Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables with Gremolata and Red Pepper Aioli: A Flavor Explosion!

Roasting vegetables in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s quicker than oven roasting, and the results are wonderfully crispy and perfectly caramelized. This recipe takes it a step further by adding a bright, zesty gremolata and a creamy, smoky red pepper aioli. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. Get ready to elevate your vegetable game!

## Why Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables?

* **Speed:** Air fryers cook much faster than traditional ovens.
* **Crispiness:** The circulating hot air creates an even, all-over crispiness.
* **Convenience:** Easy to use and clean, air fryers are perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthier:** Often requires less oil than other cooking methods.

## The Star Ingredients

This recipe highlights seasonal vegetables, complemented by vibrant gremolata and smoky aioli. Feel free to adapt the vegetable selection based on what’s fresh and available.

* **Vegetables:** We’re using a mix of colorful vegetables, including broccoli florets, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), red onion, zucchini, and carrots. Other excellent choices include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.
* **Gremolata:** A classic Italian condiment made with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. It adds a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the roasted vegetables and aioli.
* **Red Pepper Aioli:** A creamy, garlicky mayonnaise infused with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers. It’s the perfect dipping sauce or drizzle for the vegetables.

## Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables with Gremolata and Red Pepper Aioli

### Yields: 4-6 servings
### Prep time: 20 minutes
### Cook time: 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Roasted Vegetables:**

* 1 large broccoli head, cut into florets
* 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), seeded and chopped
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 2 zucchini, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

**For the Gremolata:**

* 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
* Zest of 1 lemon
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Pinch of salt

**For the Red Pepper Aioli:**

* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar or roasted yourself), drained and chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

### Equipment:

* Air fryer
* Large bowl
* Small bowls for gremolata and aioli
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Lemon zester
* Garlic press (optional)

### Instructions

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly.
* Cut the broccoli into florets, the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, the red onion into wedges, the zucchini into chunks, and the carrots into slices or batons. Aim for similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

**2. Season the Vegetables:**

* In a large bowl, combine the prepared vegetables.
* Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
* Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss again to ensure the vegetables are well-seasoned.

**3. Air Fry the Vegetables:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
* Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.
* Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly browned. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the vegetable pieces. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes.

**4. Prepare the Gremolata:**

* While the vegetables are air frying, prepare the gremolata.
* In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
* Mix well and set aside.

**5. Prepare the Red Pepper Aioli:**

* In another small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Stir well until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a smoother aioli, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to blend the ingredients.

**6. Assemble and Serve:**

* Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
* Sprinkle the gremolata evenly over the roasted vegetables.
* Serve immediately with the red pepper aioli on the side for dipping or drizzling.

### Tips and Variations

* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preference and what’s in season. Some other great options include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the roasted vegetables to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the aioli for extra spice.
* **Herb Variations:** Instead of parsley, you can use other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme in the gremolata. A combination of herbs can also work well.
* **Vegan Option:** To make this recipe vegan, use vegan mayonnaise for the red pepper aioli. There are many great vegan mayonnaise options available in most grocery stores.
* **Make Ahead:** The gremolata and red pepper aioli can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables are best served immediately after roasting.
* **Roasting Peppers:** To roast red peppers yourself, you can either broil them in the oven, grill them over an open flame, or roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the skin is blackened and blistered. Place the hot peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam, then peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop.
* **Lemon Variations:** For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the gremolata.
* **Garlic Lovers:** If you love garlic, you can roast a whole head of garlic alongside the vegetables. Once roasted, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Add the garlic paste to the red pepper aioli for an extra garlicky flavor.
* **Adding Protein:** To make this a complete meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to the roasted vegetables.

## Serving Suggestions

These air fryer roasted vegetables with gremolata and red pepper aioli are delicious on their own as a side dish or appetizer. Here are some other ways to enjoy them:

* **Grain Bowls:** Serve the roasted vegetables over a bed of quinoa, rice, or farro. Top with the gremolata and a drizzle of red pepper aioli.
* **Salads:** Add the roasted vegetables to your favorite salad for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
* **Wraps and Sandwiches:** Use the roasted vegetables as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or paninis.
* **Tacos and Quesadillas:** Incorporate the roasted vegetables into tacos or quesadillas for a vegetarian option.
* **Pizza Topping:** Use the roasted vegetables as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.

## Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is packed with nutrients from the colorful vegetables. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here are some of the specific nutritional benefits:

* **Broccoli:** Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
* **Bell Peppers:** Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
* **Red Onion:** Contains antioxidants and compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
* **Zucchini:** Low in calories and a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
* **Carrots:** High in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.
* **Parsley:** Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
* **Garlic:** Contains compounds that may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

## Conclusion

Air fryer roasted vegetables with gremolata and red pepper aioli are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy seasonal vegetables. The air fryer makes the vegetables perfectly crispy, while the gremolata and aioli add vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is easy to customize to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a healthy snack, or a vegetarian meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious air fryer roasted vegetables!