Air Fryer Ratatouille

Forget the Rat Movie and focus on the Veggies

Air frying ratatouille is a splendid way to prepare this classic French vegetable dish with a modern twist. It enhances the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables while giving them a delightful crisp texture. Here’s how you can make a delectable air fryer ratatouille.

Ingredients

To make air fryer ratatouille, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds

• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds

• 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tomatoes, sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Equipment

• Air Fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Knife and cutting board

Preparation

1. Prepping Vegetables

• Begin by slicing the zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomatoes into even rounds to ensure they cook uniformly.

• Cut the bell peppers into strips and the onion into slices. Mince the garlic finely.

2. Seasoning

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the sliced vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Cooking

3. Air Frying

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.

• Arrange the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

• Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.

Serving Suggestions

4. Presentation

• Serve the ratatouille warm, either as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side to accompany proteins like grilled chicken or fish.

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Ratatouille

• Even Slices: Ensure all vegetables are sliced to the same thickness to promote even cooking.

• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures that each vegetable piece gets enough heat and air to crisp up.

• Stirring Mid-Cook: Shaking or stirring the vegetables midway through cooking helps them to cook evenly and get a nice color.

By using the air fryer, this ratatouille recipe not only speeds up the cooking process but also adds a delightful crispness to the vegetables, preserving their vibrant colors and enhancing their natural flavors. This makes for a healthy, delicious, and visually appealing dish suitable for any meal.