23 Air Fryer Spring Veggie Recipes That Will Change How You Eat Vegetables
Crispy, fresh, and ready in minutes — spring produce finally gets the air fryer treatment it deserves.
Overhead flat-lay shot of a white ceramic plate piled with crispy air-fryer spring vegetables — bright green asparagus spears with charred tips, halved sugar snap peas, radish rounds caramelized at the edges, and golden zucchini coins — scattered with flaky sea salt and lemon zest curls. Surrounding the plate: a rustic linen napkin in sage green, a small ramekin of lemon tahini dipping sauce, loose fresh thyme sprigs, and a matte-black air fryer basket leaning casually in the upper left corner. Warm golden-hour light streams from the left, casting soft shadows across a worn white-washed wooden surface. Color story: sage green, cream, soft yellow, and warm brown. Styled for Pinterest food blog with shallow depth of field on the veggies. Vertical format, 2:3 ratio. Mood: fresh, light, optimistic spring cooking at home.
Okay, real talk. Spring rolls around, the markets fill up with all that gorgeous green produce, and then what do most of us do? Roast it in an oven for 35 minutes and wonder why our asparagus tastes like sadness. Not anymore. The air fryer has quietly become the best thing that ever happened to spring vegetables, and this list of 23 recipes is here to prove it.
I started using my air fryer for spring veggies a couple of years ago, mostly out of laziness. But I quickly realized that the speed and the texture were genuinely better than anything I was getting from my oven. Asparagus comes out with those perfect blistered tips. Peas pop with a satisfying crunch. Even sad, limp broccolini becomes crispy and almost addictive. And the best part? You are looking at under 20 minutes, start to finish, for most of these.
This roundup covers 23 of the best air fryer spring veggie recipes I have come across and tested myself. Whether you are doing a full week of meal prep or just need a quick side dish that does not embarrass you at dinner, there is something here for every situation. Let’s get into it.
Why Spring Vegetables and the Air Fryer Are a Perfect Match
Spring vegetables are naturally tender and high in water content. That combination tends to make them go mushy in a regular oven unless you know exactly what you are doing with temperature and rack placement. The air fryer solves that problem by circulating hot air at a very high speed, which draws moisture away from the surface quickly and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior perfectly cooked.
According to Healthline’s breakdown of asparagus nutrition, spring veggies like asparagus are loaded with vitamins K and C, folate, and antioxidants. The trick is not overcooking them, because you lose a lot of that nutritional value when vegetables sit in high heat for too long. The air fryer’s shorter cook time actually helps you preserve more of those nutrients compared to long oven roasting sessions.
On top of that, you use far less oil. A tablespoon of olive oil goes a very long way in an air fryer, coating everything evenly when you toss your veggies in the basket. If you have been looking for a reason to eat more vegetables without feeling like you are eating diet food, this is it.
Dry your vegetables thoroughly before air frying. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat them down with a paper towel, toss with a small amount of oil, and then season. That one small step makes a noticeable difference in texture every single time.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Crispy Air Fryer Asparagus with Lemon Zest
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Optional: shaved parmesan for finishing
Toss asparagus with oil and seasoning, air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes until tips are lightly charred. Finish with lemon zest and parmesan right out of the basket.
Get Full RecipeAsparagus is the poster child of spring produce, and the air fryer basically just amplifies everything good about it. You get those gorgeous charred tips, a slightly crispy exterior, and the center stays perfectly tender. The lemon zest added at the end brightens the whole dish without you needing a fancy sauce.
2. Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas with Sesame
Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas with Sesame
- 2 cups sugar snap peas, strings removed
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Toss everything together, air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking once halfway. Serve immediately while they still have that satisfying snap.
Get Full RecipeThese are dangerously snackable. The sesame oil adds a nutty depth that pairs incredibly well with the natural sweetness of spring snap peas. I have made a batch of these intending to add them to a bowl and ended up eating half of them standing at the counter. Fair warning.
3. Air Fryer Broccolini with Chili Garlic
Air Fryer Broccolini with Chili Garlic
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Juice of half a lemon
Toss broccolini with oil, garlic slices, and chili flakes. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until the tips are crispy and dark at the edges. Squeeze lemon over just before serving.
Get Full RecipeBroccolini has a more delicate, slightly sweeter flavor than regular broccoli, and it handles the air fryer beautifully. The thin stems cook fast, the florets get crispy, and the garlic slices turn golden and toasty. IMO this is one of the most underrated spring vegetables and it absolutely deserves a spot on every dinner table.
4. Air Fryer Radishes with Herb Butter
Air Fryer Radishes with Herb Butter
- 2 cups radishes, halved
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh thyme and parsley
- Salt and cracked black pepper
Toss radishes in melted butter and season well. Air fry at 380°F for 13–15 minutes until golden and soft at the center. Finish with fresh herbs.
Get Full RecipeCooked radishes are a revelation if you have only ever eaten them raw. The sharp peppery bite mellows out completely in the air fryer, and they become almost buttery and sweet. This is one of those side dishes that impresses people even though it takes almost no effort.
5. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Ranch Dip
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Ranch Dip
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
Dip zucchini sticks in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb and parmesan mix. Air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping once, until deep golden. Serve with your ranch of choice.
Get Full RecipeHonestly, if you told someone these were a healthy side dish, they might not believe you. The panko breadcrumb coating gets genuinely crispy in the air fryer, and the zucchini inside stays soft without turning to mush. These also work really well as a snack, not just a side.
When cooking breaded vegetables in the air fryer, give your basket a light spray of cooking oil before adding the food. It prevents sticking and helps the coating get evenly golden without any sad pale patches. I use this refillable oil mister so I can control exactly how much oil goes on without drenching anything.
6. Air Fryer Green Beans with Almonds
Air Fryer Green Beans with Almonds
- 300g fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Garlic powder, salt, lemon juice
Toss beans with oil and garlic. Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes, add almonds, then cook another 3–4 minutes until everything is lightly toasted. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Get Full Recipe7. Air Fryer Spring Onions with Miso Glaze
Air Fryer Spring Onions with Miso Glaze
- 8 spring onions, roots trimmed
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Whisk miso glaze together, brush over spring onions, air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until charred and jammy.
Get Full RecipeSpring onions in the air fryer get that beautiful charred outer layer while the white parts become sweet and tender inside. The miso glaze adds a deep, savory umami note that makes this feel like something you ordered at a Japanese restaurant, not something you threw together in ten minutes on a Tuesday.
8. Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Mix cream cheese, chives, and garlic. Fill pepper halves generously. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until the peppers are soft and the filling is golden at the edges.
Get Full RecipeThese are just an absolute crowd pleaser. The mini peppers get slightly blistered and sweet, and the cream cheese filling stays creamy with a golden top. If you want a plant-based version, a good dairy-free cream cheese works just as well here — the texture holds up fine in the air fryer. For more ideas like these, the full list of 22 air fryer stuffed peppers, light and easy is a great bookmark to have.
9. Air Fryer Peas and Mint Fritters
Air Fryer Peas and Mint Fritters
- 1.5 cups fresh or frozen peas, lightly mashed
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp flour (chickpea flour works well)
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon, salt, pepper
Mix all ingredients, form into small patties, spray with oil, and air fry at 380°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with a yogurt dipping sauce.
Get Full Recipe10. Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts with Garlic Aioli
Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts with Garlic Aioli
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and patted very dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, pepper
- Garlic aioli for serving
Pat artichoke hearts completely dry, toss with oil and seasoning, air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until crispy and golden. Serve immediately with aioli.
Get Full RecipeCanned artichoke hearts are one of those pantry items that most people underuse. In the air fryer, they transform into something genuinely exciting — crispy on the outside, tender inside, with an almost meaty texture. The key here is to dry them really thoroughly before air frying. Any residual liquid and you will end up steaming instead of crisping. Use these thick, reusable bamboo paper towels to pat them dry without wasting a pile of regular paper towels.
“I honestly never thought I would crave vegetables until I started using these air fryer recipes. The artichoke hearts were the one that converted me completely. My husband, who usually picks vegetables off his plate, asked for seconds. That is not a small thing.”
— Maria T., community member from Texas11. Air Fryer Fennel Wedges with Orange
Air Fryer Fennel Wedges with Orange
- 1 large fennel bulb, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 orange, plus a squeeze of juice
- Salt, black pepper
- Fresh fronds for garnish
12. Air Fryer Spring Veggie Frittata Bites
Air Fryer Spring Veggie Frittata Bites
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- Handful of chopped spring onions, peas, and asparagus tips
- 2 tbsp feta or plant-based cheese
- Salt and pepper
Pour egg mixture into a silicone muffin tray, distribute veggies, top with cheese. Air fry at 350°F for 15–18 minutes until set. Use a silicone muffin mold designed for air fryers for the best results here — standard metal tins can warp at high heat.
Get Full Recipe13. Air Fryer Leeks with Dijon Vinaigrette
Air Fryer Leeks with Dijon Vinaigrette
- 3 leeks, cleaned and halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- Salt, pepper, fresh parsley
Leeks are criminally underrated as a stand-alone vegetable. Most people treat them purely as a background flavor in soups and stews, but when you air fry them until the outer layers are slightly charred and the inside is meltingly sweet, they absolutely deserve their own spotlight. The Dijon vinaigrette cuts through the natural sweetness perfectly.
14. Air Fryer Bok Choy with Ginger Soy
Air Fryer Bok Choy with Ginger Soy
- 3 heads baby bok choy, halved
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
15. Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa
- 1 head cauliflower, sliced into 1-inch steaks
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, fresh coriander to serve
Cauliflower steaks sound fancy but they are one of the easiest things you can do with a head of cauliflower. The harissa paste adds a smoky, slightly spicy depth that takes this from “vegetable side dish” to “main event.” This one pairs well as part of a spring Mediterranean meal spread if you are cooking for a group.
16. Air Fryer Edamame with Chili Salt
Air Fryer Edamame with Chili Salt
- 2 cups frozen edamame in pods
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Flaky sea salt and chili flakes
17. Air Fryer Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle
Air Fryer Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, garlic powder
- Tahini, lemon juice, water for sauce
- Sesame seeds and parsley to serve
Air fryer broccoli with a lemon tahini drizzle has officially replaced “sad steamed broccoli” from my weekly routine. The florets get lightly crispy at the edges, and the tahini sauce adds a creamy, nutty richness that makes this feel indulgent. FYI, tahini from a good quality jar makes a real difference here — try to find one that is just sesame seeds and nothing else.
18. Air Fryer Carrot Coins with Cumin Honey
Air Fryer Carrot Coins with Cumin Honey
- 4 medium carrots, sliced into coins
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, olive oil
19. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
- 4 corn cobs, husked
- 2 tbsp butter or plant-based butter
- Fresh chives, parsley, and salt
20. Air Fryer Spinach and Feta Parcels
Air Fryer Spinach and Feta Parcels
- 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted and drained well
- 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 sheets filo pastry, halved and lightly oiled
- Sesame seeds for topping
Fill each filo piece with a spoonful of spinach mixture, fold into a triangle, brush with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 14–16 minutes until deeply golden and flaky. Keep a silicone pastry brush on hand for oiling filo cleanly without tearing it.
Get Full Recipe21. Air Fryer Pea and Ricotta Toast Bites
Air Fryer Pea and Ricotta Toast Bites
- 8 slices thick sourdough bread, cut small
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup peas, smashed slightly
- Lemon zest, mint, olive oil, flaky salt
22. Air Fryer Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Air Fryer Rainbow Veggie Skewers
- Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, red onion — cut to similar sizes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Thread veggies onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, toss in seasoned oil, air fry at 390°F for 16–18 minutes, turning once. These look incredible and take basically zero skill. Reusable stainless skewers are worth having so you never need to remember to soak wooden ones.
Get Full Recipe23. Air Fryer Spring Veggie Dump Mix
Air Fryer Spring Veggie Dump Mix
- Any combination: asparagus, snap peas, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccolini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp each: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper generously
Toss everything in a large bowl with oil and seasoning, dump into your air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F for 16–20 minutes, shaking every 7 minutes. This is your lazy genius meal prep move. If you love the dump-and-cook approach, the full collection of 24 air fryer veggie dump-cook recipes will save you more than a few weeknight decisions.
Get Full RecipePrep all your spring vegetables on Sunday, portion them into containers in the fridge, and your weeknight side dishes are done before the week even starts. A good set of stackable glass meal prep containers makes this system actually work without turning into a fridge disaster.
“I batch-prepped all the vegetables from this list on one Sunday afternoon and made it through the entire week without ordering takeout. That is genuinely a first for me. The carrot cumin coins and the spinach feta parcels were the standouts in my house.”
— Jordan K., from our reader community in Portland, ORKitchen Tools That Actually Make This Easier
The stuff I actually keep in rotation, not just things I mention for no reason.
Physical Gear
A Reliable 5.8Qt Air Fryer
Large enough to cook for 3–4 people without overcrowding. Overcrowding is the number one reason air fryer vegetables come out steamed instead of crispy.
Browse OptionsMandoline Slicer with Safety Guard
Uniform slices mean everything cooks at the same rate. Uneven cuts mean half your batch is burnt while the other half is raw. A simple mandoline fixes that.
Browse OptionsStackable Glass Prep Containers
Pre-cut veggies keep well for 4–5 days in airtight glass. Prepping ahead transforms this from a weeknight chore into something you actually do.
Browse OptionsDigital Resources
Air Fryer Temperature & Time Cheat Sheet
A printable PDF with cooking times for 50+ vegetables. Stick it on your fridge and stop Googling the same thing every single night.
Get It Free7-Day Spring Veggie Meal Plan
A done-for-you weekly plan built around seasonal spring produce and air fryer cooking. Includes a grocery list sorted by store section.
View PlanAir Fryer Mastery for Beginners
Short, practical video lessons on technique, troubleshooting, and making consistently great food every time you use your air fryer.
Start WatchingFrequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I use for spring vegetables in the air fryer?
Most spring vegetables cook well between 380°F and 400°F. Thinner, more delicate vegetables like asparagus and snap peas do well at the lower end of that range with a shorter cook time, while thicker pieces like cauliflower steaks or fennel wedges benefit from the full 400°F. Always preheat your air fryer for 3–4 minutes first.
Why are my air fryer vegetables coming out soggy instead of crispy?
The most common culprits are overcrowding the basket, using too much oil, or not drying your vegetables before cooking. Give your vegetables enough space that air can circulate around each piece, and pat them completely dry before tossing with just a small amount of oil. Shake the basket at least once during cooking.
Can I use frozen vegetables in these air fryer spring recipes?
Yes, absolutely, with a small adjustment. Add 3–5 minutes to the cook time and do not thaw them first. Cooking from frozen actually works well because the rapid air frying draws off surface moisture quickly. Frozen peas, edamame, and pre-cut broccoli all work very well in the air fryer.
How do I meal prep spring vegetables for the week using an air fryer?
Cook your vegetables in batches on Sunday, slightly underdone if you plan to reheat them during the week. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes and they will come back to life with most of their original texture. For more structured ideas, these 25 spring meal prep ideas are worth a look.
Are air fryer spring vegetables actually healthy?
They really are. Air frying uses significantly less oil than pan frying or roasting with heavy oil, which keeps the calorie count low while still delivering great texture. Spring vegetables are already nutrient-dense — asparagus, peas, and green beans are particularly high in fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K. The shorter cook time in an air fryer also helps preserve heat-sensitive nutrients better than long oven roasting.
Final Thoughts
Spring is genuinely the best time of year to be cooking with an air fryer. The produce is at its brightest, most flavorful, and most nutritious, and the air fryer’s ability to deliver crispiness quickly without drowning everything in oil is a genuinely good match for that kind of delicate, seasonal vegetable.
Whether you work through this list one recipe at a time or batch prep a whole week of veggie sides in one Sunday afternoon, the point is that vegetables do not have to be the boring part of the meal. With the right technique and a little seasoning creativity, they can genuinely be the thing you look forward to most on the plate.
Start with the asparagus or the sugar snap peas if you want something quick and foolproof. Move to the fennel, the stuffed peppers, or the spinach parcels once you want something a little more impressive. And if you are doing a full spring meal plan, the dump veggie mix is the move that makes the whole week manageable without eating the same thing four nights in a row.
Now go make something crispy.
