Air-Fryer Spinach: A Healthy, Quick-Fix Side Dish

Air fryers are a convenient way to prepare food, and spinach is a popular vegetable to cook in them. You can make spinach chips, creamed spinach, or simply fry the leaves with oil and seasoning. However, some people have noted that spinach can fly around in the air fryer, so it's recommended to use a crisping tray or trivet to prevent this. Additionally, it's best to avoid using frozen spinach as it contains extra water, which can make the dish soggy.

How to make spinach in an air fryer without it flying around

Yes, you can make spinach in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make spinach in an air fryer without it flying around:

Firstly, pre-wash your spinach leaves and dry them thoroughly. The drier the leaves are, the crispier they will become. Use paper towels to absorb any excess water. Next, take a large bowl and add your spinach leaves. Drizzle or spray some olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil over the spinach leaves. Make sure not to use too much oil, as you do not want to drench the leaves. Toss the spinach leaves in the oil until they are completely coated. Then, add your seasoning. You can use a sparse amount of garlic sea salt blend or regular salt and pepper. Toss the spinach until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Now, you are ready to cook the spinach. Place the seasoned spinach into the air fryer basket. If you have a crisping tray, you can place this on top of the spinach to prevent it from flying around. Alternatively, you can use the trivet from an instant pot to hold down the spinach. Set your air fryer to 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 6-10 minutes. After 3 minutes, use tongs to mix the spinach to ensure even cooking. If you prefer softer spinach, add another minute of cooking time. Once the spinach is wilted and crispy, it is ready to serve. You can garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese, if desired.

And there you have it! A simple, healthy, and delicious side dish or snack, ready in just a few minutes. Enjoy!

How long to cook spinach in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook spinach in an air fryer. It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare spinach as a side dish or a snack. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it, along with some tips on cooking times:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing your spinach thoroughly and removing any tough stems. Dry the leaves using a paper towel or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. This step ensures even cooking and helps the spinach crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Season the Spinach

Place the spinach leaves in a mixing bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them, and then sprinkle on your preferred seasonings. You can use garlic powder, salt, pepper, or a blend like Cajun seasoning. Toss the spinach gently until it's evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat it for a few minutes. While it's heating up, line the fryer basket with parchment paper or use cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Spinach

Once the air fryer is preheated, spread the seasoned spinach leaves in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.

Cooking times can vary depending on your desired level of crispness:

• For crispy spinach chips, cook for about 5-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it and toss the spinach halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• For wilted spinach, cook for about 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• For fresh spinach, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the cooked spinach to a serving dish. You can serve it as a side dish, use it as a topping for salads or sandwiches, or enjoy it as a healthy snack.

Can you use frozen spinach in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen spinach in an air fryer, but it's not recommended as it can turn out soggy. Frozen spinach contains a lot of extra water, which can make it soggy when cooked in an air fryer. It's much easier to heat frozen spinach in a saucepan or microwave.

If you want to cook fresh spinach in an air fryer, it's best to use a small amount of oil and season lightly. You can cook spinach in an air fryer for around 6-10 minutes at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store leftover air-fried spinach

Air-fried spinach is a delicious and healthy snack. But what do you do if you have leftovers? Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover air-fried spinach to keep it fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftover Air-Fried Spinach:

• Allow the spinach to cool: Before storing, it's important to let your leftover spinach cool down to room temperature. Do not put hot spinach directly into the fridge as it can affect the temperature and quality of other foods.
• Choose the right container: Select an airtight container or a zip-top bag to store your leftover spinach. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
• Portion the spinach: Divide the leftover spinach into the desired portions. You can use smaller containers or bags if you plan to eat the spinach over several days.
• Seal and store: Place the spinach in the container or bag and seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator.

Leftover air-fried spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. Make sure to consume it within this timeframe to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.

Reheating Air-Fried Spinach:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover spinach, you can simply eat it cold, or you can reheat it. Here's a simple way to reheat your air-fried spinach:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the spinach in the air fryer: Put the desired portion of leftover spinach in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat the spinach: Cook the spinach for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the spinach is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and serve it as a tasty side dish or snack.

Remember, when reheating, it's better to aim for a lower temperature and adjust as needed. This will help prevent your spinach from becoming overcooked or burnt.

What to serve with air-fried spinach

Air-fried spinach is a quick, easy, and healthy snack. It can be served as a side dish with almost any entrée. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried spinach:

• Healthy options: Air-fried spinach can be served with other healthy dishes such as Instant Pot Turkey Picadillo, Black Garlic Air Fryer Salmon, or Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin. This will help keep your meal nutritious and delicious.
• Rich options: If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try serving air-fried spinach with Butter Herb Roasted Turkey, Air Fryer Salmon, or Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin. The crispy spinach will complement these richer dishes perfectly.
• Vegetarian-friendly meals: Air-fried spinach is a great option for vegetarian meals. Serve it with vegetarian-friendly mains such as tofu, veggie burgers, or stuffed vegetables. The spinach adds a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients to any vegetarian dish.
• Chicken, pork, fish, or beef: Air-fried spinach goes well with a variety of proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, baked fish, or steak for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
• Eggs or omelets: Leftover air-fried spinach is a tasty addition to breakfast. Toss it into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a quick and healthy morning meal.
• Garnishes: Air-fried spinach can also be used as a garnish to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Try sprinkling it over soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Frequently asked questions