Air Fryer Artichoke: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryer artichokes are a simple, healthy, and delicious snack, side, or appetiser. They are also a great alternative to oven-roasted artichokes, as they take significantly less time to cook. In this article, you will learn how to cook artichokes in an air fryer, as well as some tips on how to pick and prepare them.

How to prepare artichokes for air frying

Preparing artichokes for air frying is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Start by removing the outer leaves from the artichoke, plucking about 6 to 8 leaves from the bottom, near the stem. You can use your hands or kitchen shears for this step.

Next, cut off the bottom of the stem, and then trim off the top third of the artichoke. You can use a serrated knife or a large chef's knife for this.

Now, working your way around the artichoke, trim the tips of all the leaves. Cut off about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from each leaf to get rid of the pointed, prickly ends.

After that, cut the artichoke in half, working from the stem up through the top.

Use a large spoon to remove the choke, which is the fuzzy part in the middle of the artichoke. Scrape out all the fuzzy parts and anything that isn't a leaf.

Artichokes tend to brown quickly after cutting, so rub lemon juice or a lemon wedge all over the cut edges to prevent browning.

Once your artichokes are prepped, you can preheat your air fryer and finish seasoning them before placing them inside.

How to make a seasoning mix for artichokes

There are many ways to make a seasoning mix for artichokes, depending on your taste preferences. Here is a guide on how to make a seasoning mix for artichokes in an air fryer:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the artichokes for cooking. Rinse them and remove some of the outer leaves. Then, cut the stem off and cut off the tip. You can also trim the tips of the leaves if they are pointed and sharp. Cut the artichoke in half, and remove the choke (the fuzzy middle part) using a spoon.

Now, you are ready to make your seasoning mix. Here are some common ingredients used:

• Lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice over the cut sides of the artichokes to prevent browning and add flavour.
• Olive oil: Drizzle olive oil over the artichokes.
• Salt and pepper: Season the artichokes with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garlic: You can add garlic powder to your seasoning mix, or stuff the cavity of the artichoke with garlic cloves.
• Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or sage to the cavity of the artichoke.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be added to the seasoning mix.

Combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Then, drizzle the mixture over the cut sides of the artichokes, rubbing it in with your hands to ensure an even coating.

Place the artichokes in the air fryer, and cook according to your air fryer's instructions, usually around 12-15 minutes, or until the artichokes are tender.

Enjoy your delicious, seasoned air fryer artichokes!

How long to cook artichokes in an air fryer

The cooking time for artichokes in an air fryer depends on the size of the artichokes and the type of air fryer you own. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer, but if you decide not to, you should add 2-3 minutes to the overall cooking time.

For medium-sized artichokes, 12 minutes is a good starting point. Check if they are done by peeling off the outer leaves—if they come off easily, the artichokes are ready. If you are cooking large artichokes, you will need to increase the cooking time to 17-20 minutes. Keep in mind that the outer leaves will not be edible, but this is normal.

If you are cooking artichoke hearts, the process is slightly different. First, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Then, pat the artichoke hearts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Combine the artichoke hearts with your desired seasonings in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Shake the basket and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the artichokes are browned and crispy.

Some recipes suggest boiling the artichokes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help speed up the cooking process, especially for larger artichokes.

What to serve with air fryer artichokes

Air fryer artichokes are a delicious appetizer, side, or snack, and they go well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Dips

Artichokes pair well with a variety of dips. You can serve them with a simple dip like garlic aioli, blue cheese dip, or alioli. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a whipped feta dip or make a sauce with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Proteins

Air fryer artichokes can be a tasty side dish to a protein-rich main course. They go well with chicken, especially if you use a lemon and olive oil seasoning on the artichokes.

Other Vegetable Sides

You can also serve air fryer artichokes alongside other vegetable sides. Some options include glazed carrots, asparagus, or smashed sweet potatoes.

Appetizers

If you're serving air fryer artichokes as an appetizer, you can pair them with other appetizers like baked brie, orange chicken wings, or ham and jalapeno pinwheels.

Salads

Artichokes also go well in salads. You can try a spinach artichoke dip salad or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing to complement the artichokes.

Drinks

Artichokes pair well with a variety of drinks. A crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail like a spritz can complement the flavors of the artichokes nicely.

Remember, air fryer artichokes are quite versatile, so feel free to get creative with your pairings!

How to store leftover air fryer artichokes

To store leftover air fryer artichokes, you'll first want to let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag. They'll last in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Frequently asked questions