Air Fryer Artichokes: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Guide

Air fryer artichokes are a quick, easy, and healthy snack, side, or appetizer. They are a simple dish to cook up at home and are a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. Artichokes are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, and cooking them in an air fryer is much faster than cooking them in an oven. The air fryer also achieves a delightful crispiness on the artichoke leaves, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. In this article, we will walk you through how to make air fryer artichokes and share some dipping sauce recipes for you to try.

How to prepare artichokes for air frying

Preparing artichokes for air frying is a simple process. Start by rinsing the artichokes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, trim the artichokes by removing the outer leaves, cutting off the stems, and trimming the tips. You can leave about an inch of the stem intact if you prefer.

At this stage, you can choose to halve the artichokes lengthwise to reduce the cooking time and ensure even cooking. Halving also allows the seasoning to penetrate the vegetable more effectively. However, if you want to make stuffed artichokes, you can skip this step and cook them whole, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Once your artichokes are trimmed and halved (if desired), it's time to season them. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cut sides to prevent browning and add flavour. Drizzle olive oil over the artichokes, and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavour.

After seasoning, your artichokes are ready for the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket, cut side down, and repeat the seasoning process by drizzling more olive oil and sprinkling salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to between 340-375°F (170-190°C) and cook the artichokes for 10-25 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of crispiness.

Remember to keep an eye on your artichokes as they cook, and adjust the time as needed. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown exterior with crispy leaves while ensuring the inner leaves are tender. You can check for doneness by testing the tenderness of the leaves with a fork or by taste-testing.

Once your artichokes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a delicious and healthy snack, side dish, or appetizer!

How to season artichokes for air frying

Preparing artichokes for air frying is simple. First, rinse the artichokes under running water. Remove the outer leaves, trim the stems, and cut off the tips. You can leave about an inch of the stem on the artichoke. Then, slice each artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke from the centre with a spoon.

Rubbing or brushing the artichokes with olive oil will help the seasonings to stick. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the artichokes to prevent them from turning brown.

For seasoning, you can use a combination of salt and pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavour to your preference. Drizzle the cut sides of the artichokes with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and rub it all in.

Place the artichokes in the air fryer basket, cut-side down, and cook at 340-375°F (170-190°C) for 10-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your artichokes, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.

Once they're done, remove the artichokes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, lemon-infused mayonnaise, balsamic reduction, or herb-infused yogurt.

How long to cook artichokes in an air fryer

The cooking time for artichokes in the air fryer varies depending on factors like the size of the artichokes, the specific characteristics of your air fryer, and whether you've halved them or not. Artichokes cooked in an air fryer take significantly less time than in the oven.

If you are cooking whole artichokes, you will need to increase the cooking time. It is recommended to cut them in half to speed up the cooking process and ensure even cooking. Halved artichokes also allow the seasoning to penetrate more effectively.

Artichokes vary in size and shape. For this reason, they might need less or more time in the air fryer. 12-15 minutes should be enough for medium-sized artichokes. If using large ones, you will need to increase the cooking time. It is recommended to go with 17-20 minutes, but keep an eye on them.

To test for doneness, check the tenderness of the leaves with a fork or by peeling off the outer leaves – if they go easily, it’s a sign they are done. You can also taste-test them. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior while ensuring the inner leaves are tender.

What to serve with air fryer artichokes

Air fryer artichokes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of dishes and dips. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Dipping Sauces

Prepare a variety of dips to enhance the flavour of your air fryer artichokes. Classic choices include garlic aioli, lemon-infused mayonnaise, or a balsamic reduction. You can also dip them in whipped feta or blue cheese dip. For a lighter option, mix chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into plain Greek yoghurt.

Main Course

Air fryer artichokes make a great side dish for a variety of main courses. They go well with chicken, or you can serve them with baked brie, orange chicken wings, sticky chicken wings, or ham & jalapeno air fryer pinwheels.

Vegetables

Artichokes can be paired with other vegetables such as glazed carrots, asparagus, or smashed sweet potatoes.

Salad

A light and refreshing side dish to accompany air fryer artichokes could be a citrusy quinoa salad with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

How to store leftover air fryer artichokes

To store leftover air fryer artichokes, you should place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. You can eat them cold or reheat them by air-frying at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

To maintain the flavour and texture of leftover air-fried artichokes, it is important to follow these specific steps for storing and freezing. By storing them properly, you can enjoy your leftover artichokes for a few more days while still maintaining their taste and quality.

It is worth noting that the storage duration may vary depending on the ingredients used in the recipe and the freshness of the artichokes before cooking. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration or an unpleasant odour, it is best to discard the leftover artichokes.

Additionally, proper storage will help retain the crispiness and flavour of the air-fried artichokes. It is recommended to consume them within the suggested timeframe to ensure the best taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions