21 Mind-Blowing Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make Your Kids Beg for Vegetables
Let me tell you, when I first got my air fryer, I had no idea it would revolutionize our family meals. I was just hoping for a healthier way to make chicken nuggets. But boy, was I in for a surprise!
This little machine has become my go-to for turning boring old vegetables into crave-worthy snacks and sides. And the best part? It’s so quick and easy, I can whip up these recipes even on our busiest days.
Crispy Kale Chips That’ll Make Your Kids Forget About Potato Chips
First up, we’ve got kale chips. When you air fry kale with just a touch of olive oil and sea salt, it turns into these incredibly light, crispy chips that are seriously addictive. My kids now grab these instead of potato chips when they want something crunchy. It’s a mom win if I’ve ever seen one!
To make them, just tear up some kale (remove those tough stems), toss with a bit of olive oil and salt, and air fry for about 5 minutes at 375°F. Keep an eye on them, though – they can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a flash!
Cauliflower ‘Wings’ That’ll Make You Question Everything
Next up, we’ve got cauliflower ‘wings’. These were a total game-changer in our house. My kids used to turn their noses up at cauliflower, but now they devour it like there’s no tomorrow. The secret is in the crispy coating and the sauce.
Cut a head of cauliflower into florets, dip in a mixture of flour, milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version), and spices, then air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Toss in your favorite wing sauce (we love a mix of hot sauce and honey), then air fry for another 5 minutes. The result? Crispy, saucy ‘wings’ that’ll have your kids asking, “Are you sure this isn’t chicken?”
Zucchini Fries: The Side Dish That Steals the Show
Zucchini used to be the vegetable my kids would push around their plates, hoping it would magically disappear. But these zucchini fries? They disappear for a whole different reason – my kids can’t get enough of them!
Cut zucchini into sticks, dip in beaten egg, then coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch your kids gobble up their greens!
Sweet Potato Tots: The Breakfast Game-Changer
Who says vegetables are just for dinner? These sweet potato tots have become a breakfast favorite in our house. They’re sweet, crispy, and packed with nutrients – the perfect way to start the day.
Grate sweet potatoes, mix with a bit of flour and seasonings, form into tots, and air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts That’ll Make You a Believer
I never thought I’d see the day when my kids would fight over the last Brussels sprout, but here we are! The air fryer turns these often-hated veggies into crispy, flavor-packed bites that are downright addictive.
Halve your Brussels sprouts, toss with olive oil, salt, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, then air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They come out crispy and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside.
Eggplant Parmesan Bites: The Snack That Satisfies
Eggplant used to be a hard sell in our house, but these eggplant parmesan bites have changed all that. They’re crispy, cheesy, and perfect for little hands.
Cut eggplant into rounds, dip in beaten egg, then coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flip, then top with a little marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These disappear faster than I can make them!
Carrot Chips: The Colorful Snack That Keeps Them Coming Back for More
Move over, Cheetos! These carrot chips are the new favorite orange snack in our house. They’re sweet, crispy, and so much fun to eat.
Slice carrots very thinly (a mandoline works great if you have one), toss with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings (we love a mix of salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon), then air fry at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. They’ll crisp up as they cool, turning into perfectly crunchy chips.
Broccoli Popcorn: The Movie Night Snack That’ll Blow Your Mind
Movie night in our house used to mean bowls of buttery popcorn. Now? It’s all about broccoli popcorn. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out.
Cut broccoli into small florets, toss with olive oil and seasonings (we love garlic powder and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor), then air fry at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Green Bean Fries: The Side Dish That Steals the Spotlight
Green beans used to be the vegetable my kids would try to feed to the dog under the table. Now? They can’t get enough of these crispy green bean fries.
Trim your green beans, then dip in beaten egg and coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping, and watch these green beans disappear like magic!
Beet Chips: The Snack That Turns Doubters into Believers
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about beet chips at first. But these crispy, slightly sweet chips have become a favorite in our house – even with my kids who swore they hated beets!
Slice beets very thinly, toss with a little olive oil and salt, then air fry at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
Asparagus Fries: The Veggie That Makes Dinner Feel Fancy
Asparagus might seem like a grown-up vegetable, but these asparagus fries have my kids clearing their plates and asking for seconds.
Trim your asparagus, then dip in beaten egg and coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for about 7-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Butternut Squash Nuggets: The Fall Favorite That’s Good All Year Round
These butternut squash nuggets have become a year-round favorite in our house. They’re sweet, savory, and so satisfying.
Cut butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (we love a mix of cinnamon, salt, and a touch of brown sugar), then air fry at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Crispy Okra: The Southern Classic with a Healthy Twist
I never thought I’d see the day when my kids would ask for okra, but here we are! This crispy air-fried version has none of the sliminess that often turns kids off, just pure crunchy goodness.
Slice okra into rounds, toss with a little cornmeal, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Parsnip Fries: The Underdog Vegetable That’ll Surprise You
Parsnips might not be the first vegetable you think of when it comes to kid-friendly food, but these parsnip fries have become a surprise hit in our house.
Cut parsnips into fry shapes, toss with olive oil, salt, and a touch of honey, then air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce!
Radish Chips: The Spicy Snack That Packs a Punch
I was hesitant to try radish chips at first – wouldn’t they be too spicy for the kids? But these crispy little rounds have become a favorite snack in our house.
Slice radishes thinly, toss with olive oil and salt, then air fry at 350°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. They crisp up beautifully as they cool, turning into crunchy chips with just a hint of that signature radish bite.
Artichoke Hearts: The Grown-Up Veggie That Kids Can’t Resist
Artichokes might seem like a sophisticated vegetable, but these crispy air-fried hearts have my kids asking for seconds and thirds.
Drain canned artichoke hearts, pat dry, then toss with olive oil, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Turnip Tots: The Root Vegetable Makeover
Turnips used to be the vegetable my kids would push aside, but these turnip tots? They can’t get enough of them!
Grate turnips, mix with a bit of flour, egg, and seasonings, form into tots, and air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They come out golden and crispy, with a mild flavor that kids love. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce!
Crispy Mushrooms: The Umami Bomb That’ll Win Over Any Skeptic
Mushrooms can be a tough sell for kids, but these crispy air-fried mushrooms have turned even the biggest skeptics in my house into mushroom lovers.
Slice mushrooms, toss with olive oil, breadcrumbs, and a touch of garlic powder, then air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Jicama Sticks: The Crunchy Snack That’s Better Than Chips
Jicama might not be a vegetable you use often, but these crispy jicama sticks have become a favorite snack in our house.
Cut jicama into sticks, toss with lime juice and a mix of chili powder and salt, then air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. They come out crispy and flavorful, with a refreshing crunch that kids love.
Crispy Chickpeas: The Protein-Packed Snack That’s Better Than Popcorn
Okay, so chickpeas aren’t technically a vegetable, but these crispy air-fried chickpeas are too good not to include. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and packed with protein.
Drain and dry canned chickpeas, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (we love a mix of cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika), then air fry at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
Air-Fried Veggie Medley: The Mix-and-Match Meal That Never Gets Old
Last but not least, we’ve got the air-fried veggie medley. This isn’t so much a recipe as it is a method, and it’s become our go-to for busy weeknights.
Take whatever veggies you have on hand – bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, Brussels sprouts, whatever! – cut them into similar-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then air fry at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. It’s a different meal every time, and my kids love the variety!
The Veggie Revolution: How the Air Fryer Changed Our Family Meals
There you have it, folks – 21 air fryer veggie recipes that’ll have your kids begging for seconds. Who knew getting kids to eat their vegetables could be this easy? With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be turning your picky eaters into veggie enthusiasts in no time. Happy air frying!
