Air Fryer Frozen Spinach: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen spinach in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. It is a convenient method that yields excellent results, and you can season the spinach to your liking. However, some people advise against using frozen spinach due to its high water content, which can make it soggy.

Cooking Frozen Spinach in an Air Fryer

Air fryer spinach chips

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach leaves (baby spinach or mature spinach)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt (sea salt or garlic sea salt)
• Pepper (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. Removing the water will help the leaves get crispier.
• In a large mixing bowl, coat the spinach leaves with olive oil or cooking spray. Ensure that all the leaves are coated, as this will help them crisp up.
• Season the leaves with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or steak seasoning.
• Place the seasoned spinach leaves in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the leaves, as they can burn quickly.
• Flip the spinach chips frequently during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Once the spinach chips are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.
• Enjoy your crispy, healthy snack!

Tips:

• It is recommended to use fresh spinach leaves instead of frozen spinach, as frozen spinach contains extra water, which can make the chips soggy.
• If you are using frozen spinach, there is no need to thaw it first. Cook it directly from frozen in the air fryer.
• For extra crispy chips, dehydrate the spinach leaves before adding oil and seasoning.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat the chips in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to maintain their texture.

Seasoning and spices

While some sources advise against cooking frozen spinach in an air fryer due to the risk of sogginess, it is indeed possible to do so. The cooking time will be longer than if you were using fresh spinach, and you will need to break up the spinach block halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Now, onto the fun part: seasoning and spices! Spinach is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with many different flavours. Here are some seasoning and spice combinations you can use to cook frozen spinach in an air fryer:

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination, salt and pepper are simple yet effective seasonings that enhance the natural flavours of spinach. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Olive Oil

Coating your spinach in olive oil before air frying will add a healthy source of fat and help the seasonings stick to the spinach leaves.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great way to add a punch of flavour to your spinach. It pairs well with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Onion Powder

Like garlic powder, onion powder can add depth of flavour to your spinach without being too overpowering.

Cajun Seasoning

If you like your food with a little kick, try tossing your spinach in Cajun seasoning before air frying. This will give it a spicy and well-rounded flavour profile.

Garam Masala

For an Indian-inspired twist on air-fried spinach, try seasoning it with garam masala. This spice blend adds a warm and aromatic flavour to the dish.

When seasoning your frozen spinach, don't be afraid to experiment and find what combinations you like best. You can also try adding other herbs and spices, such as red pepper flakes, or using different types of greens instead of spinach. Just remember to break up the spinach block halfway through cooking and ensure there are no frozen parts left before serving. Enjoy!

Reheating and storage

Leftover cooked spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the spinach is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.

To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, but the air fryer is the best option to maintain the texture.

It is not recommended to cook frozen spinach in the air fryer without thawing it first, as it may become soggy. However, if you wish to cook it directly from frozen, use a cake pan inside the air fryer and cover it with aluminum foil. Cook for 15 minutes, then stir the spinach. You can cook it for another 5-10 minutes without the cover, depending on your air fryer's heat.

Spinach as a side dish

Spinach is packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making it a great side dish option. Here's a guide on how to cook frozen spinach in an air fryer to create a tasty and healthy side dish:

Preparation:

You can use either mature spinach or baby spinach, but frozen spinach cubes are recommended as they cook more evenly and thaw faster than a solid spinach block. If using a solid block, break it up into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning:

Spinach pairs well with various seasonings. You can keep it classic with salt and pepper, or experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning for a kick. Don't be afraid to season generously, as spinach absorbs flavors well.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. If using a cake pan inside the air fryer, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and preheat it along with the air fryer to give the spinach a head start. Place the frozen spinach in the cake pan, cover with aluminum foil, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pan, stir the spinach, and cook for another 5-10 minutes uncovered. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer's performance, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

Once cooked, remove the spinach from the air fryer and season to taste. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or any main course. For an extra touch, garnish with grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or crumbled bacon.

Storage and Reheating:

Store leftover spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

Enjoy your nutritious and delicious spinach side dish!

Spinach in an air fryer vs. other cooking methods

Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in an air fryer. Here is a comparison of cooking spinach in an air fryer versus other cooking methods:

Air Fryer

Cooking spinach in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this healthy vegetable. It only takes a few minutes to cook spinach in an air fryer, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or those looking for a fast side dish. The air fryer cooks spinach perfectly, maintaining its bright green color and nutrients. It is also a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it requires little to no oil, which is great for those watching their fat intake.

To cook spinach in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes. Toss the spinach with olive oil and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic in a mixing bowl. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to change the flavor profile. Then, add the seasoned spinach to the air fryer basket and cook for about 4 minutes. It is important to note that if you are using frozen spinach, it may need a longer cooking time to ensure even cooking and no frozen parts remain.

Stovetop

Cooking spinach on a stovetop is another quick and reliable method. To cook spinach on the stovetop, heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter to the pan and let it melt. You can also add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes before adding the spinach. Then, add the frozen spinach to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach is fully heated through and any excess moisture has cooked off. You can also use this method to cook fresh spinach, but the cook time may vary slightly.

Oven

Cooking spinach in an oven is another option, although it may take longer than the air fryer or stovetop methods. To cook spinach in the oven, you can place the seasoned spinach on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and cook at a temperature of your choice until the spinach is tender. This method can be used to make crispy spinach chips if cooked at a higher temperature for a longer period.

In conclusion, while there are multiple ways to cook spinach, using an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy option that yields excellent results. It is a convenient way to prepare spinach, especially when compared to other methods like the stovetop or oven, as it requires minimal prep work and cleanup.

Frequently asked questions