Air-Frying Bok Choy: Quick, Easy, And Healthy?

Air-frying is a quick and healthy way to prepare bok choy, a nutrient-dense Chinese vegetable also known as pak choi. With minimal prep and short cooking times, you can have a tasty and healthy side dish ready in less than 15 minutes. The stalks of the bok choy are tender and slightly crunchy, while the leaves become crispy. You can season the vegetable with garlic and chilli, or a honey-ginger marinade.

How to prepare bok choy for air frying

Preparing bok choy for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Selecting the Bok Choy

Start by choosing fresh bok choy with firm stalks and bright green leaves. Look for unbruised produce with firm leaves and undamaged stems. Baby bok choy, which is harvested earlier than standard bok choy, will have smaller, more tender leaves with a sweeter flavour.

Step 2: Cutting and Washing

Cut the bok choy based on its size. For regular-sized bok choy, quarter the vegetable, and for larger bok choy, separate it into leaves and stems and cut it into bite-sized pieces. For baby bok choy, you can slice it in half or leave the leaves whole, depending on your preference. Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, especially between the leaves.

Step 3: Drying

After rinsing, dry the bok choy with a towel or paper towels. You can also use a salad spinner to spin it dry. Removing excess moisture is important to ensure the bok choy fries properly and doesn't become soggy.

Step 4: Seasoning

You can season the bok choy with a thin layer of olive or avocado oil, or spray oil, to help it crisp up during cooking. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, soy sauce, ginger, paprika, or salt and pepper to taste. For a sticky, sweet option, try a honey-ginger marinade.

Step 5: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer. Place the bok choy in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If desired, line the basket with parchment paper first to reduce cleanup time. Air fry the bok choy for 5-7 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through. The bok choy is ready when the leaves are crispy and slightly charred, and the stems are tender.

Step 6: Serving

Air-fried bok choy can be served hot or at room temperature. It pairs well with proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu, and complements Asian-style dishes, noodles, or rice. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

Air-frying bok choy is a quick and healthy way to prepare this nutrient-dense vegetable, giving it a delightful crisp texture. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 370°F (160°C to 187.7°C) and cook the bok choy for 5-7 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the bok choy, so it is important to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

For baby bok choy, which is typically 4 to 5 inches in length, slice it in half, rinse, and pat it dry before seasoning. Regular-sized bok choy, which is around 8 to 9 inches in length, should be quartered, rinsed, and dried. Large-sized bok choy, measuring 10 to 11 inches in length, should be cut into bite-sized pieces, separating the leaves and stems.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut the bok choy into uniform pieces. Additionally, drying the bok choy thoroughly after rinsing is crucial, as excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy bok choy.

When cooking, place the bok choy in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook it in batches if you have a large quantity. The bok choy is ready when the stems are tender and the leaves are crispy, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes.

Seasoning and marinade options

Bok choy is commonly cooked by sautéing or stir-frying with garlic and oil. To season your bok choy, you can use a thin layer of olive or avocado oil, which will help to crisp up the vegetable without making it greasy. You can also use spray oil, which is a good option if you are avoiding oil.

For seasoning, garlic powder is a popular choice, and you can also add a sprinkle of salt. If you want to add a bit of spice, you can season your bok choy with garlic and chilli. For a moreish, savoury flavour, you can add a drizzle of soy sauce, and for a sweeter flavour, whisk in some maple syrup. If you want to add a rich flavour to your bok choy, you can add a small amount of butter.

For a simple marinade, you can use honey, grated ginger root, soy sauce or coconut aminos. For a spicier marinade, add more garlic and ginger.

How to serve air-fried bok choy

Air-fried bok choy is a quick, healthy, and tasty dish that can be served in many ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and serve this delicious vegetable:

Preparation:

Firstly, select bok choy with firm stalks and bright green leaves for maximum crunch. Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, especially between the leaves. You can either halve or quarter them, depending on their size. Then, pat the bok choy dry with a paper towel or spin it dry in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Cooking:

After preparing the bok choy, place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can brush on a marinade or seasoning of your choice, such as garlic powder, sesame oil, or a honey-ginger sauce. Then, air fry for 5-7 minutes at 320°F (160°C) or 350°F, stirring or flipping halfway through.

Serving:

Air-fried bok choy is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a crispy and healthy side dish, paired with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or salmon, or added to rice or noodle dishes. It is best served immediately or at room temperature.

Storage:

If you have any leftovers, let the bok choy cool down before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be consumed within 2-4 days. While it is not recommended, bok choy can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight and reheat it in the microwave or air fryer.

Storing and reheating air-fried bok choy

To store your air-fried bok choy, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will keep your bok choy fresh and crispy for several days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options for reheating. You can simply serve the bok choy cold, as it tastes good straight from the fridge. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for a couple of minutes, or in the microwave on medium power for about a minute.

If you want to store your bok choy for an extended period, you can freeze it. Transfer the bok choy to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight at room temperature and reheat it using the methods mentioned above. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing may alter the texture and taste of the bok choy slightly.

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