Air-Fryer Artichokes: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Air fryer artichokes are a simple, quick, and delicious snack, side, or appetiser. They are also a healthier alternative to traditionally fried foods, as air frying uses minimal oil. Artichokes can be intimidating to cook, but they are easy to prepare and cook in an air fryer. The cooking time is also significantly less than in an oven.

How to prepare artichokes for air frying

Preparing artichokes for air frying is a simple process, but it does require a few steps to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare artichokes for air frying:

Start by rinsing the artichokes under cold running water. Give them a good wash to remove any dirt or residue. You can also gently push open the leaves to allow the water to get between them and ensure a thorough cleaning.

Next, you'll want to remove the tough outer leaves. Artichoke leaves can be prickly, so be careful as you pluck off the bottom outer leaves, usually around 6-8 of them. You can use a serrated knife or kitchen shears for this step.

Now, lay the artichoke on its side and cut off the bottom of the stem. Then, trim off the top of the artichoke. You can cut off about the top third or, if you prefer, just the top 1/4-1/2 inch of the leaves.

At this point, you'll want to cut the artichoke in half. This will help reduce the cooking time and ensure even cooking. Cut the artichoke in half, working from the stem up through the top.

After that, you need to remove the choke, which is the fuzzy center of the artichoke. Use a spoon or a knife to carefully scoop out and discard the tiny, pointy fibers.

Once the artichoke is halved and the choke is removed, rub lemon juice all over the cut surfaces. This will help prevent the artichoke from oxidizing and turning brown, as well as adding a nice flavor.

Finally, drizzle or brush the artichokes with olive oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other herbs and spices you like. Make sure to get the seasonings into the crevices for maximum flavor.

Now your artichokes are ready for the air fryer! Place them into the air fryer basket, cut-side down, and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Preparing artichokes for air frying is a simple process that just takes a few minutes. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy artichokes straight from your air fryer!

How long to cook artichokes in an air fryer

The cooking time for artichokes in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the artichokes, the power of your air fryer, and whether you choose to preheat it.

As a general rule, medium-sized artichokes will take around 12-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while larger ones may need up to 17-20 minutes. If you don't preheat your air fryer, add 2-3 minutes to the overall cooking time.

To check if your artichokes are done, try peeling off an outer leaf. If it comes off easily, your artichokes are ready. You can also test the tenderness of the leaves with a fork or by tasting them.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preparation:

First, prep your artichokes by rinsing them and removing some of the outer leaves. Then, cut off the stems and the top quarter of the artichoke, and trim the tips of the remaining leaves with kitchen shears if needed.

Boiling:

Place the artichokes in a large pot of boiling water and boil for 25-30 minutes, depending on their size.

Halving and Seasoning:

Slice each artichoke in half and use a spoon to remove the fuzzy choke from the center. Rub the artichokes with lemon wedges to prevent discoloration, then drizzle both sides generously with olive oil, getting it inside the crevices. Season with salt and pepper, or a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

Air Frying:

Place the artichokes in the air fryer basket with the sliced side facing down. Set the temperature to 340°F (170°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip the artichokes and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on their size.

Tips:

• Artichokes vary in size and shape, so adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
• If your artichokes are browning too quickly, slightly lower the temperature of your air fryer.
• Large artichokes may benefit from par-boiling for 5-10 minutes before air frying to prevent the outer leaves from browning.
• If you want to cook whole artichokes in the air fryer, you will need to increase the cooking time. Cutting them in half reduces the cooking time and ensures even cooking.

How to eat air-fried artichokes

Air-fried artichokes are a delicious and healthy snack, side, or appetiser. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to eat them:

Preparation:

First, rinse the artichokes under cold running water. Then, remove the stem and the top half-inch of the artichoke using a serrated knife or kitchen shears. Cut the tips off the outer leaves to create a flat top. You can then gently push open the leaves and rinse again to ensure the water gets between them.

Cooking:

Cut the artichokes in half and remove the choke (the tiny, pointy fibres in the centre of the artichoke heart) using a spoon or knife. Squeeze lemon juice over the cut parts of the artichoke to prevent them from browning.

Next, brush or drizzle olive oil over the artichokes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the artichokes into your air fryer basket, cut-side down, and cook at 340-375°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip the artichokes and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, depending on their size.

Serving:

Once cooked, remove the artichokes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, lemon-infused mayonnaise, balsamic reduction, whipped feta dip, or simply with melted butter or mayonnaise.

To eat, start by removing the outer leaves, dip the base of the leaf into your chosen sauce, and then pull the leaf through with your front teeth to scrape off the soft portion. Repeat this process until you reach the artichoke heart in the centre. Use a spoon to remove any remaining fluffy fibres, and then enjoy the heart by dipping it into your sauce!

What to serve with air-fried artichokes

Air-fried artichokes are a delicious and healthy snack, side, or appetiser. They go well with a variety of dips and sauces, as well as with different meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried artichokes:

Dipping Sauces

You can serve air-fried artichokes with a variety of dips and sauces. Some classic choices include garlic aioli, lemon-infused mayonnaise, or a balsamic reduction. These sauces add flavour to the artichokes and provide a delightful dipping experience. You can also try whipped feta dip or blue cheese dip.

Herb-Infused Yogurt

Mix chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into plain Greek yogurt for a light and refreshing dip that complements the earthy flavour of the artichokes.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour to your air-fried artichokes. Opt for roasted red pepper hummus for a slightly sweet and smoky element that pairs well with the artichokes.

Citrusy Quinoa Salad

A light and refreshing side dish, a citrusy quinoa salad with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese will balance the richness of the air-fried artichokes.

Main Course

Air-fried artichokes can be served as a side dish to a variety of main courses. They go well with chicken dishes, such as chicken wings or a whole roast chicken. You can also serve them with baked brie, orange chicken, or ham and jalapeno pinwheels.

How to store leftover air-fried artichokes

If you have leftover air-fried artichokes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To help maintain their crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, it's best to reheat them in an oven or toaster oven to retain their crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the artichokes soggy.

Additionally, you can freeze leftover air-fried artichokes by following these steps:

• Allow the artichokes to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
• Place the cooled artichokes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen artichokes to airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Label and date the bags or containers, and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• When ready to use, reheat the frozen artichokes directly in the air fryer or oven without thawing, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions