Roasted vegetables are a classic, healthy side dish that can elevate any meal, and when prepared in the air fryer, they become even more crispy and flavorful. This Parmesan Roasted Vegetables recipe takes the simplicity of roasting and adds a savory twist with a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese. The air fryer cooks the vegetables to perfection with less oil, resulting in a healthier yet equally delicious version of this comforting dish.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and cauliflower, all tossed in a light coating of olive oil and seasonings. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami-packed flavor that enhances the vegetables’ natural sweetness and creates a crisp, golden crust. The air fryer’s high heat circulation ensures that each bite is perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions: as a side for dinner, a snack, or even a light lunch. It’s incredibly versatile, too, allowing you to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies in a tasty and enjoyable way. Whether you’re serving it with chicken, steak, or a vegetarian main, these Parmesan roasted vegetables are sure to be a hit.
Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini cut into slices
- 1 bell pepper cut into strips
- 1 medium carrot peeled and cut into sticks
- 1/2 head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by cutting all the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Zucchini should be sliced, bell pepper cut into strips, carrots into sticks, and cauliflower into florets.
- Season the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until they are evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables and toss them again to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and sticks to the oil-coated vegetables.
- Air fry the vegetables: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to do this in batches.
- Cook: Air fry the vegetables for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. The vegetables should be golden and crispy when done.
- Serve: Once the vegetables are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- You can mix and match any vegetables you like—sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even asparagus work well.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle with fresh herbs after cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick.
- Ensure that the vegetables are cut to similar sizes to guarantee even cooking in the air fryer.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of This Recipe:
Parmesan Roasted Vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The vegetables used in this recipe, like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and cauliflower, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These veggies are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and protect the body from oxidative stress. Carrots, for instance, are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health, while cauliflower is a great source of fiber and antioxidants that support digestive health and reduce inflammation.
The addition of Parmesan cheese provides a savory flavor while adding a small amount of protein and calcium, which supports bone health. By using the air fryer, the dish retains most of the vegetables’ nutrients, as the cooking process requires less oil and helps preserve vitamins that can be lost during traditional frying.
Furthermore, using the air fryer ensures that the vegetables are crisped up without excessive fat, making this a healthier alternative to other roasted vegetable recipes that may use more butter or oil. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the delicious flavors of roasted vegetables.
1 comment
This recipe was so easy to make and packed with flavor! The Parmesan really makes the veggies pop, and the air fryer gave them a perfect crisp. I served them with grilled chicken, and they were a huge hit with the whole family. Definitely making these again!