Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables are a modern twist on the classic roasted vegetable recipe but with a quicker and healthier method. The air fryer, known for its ability to crisp food without using excessive oil, is the perfect tool for making this dish. In Jamie’s version, a variety of vegetables-usually potatoes, carrots, parsnips and bell peppers-are tossed with oil and seasonings and then cooked in the air fryer. The result? Tender, perfectly roasted veggies with crispy edges, all in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.
Oliver is known for creating simple yet flavorful dishes and his Air Fryer Roast Vegetables recipe is no different. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you rethink how easy and delicious it can be to eat healthy, especially when you’re pressed for time.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you don’t need a long shopping list. The key to Jamie’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables is the simplicity of the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
- Vegetables: Potatoes (often new or baby potatoes), carrots, parsnips, bell peppers, onions or any seasonal vegetables you prefer. You can mix and match based on what’s available or what you enjoy.
- Olive oil: This gives the veggies the necessary fat to crisp up in the air fryer. It adds flavor!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning but feel free to add more depending on your taste.
- Herbs and spices: Jamie usually goes for dried thyme, rosemary and garlic powder. You can tweak the seasoning based on your preference-paprika, cumin or chili flakes could work if you’re looking for something with a kick.
- Lemon zest or juice: For a fresh pop of citrus flavor, this step is optional but adds a nice zing to the vegetables.
- Fresh herbs (optional): After cooking, fresh parsley or basil can add an extra layer of freshness and color.
That’s pretty much it. Simple ingredients that let the natural flavors of the vegetables shine.
Equipment Needed
As you probably guessed, the air fryer is the star of the show here but there are a couple of other tools you’ll need to bring this recipe together.
- Air fryer: The key piece of equipment for crispy, roasted vegetables. Jamie Oliver’s recipe works well in most air fryer models, so whether you have a basket or drawer-style air fryer, you’re good to go.
- Cutting board: You’ll need this to chop up your veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- Knife: A sharp one will make cutting through root vegetables like carrots and parsnips a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: To toss the vegetables in oil and seasoning before popping them into the air fryer. A large bowl gives you enough room to mix everything evenly.
- Tongs: These help when you need to flip or shake the veggies halfway through cooking to ensure they roast evenly.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
Now for the fun part. the actual cooking. It’s super easy to make and you’ll be enjoying crispy, roasted vegetables in no time.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (or 350°F) to let it warm up while you prep the veggies.
- Prep the vegetables: Wash and peel (if necessary) the vegetables. Cut them into uniform chunks. You want them to cook evenly, so try to keep the sizes similar. For harder vegetables like carrots or parsnips, cut them smaller, so they cook through properly.
- Season the veggies: In your mixing bowl, add the cut vegetables. Drizzle over some olive oil and sprinkle on your salt, pepper and herbs. You can also add garlic powder and lemon zest at this stage. Toss everything together until the veggies are well coated.
- Cook in the air fryer: Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket or tray. Don’t overcrowd them as this can affect the crispiness. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Shake and flip: After about 10 minutes, give the veggies a quick shake or flip them using tongs. This ensures they cook evenly and get that lovely golden crispiness on all sides.
- Check for doneness: After another 10-15 minutes, check the vegetables. They should be soft inside with a crispy, golden exterior. If not, let them cook for a little longer, checking every few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Once they’re done, take them out and serve immediately. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice or even a dusting of Parmesan if you like.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables taught me a few things about the power of the air fryer and how easy it is to elevate a basic dish. Here’s what stood out:
- Air fryer magic: The air fryer does wonders for making veggies crispy without needing loads of oil. It’s a game-changer for anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Flexibility: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use whatever veggies are in season or just what you have lying around. The air fryer doesn’t discriminate.
- Speed: I was shocked at how quickly the veggies cooked. In under 30 minutes, I had crispy, flavorful roasted vegetables. Normally, this would take much longer in a conventional oven.
- Minimal clean-up: After making this dish, the clean-up was a breeze. The air fryer basket is easy to clean and there’s very little mess in general.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
Jamie Oliver’s air fryer roast vegetables are already pretty fantastic but sometimes you want to add a personal twist. Here’s how you can elevate them or customize them to fit your preferences.
1. Spice it Up
You can play around with the spices to create a deeper, bolder flavor. For a Mediterranean vibe, try adding dried oregano, thyme and a squeeze of lemon zest. If you want something with a kick, go for a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes. Curry powder also gives an amazing warmth without overwhelming the natural flavors.
2. Herb and Garlic Butter
Instead of just olive oil, try tossing your veggies in a blend of melted butter, minced garlic and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme and parsley work wonders). The butter adds richness while garlic gives that aromatic punch. Make sure to toss them halfway through cooking to coat evenly.
3. Sweet and Savory Twist
For a contrast in flavors, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to your olive oil before tossing the vegetables. The sweetness caramelizes slightly as they cook, balancing out the savory elements and giving a lovely depth of flavor.
4. Roasted Garlic & Parmesan
For a crispy, cheesy crust, sprinkle some grated Parmesan over your veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt and crisp up, adding a crunchy, savory topping that pairs beautifully with the caramelized vegetables.
5. Add Some Texture
Not all veggies are created equal when it comes to roasting. Add a mix of textures by including something like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and dense texture will contrast well with lighter vegetables like zucchini or peppers. You could even throw in some cauliflower florets for a bit of bite.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you have leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s air fryer roast vegetables (lucky you!), storing them properly ensures they stay tasty for the next day.
1. Cool Before Storing
First things first: let the veggies cool down to room temperature before storing. Putting hot veggies straight into the fridge can cause condensation which will make them soggy.
2. Airtight Containers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container to lock in flavor and prevent them from drying out. Glass containers are great because they don’t retain smells or stains but plastic works fine if that’s what you have.
3. Separate Components
If you’ve mixed your veggies with sauces or cheese, keep those in separate containers. The sauce can make the veggies soggy after a while. If you’ve used cheese, consider scraping off the topping before refrigerating.
4. Shelf Life
Roast vegetables usually last about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you need them to last longer, freeze them! While they might lose a bit of their crispy texture after freezing and thawing, they’ll still be delicious in soups, stews or salads. To freeze, lay them flat on a baking sheet first, freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag.
5. Reheat Properly
To get your leftovers close to their original crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer! Just set it at a lower temperature (around 350°F) and let them cook for 3-5 minutes. This will help them get crispy again without drying out.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Vegetables?
These air fryer roast vegetables are versatile, so you can pair them with nearly anything. Here are some ideas:
1. Protein Powerhouse
These veggies make a perfect side for grilled chicken, steak or fish. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, they pair well with a rich lentil stew or a creamy chickpea curry. The roasted flavors balance out heartier dishes beautifully.
2. Grains & Carbs
Pair them with some quinoa or couscous to turn your side into a full meal. You could also serve them on top of a baked potato or a bed of rice for something more filling. Or make a grain salad by tossing them with some cooked farro or barley for added texture.
3. Light Lunch
For a lighter option, toss the veggies into a salad with some leafy greens like arugula or spinach. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette can elevate the flavors. You can also add crumbled feta, goat cheese or avocado for creaminess.
4. Wraps or Sandwiches
Try stuffing the veggies into a wrap with hummus or a tahini dressing. The warm veggies with creamy spreads make for a satisfying, healthy meal. You can even add a few slices of grilled chicken or falafel for extra protein.
5. Roasted Veggie Tacos
Ever thought of tacos with roasted veggies? Warm up some corn tortillas and fill them with the roasted veggies, black beans, avocado and a squeeze of lime. Top with salsa or a dollop of sour cream for a flavorful vegetarian taco option.
FAQs
What Vegetables Work Best For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Recipe?
Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips work great. You can also try Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes!
Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer For This Recipe?
Yes, it’s a good idea to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the vegetables for even cooking.
How Long Does It Take To Roast Vegetables In The Air Fryer?
It usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but you can check and shake the basket halfway through for the best results.
