homemade Vegetable Pizza
Top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, cheese, and the cooked vegetables for a delicious and colorful homemade pizza.
