Vegetables should fill half a lighter plate, and the air fryer makes them genuinely appealing — crisp, caramelised and full of flavour with little or no oil. Here are the best to reach for and how to keep them low-fat.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you cook vegetables with no oil in an air fryer?
A: Many vegetables crisp well with just a light spray, or none — the dry heat caramelises their natural sugars.
Q: Which vegetables work best?
A: Broccoli, peppers, courgette, carrots, cauliflower and mushrooms all air fry beautifully.
Best low-fat veg
- Broccoli — crisp edges; recipe.
- Peppers — sweet and charred; recipe.
- Courgette — quick and light; recipe.
- Carrots — naturally sweet; recipe.
- Cauliflower — versatile; recipe.
- Mushrooms — savoury and filling; recipe.
Keeping it low-fat
- Spray, don't drizzle — a light mist is plenty.
- Skip butter and cheese toppings.
- Season with herbs, spices and lemon, not oily dressings. See our low-fat sides.
Frequently asked questions
Can you air fry vegetables without oil?
Yes — many vegetables crisp and caramelise with just a light spray of oil, or none at all, thanks to the air fryer's dry heat.
Which vegetables are best in the air fryer?
Broccoli, peppers, courgette, carrots, cauliflower and mushrooms all crisp and char beautifully with little oil.
Is this medical advice?
No. These are general lower-fat ideas. A fatty liver should be managed with your GP or dietitian, alongside guidance from the NHS and the British Liver Trust.