Guilt-Free Southern Vegetables: 3 Air Fryer Veggie Recipes That Keep Tradition Alive

Healthy Southern flavors without the deep fryer — crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned

Foodista [CC BY 3.0]

Vegetables have been an anchor of Southern cuisine for centuries, not just as side dishes, but as symbols of community and heritage. Collard greens slow-simmered in broth, garden-fresh okra fried to perfection, and sweet corn roasted over open flames are more than just food. They’re part of the South’s cultural DNA.

Historically, the Southern diet revolved around farm-grown produce like collards, okra, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, broccoli and corn. Yet, with the invention of industrial fryers and the spread of roadside diners, frying became the dominant cooking method. This gave us beloved classics like fried green tomatoes and hushpuppies, delicious but often loaded with grease.

Enter the air fryer. These recipes honor the Southern love of crispy, golden vegetables, but with a fraction of the oil, fewer calories, and zero compromise on flavor. Think of them as modern-day heirlooms, keeping the crunch, ditching the guilt.

Vegetable Recipes in Article

• Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Chips with Buttermilk-Herb Dipping Sauce

• Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan with Lemon-Garlic Drizzle

• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Honey Glaze

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