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

Air-fried spinach is a quick, easy, and healthy snack option. It is a nutrient-dense food, packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Air frying spinach is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it uses hot air instead of oil to cook the food, resulting in a crispy texture without the added calories and fat. Spinach is an excellent candidate for air frying as it cooks quickly and becomes super crispy. You can season it with your favourite spices or add some parmesan for a savoury twist.

Can you cook frozen spinach in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen spinach in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that the result will be a more tender texture, as the spinach is already cooked and you are just defrosting and warming it.

If you are looking to make crispy spinach chips, it is recommended to use fresh spinach leaves, as frozen spinach contains a lot of extra water, which can make it soggy.

To make tender frozen spinach in your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rinse about 10 ounces of frozen spinach leaves under cold water and squeeze out the excess water.
• Place the spinach in an air fryer cake pan and add 2 teaspoons of butter on top. Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings.
• Put the seasoned spinach into the preheated air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.
• If you prefer softer spinach, add another minute to the cooking time.

For crispy spinach chips, follow these steps:

• Dry the spinach leaves well. The drier the leaves are, the crispier they will become. You can use paper towels to gently roll them up and absorb any liquid.
• Place the leaves in a bowl and spray or drizzle with olive oil. Make sure all pieces are coated but not drenched.
• Sprinkle sea salt on the leaves and toss to combine.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
• Place the spinach in the basket and cook for about 6 minutes. Toss the leaves after 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• If the spinach is not as crispy as you would like, add additional cooking time in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your desired texture.

How long do you cook spinach in the air fryer?

Air fryer spinach is a quick and easy way to get your leafy greens on the table in just a few minutes. The cook time depends on the type of spinach you are using and the texture you are aiming for.

Cooking Times

If you are aiming for crispy spinach, the cooking time is around 6-8 minutes. It is important to note that the spinach should not be overcrowded in the air fryer, as this can lead to sogginess. You may need to cook the spinach in batches to ensure even cooking.

For tender spinach, the cooking time is much shorter, with most sources recommending 3-4 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking, the spinach should be tossed with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. This can include salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also experiment with different blends of spices and seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile.

Temperature

The recommended temperature for cooking spinach in an air fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• Use fresh spinach for the best results. Frozen spinach contains a lot of extra water, which can make it soggy.
• For crispy spinach, ensure the spinach leaves are dry before cooking. You can use paper towels to gently absorb any excess water.
• If you are cooking a larger batch of spinach, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• You can serve air fryer spinach with a variety of main courses, from vegetarian-friendly meals to chicken, pork, fish, or beef.
• Leftover spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.

How to stop spinach flying around in the air fryer?

Air-frying spinach is a great way to make a healthy, tasty snack with minimal prep time and effort. However, one common issue people encounter when air-frying spinach is that the leaves can fly around in the air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Use Oil

Coating the spinach leaves with a light layer of oil is essential to prevent them from flying around. The oil adds a bit of weight to the leaves and makes them less likely to be tossed about by the air currents. Any type of cooking oil spray or olive oil will do the trick. Just make sure to coat the leaves evenly and thoroughly.

Use a Crisping Tray or Trivet

If you're finding that oil alone isn't enough to keep your spinach in place, try using the crisping tray or trivet that may have come with your air fryer. Place this on top of the spinach to weigh it down and prevent it from flying around. This method also works with other lightweight foods that tend to move around during air frying.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

When adding spinach to the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave some space for the air to circulate and prevent the leaves from piling on top of each other, which can cause them to fly around. Spread the spinach leaves out in a single layer, or at most, a few layers, to ensure even cooking and prevent movement.

Adjust Temperature and Timing

Different air fryers will vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking times. Experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the optimal settings for your air fryer. As a starting point, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the spinach for around 4 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and adjust the time as needed.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked spinach without the hassle of it flying around in your air fryer. So, get creative, experiment with seasonings, and enjoy the convenience of healthy, delicious air-fried spinach!

What oil should you use for air fryer spinach?

Air-fried spinach is a quick, easy, and healthy snack option. Spinach is loaded with nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and air frying it is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it uses hot air to cook the food instead of oil. This results in a crispy texture without the added calories and fat.

When preparing spinach for air frying, it is important to wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. You can chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. Then, toss the spinach with a small amount of oil and your choice of seasonings. Some popular oil options include olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil spray. Be careful not to add too much oil, as this can make the spinach greasy.

For seasoning, you can use garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, or a garlic sea salt blend. You can also add some parmesan cheese for a savory twist. It is recommended to season lightly, as you can always add more later if needed.

Once your spinach is seasoned to your liking, place it in the air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F and cook the spinach for about 4-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and the type of air fryer you have. Be sure to shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Air-fried spinach is a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It is a versatile and healthy option that can be customized to your liking. So, go ahead and give air-fried spinach a try!

What should you serve with air fryer spinach?

Air-fried spinach is a quick and easy side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It goes well with both rich and indulgent dishes and healthier options.

For a rich meal, air-fried spinach can be served as a side to butter herb-roasted turkey, or garlic butter salmon. It also pairs well with roasted beef tenderloin.

If you're looking for a healthier option, air-fried spinach is a great side for instant pot turkey picadillo, or oven-roasted beef. It can also be served with vegetarian-friendly meals, chicken, pork, fish, or beef.

Leftover air-fried spinach can be tossed into eggs or omelets the next day, or garnished with parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or crumbled bacon.

Frequently asked questions