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

Yes, you can cook spinach in an air fryer! In fact, there are multiple ways to cook spinach in an air fryer, including making spinach chips, sautéed spinach, or creamed spinach.

Air fryer spinach recipes

Air-fried spinach is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes. It is a convenient alternative to sautéed spinach, which requires standing over the stovetop. Here are some simple recipes to make delicious air-fried spinach:

Basic Air Fryer Spinach

This recipe uses only four ingredients and takes about nine minutes to prepare, including preheating and prep work.

Ingredients:

• Spinach (either mature or baby spinach)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

• Toss the spinach with olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss again.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for three minutes.
• Add the seasoned spinach to the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350°F for four minutes.

Notes:

• It is not recommended to use frozen spinach due to the extra water content, which can make the dish soggy.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Crispy Spinach

This recipe adds a crispy texture to the spinach, making it a tasty and healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• Baby spinach leaves
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil spray
• Garlic sea salt blend
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon (optional)

Instructions:

• Spread the raw spinach leaves in the air fryer basket. They don't need to be in a single layer but avoid making the layers too thick.
• Lightly spray the spinach with oil.
• Lightly season with garlic sea salt.
• Cook at 300°F for 10 minutes. The leaves will be crispy and dried.
• Remove the basket carefully and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Notes:

• Different air fryers may require adjustments to temperature and cooking time.
• This recipe can also be made with kale.

Spinach preparation

Spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways, including in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare spinach in an air fryer:

Firstly, decide on the type of spinach you want to use. You can use either mature spinach or baby spinach. Mature spinach tends to have larger, tougher leaves, while baby spinach has smaller, more tender leaves.

Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a salad spinner to dry the spinach, or simply lay the leaves out on a clean kitchen towel and blot them dry.

Next, you'll want to decide on your seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite blend of spices. Some popular options include Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, or a simple all-purpose seasoning blend.

Now, it's time to toss the spinach with oil and seasonings. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl and drizzle it with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil spray. Add your chosen seasonings and toss until the leaves are evenly coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes. You can use a cake barrel or a baking pan with a lid to cook the spinach. If you don't have a lid, you can cover the pan with aluminium foil.

Once the air fryer is preheated, add the seasoned spinach to the basket or pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect cooking. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to cook it in batches.

Cook the spinach for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (180°C). If you're using a cake barrel, you can stir the spinach halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the basket or pan from the air fryer and give the spinach a stir. It should be wilted and slightly crispy. If you prefer your spinach more on the crispy side, you can cook it for an additional minute or two.

Finally, serve the spinach immediately. You can garnish it with grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or crumbled bacon for some extra flavour.

And that's it! You now have a delicious and healthy side dish that was cooked in just a few minutes using your air fryer. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature

Air-frying spinach is a quick and easy way to get your leafy greens cooked in just a few minutes. The air fryer temperature you should set depends on the type of spinach you are cooking, how crispy you want it, and the other ingredients you are using.

If you are cooking spinach without any other ingredients, you can set your air fryer to 300°F for 10 minutes to achieve crispy spinach chips. However, if you are cooking spinach with other ingredients such as olive oil, onion, and garlic, you should preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F for 3 minutes and then cook the spinach for 4-5 minutes. This will give you tender, wilted spinach with a crispy texture in some parts.

It is important to note that the air fryer temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. Additionally, if you are using frozen spinach, it is not recommended as it contains extra water, which can make the dish soggy.

Spinach storage

Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be added to many dishes and recipes. However, it is notorious for going bad quickly. The key to keeping spinach fresh is to reduce moisture and keep it dry.

Storing Fresh Spinach

Spinach can be kept fresh for up to 10 days if stored properly. Here are some steps to follow:

• Line a large container with dry paper towels. You can also use zip lock bags or glass storage containers.
• Layer dry spinach leaves on top of the paper towel. Make sure the spinach is as dry as possible before storing.
• Remove any bad leaves to avoid accelerating the rotting process.
• Close the container and store it in the refrigerator.
• Change out the paper towel if it becomes too wet to keep the spinach fresh for longer.

Storing Cooked Spinach

Cooked spinach can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Freezing Spinach

Spinach can be frozen for longer-term storage. Here are two methods:

• Place whole spinach leaves in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Purée spinach leaves in a blender with a small amount of water and freeze in ice cube trays.

Reheating spinach

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 380°F if you're cooking from frozen) for 2-3 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your spinach. If you're cooking fresh spinach, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. If you're reheating cooked spinach, simply place it in a bowl and mix in some olive oil, salt, and pepper if desired.
• Place the seasoned spinach in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking fresh spinach, spread it out in a single layer if possible.
• Cook the spinach. For fresh spinach, cook at 350°F for 4 minutes. For reheating cooked spinach, cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Once the spinach is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Some additional tips for reheating spinach in an air fryer:

• It is recommended to use fresh spinach rather than frozen spinach, as frozen spinach can release a lot of water and become soggy.
• If you're reheating leftover spinach, make sure it's properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
• You can reheat spinach in the microwave as well, but using an air fryer will help maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
• If you want to add some extra flavour to your spinach, you can sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or crumbled bacon on top.

Frequently asked questions