Roasted vegetables are a kitchen staple for a reason. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with flavour. Traditionally, you’d roast a tray of veg in the oven until they’re caramelised at the edges and meltingly soft inside. But when you’re short on time (or it’s too hot to even think about turning on the oven), the air fryer steps in as the ultimate shortcut. This air fryer roast vegetables recipe gives you that same satisfying roastiness, with less oil, less waiting around, and much less washing up.
In this version, I’ve kept it simple with red and green peppers, red onion, courgette and a juicy beef tomato. These are vegetables I almost always have knocking about in the fridge, and they roast beautifully in the air fryer. Sweet, tender and just a little bit charred in all the right places. A drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of herbs and seasoning, and they’re ready to go. You can also throw in extras like garlic, aubergine, mushrooms, or even baby potatoes if you fancy.
What I love about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve the veg warm as a side dish, toss them through couscous or pasta, pile them onto flatbreads with yoghurt or hummus, or let them cool and stir them into a salad. They’re also brilliant for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week and use them in different meals over the next few days.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this easy air fryer roasted veg recipe is a delicious way to celebrate seasonal ingredients. It’s so quick, colourful and packed with goodness.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15-18 minutes
SERVES 2-3 people
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
A brown onion, peeled and cut into wedges
1 courgette, halved lengthways and sliced into half moons
1 beef tomato, cut into wedges
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 garlic clove, finely sliced or crushed
Optional: Balsamic glaze or lemon juice, to serve
Method
So start by prepping your vegetables. Cut the red and green peppers into chunky bite-sized pieces, removing the seeds and any white membrane. Slice the red onion into wedges, not too thin, as you want it to hold its shape in the air fryer. Halve the courgette lengthways, then slice it into thick half-moons. Finally, cut the beef tomato into large wedges. Because the tomato has a higher water content, cutting it into bigger chunks helps it hold up better during cooking.
Then place all the chopped veg into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil, sprinkle in the dried oregano or thyme, and season generously with salt and black pepper. If you’re using garlic, either finely slice it or crush it, then add it in. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Using your hands or a large spoon works best for making sure all the surfaces get a little oil and seasoning.
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F), if your model requires preheating. Once it’s ready, tip the vegetables into the air fryer basket. Try to spread them out in a fairly even layer. A bit of overlap is fine, but avoid overloading the basket too much or the veg may steam rather than roast.
Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to help the vegetables cook evenly. If your air fryer runs hot or has a smaller basket, check around the 12-minute mark.
When the vegetables are tender and slightly charred at the edges, tip them into a serving dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve warm, or let them cool to room temperature before storing.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
1. Cut evenly for even cooking
Try to chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Peppers and courgettes cook fairly quickly, but thicker onion wedges or dense veg like carrots and potatoes may need longer. So either cut those smaller or cook them separately.
2. Don’t overcrowd the basket
It’s tempting to throw in a big batch, but for the best roast-style finish, give the veg some space. If the basket is too full, the veg will steam instead of crisping up. Cook in two batches if needed. Or shake the basket frequently to encourage even browning.
3. Use just enough oil
A little oil goes a long way in the air fryer. About 1 to 1½ tablespoons is usually enough to coat the vegetables and help them caramelise. Too much oil can cause the veg to become soggy and may even trigger smoke in some air fryers.
4. Add soft veg later
Beef tomatoes are delicious roasted, but they release quite a bit of liquid. If you prefer your veg drier or more crisp, cook firmer veg (like peppers, onions and courgettes) for 10 minutes first, then add the tomato chunks for the final 5.
5. Get creative with flavour
Change up the seasoning depending on your meal. Try smoked paprika, za’atar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning or a squeeze of harissa paste. Finish with lemon juice, balsamic glaze or a spoonful of pesto for extra zing.
6. Store and repurpose
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes, or stir into pasta, grain bowls, omelettes or salads for an easy next-day lunch.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables, here are some more delicious recipes from my site that make the perfect pairing. Whether you’re building a mezze-style spread, prepping for the week ahead, or just want more easy veg-packed inspiration.
Air Fryer Asparagus
The air fryer works its magic by intensifying the natural flavour of asparagus while locking in its vibrant green colour and crisp-tender bite.
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, halloumi fries are a dream next to a pile of roasted veg. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt or sweet chilli dip for a crowd-pleasing appetiser or light lunch.
Air Fryer Roast Carrots
Crispy edges, caramelised and so sweet, these air fryer roast carrots are a fast, fuss-free side for any meal. Underrated, easy to forget about, and yet so rewarding when done right
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Perfectly seasoned and crispy, these chunky wedges turn your roasted vegetables into a satisfying meal. Add a squeeze of lemon or garlic mayo on the side.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Why not double up on peppers? These are filled with a tasty rice and veg mix and pair beautifully with roasted tomatoes and courgettes.
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