Air-Fryer Spinach: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that can cook spinach to a crisp and delicious texture without using excessive oil. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying and can cook spinach with very little preparation and cooking time. This makes them a great option for those who want to increase their vegetable intake while reducing their consumption of calories and unhealthy fats.

Seasoning: toss spinach with olive oil, salt, and pepper

To season spinach for cooking in an air fryer, start by washing the spinach thoroughly and removing any tough stems. Then, pat the leaves dry using a paper towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that your spinach cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Place the prepared spinach leaves in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil. Toss the spinach with the olive oil in a large mixing bowl. You can then add your desired seasonings. For a classic option, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again until it is completely combined. For a little heat, try tossing with Cajun seasoning, or try all-purpose seasoning for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Once you have seasoned the spinach, you can add it to the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of crispness. Some recipes suggest cooking at 350 F for 4 minutes, while others recommend 375 F for 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that different air fryers will require different temperatures and cooking times, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect settings for your appliance. It is also important to keep an eye on the spinach while it is cooking and toss it gently to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking or wilting.

Temperature and timing: preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes, then cook at the same temperature for 4 minutes

To cook spinach in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the appliance to ensure a consistent cooking temperature. Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it heat up for 3 minutes. You can also preheat for 2 minutes, but 3 minutes is ideal for reaching the desired temperature.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your spinach. Start by washing your spinach and removing any tough stems. Dry the leaves with a paper towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture, which will help your spinach cook evenly. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You only need a small amount of oil, as air fryers require little to no oil. Toss the spinach until it is coated, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your desired seasoning. Toss again to ensure the spinach is completely coated. You can also add other ingredients to your spinach, such as diced onions, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms, for added flavour and variety.

Once the air fryer has preheated, add the seasoned spinach to the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4 minutes. Keep an eye on the spinach while it's cooking, as it can cook quickly and you don't want it to burn. After 4 minutes, your spinach will be wilted and crispy in parts. Mix it with tongs, then serve on a plate. You can garnish with grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or crumbled bacon.

Preventing spinach from flying around: use the crisping tray as a slotted lid to cover the food

Cooking spinach in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy side dish. However, one common issue people face is spinach flying around in the air fryer. To prevent this from happening, you can use the crisping tray that comes with your air fryer as a slotted lid. Here's how:

Firstly, prepare your spinach by washing the leaves and removing any tough stems. This step ensures that your spinach cooks evenly. Then, pat the leaves dry with a paper towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Next, place the spinach in a mixing bowl and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the leaves. You can also add your choice of seasoning at this point; a classic option is to sprinkle salt and pepper and toss the spinach until it is completely combined.

Now, you're ready to use the crisping tray to prevent the spinach from flying around. Place the seasoned spinach in the bottom of the crisping tray, which has holes in it. Then, cover the spinach by placing the crisping tray in the air fryer basket. The holes in the tray allow the spinach to cook while also blocking it from flying around and getting into the burner. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 4 minutes. Check on the spinach regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Using the crisping tray as a slotted lid is a simple and effective way to prevent spinach from flying around in your air fryer. This method ensures that your spinach cooks evenly while maintaining a crispy texture. So, the next time you're looking to prepare a quick and healthy side dish, don't let the fear of flying spinach hold you back from using your air fryer!

Using frozen spinach: it is recommended to thaw frozen spinach before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture

Yes, you can cook frozen spinach in the air fryer. However, it is recommended to thaw it first before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture. To thaw frozen spinach, simply place it in a bowl and leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Once the spinach is thawed, you can season it with salt, pepper, and olive oil, or any other spices of your choice. Give it a good toss to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (190°C) and cook the spinach for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as it can cook quickly.

Alternatively, you can cook frozen spinach directly from frozen in the air fryer. Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F and the timer to 15 minutes. After about 7-8 minutes, pause the cooking and use a spatula to break up the spinach block into smaller pieces. This step ensures even cooking. Then, let the spinach cook for the remaining time. Once the timer goes off, check the spinach to ensure it is fully cooked and there are no frozen parts left.

Adding other ingredients: consider adding diced onions, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and variety

You can cook spinach with other ingredients in the air fryer to create delicious and nutritious dishes. Adding diced onions, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and introduce variety to your meal. However, it is crucial to ensure that the cooking times of the ingredients are compatible. You don't want one ingredient to be overcooked while the other remains undercooked.

When preparing spinach for air frying, it is recommended to start by washing the spinach thoroughly and removing any tough stems. You can use either mature spinach or baby spinach, depending on your preference. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel or salad spinner to eliminate excess moisture. This step is important to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Once your spinach is prepared, place the leaves in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil. You can also experiment with different oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, to find the one that best suits your taste. Lightly spray the spinach with oil, as a little goes a long way.

After coating the spinach with oil, it's time to season it. You can sprinkle salt and pepper for a classic flavor, or explore other seasonings like Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or all-purpose seasoning for a well-rounded flavor profile. Don't be afraid to try different combinations of spices and seasonings to find your favorite blend. Remember to season lightly at first, as you can always add more later.

Now, you're ready to cook your spinach in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 300°F and 375°F, for a few minutes. The preheating step ensures that your air fryer reaches the optimal cooking temperature. Then, place the seasoned spinach in the air fryer basket and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness and the type of air fryer you have, but on average, it takes around 4 minutes at 350°F for the spinach to become wilted and crispy.

Frequently asked questions