Air-Fried Spanakopita: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie, a savoury pastry made with phyllo dough sheets stuffed with spinach and feta. It can be made in an air fryer, which is a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional baking or frying methods. The air fryer ensures the pastry is crispy and golden without being deep-fried, delivering the perfect texture with every bite. This paragraph will explain how to make spanakopita in an air fryer.

How to make the filling

Making the filling for Spanakopita is simple and quick. The first step is to prepare your spinach. For optimal texture, use chopped frozen spinach. Defrost it by leaving it at room temperature for a few hours or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You can do this by placing the spinach in a sieve or colander and pressing down on it with a heavy bowl.

Next, heat some oil in a frying pan and sauté a small, minced onion until soft. If you don't want to use a frying pan, you can also air fry the onion for a few minutes in a small pan that fits inside your air fryer. Once the onion is soft, add it to a bowl with the spinach.

Now it's time to add the cheese! Mix in some feta, cream cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add other types of cheese, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, for extra creaminess. If the mixture seems dry, add a little extra cream cheese to bind everything together.

Finally, add a handful of chopped mint leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. And that's it! Your Spanakopita filling is now ready to be rolled up in filo pastry and cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy!

How to assemble the pastry

The Filling

To make the filling, stir together spinach, feta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic in a bowl. You can also add in cottage cheese, egg white, dill, salt, and black pepper.

Preparing the Phyllo/Filo Dough

Place one sheet of phyllo/filo dough onto a clean work surface. Brush it with olive oil, and repeat this process until you have four layers.

Cutting the Dough

Cut the dough into 3-inch wide strips. You can do this by cutting the layered phyllo dough lengthwise into three equal sections.

Adding the Filling

Add about one tablespoon of filling to the bottom of each strip.

Folding the Dough

Take the bottom right corner and fold the dough over the filling to make a triangle. Then, fold the bottom left corner up to make another triangle. Continue folding the dough over the filling in this way until you have a small pouch.

Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or line it with parchment paper.

Cooking the Spanakopita

Place the spanakopita triangles into the air fryer, making sure they don't touch. Spray the tops with olive oil and air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Serving

Let the spanakopita cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

How to cook in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to cook your spanakopita, giving it a crispy, golden finish with less oil and in a shorter time than traditional frying methods. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook spanakopita in your air fryer:

Prepare the Filling:

Start by preparing the filling. In a medium-sized skillet, heat some olive oil and add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add your spinach and cook until it is wilted, which should take around 1-2 minutes. Remove the spinach from the heat and allow it to cool.

In a separate bowl, mix together your cheeses, egg, and herbs. Common cheese choices include feta, ricotta, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. For herbs, dill and parsley are popular choices. You can also add some lemon juice for extra flavour.

Assemble the Spanakopita:

Now it's time to assemble your spanakopita. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface. Brush it with olive oil, then layer another sheet on top and brush with more oil. Repeat this process until you have 4 layers. Cut the dough into equal-sized sections, then add a tablespoon of your filling to each section. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, then continue rolling until you have a small pouch.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. You can also use parchment paper, but be sure to add it after preheating the air fryer.

Cook the Spanakopita:

Place your spanakopita triangles into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of the spanakopita with olive oil and air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Your spanakopita is now ready to be served! They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Air Frying Spanakopita:

• Work quickly with the phyllo dough as it dries out fast. Cover the sheets you're not using with a damp towel to keep them from drying out.
• Seal the edges of the spanakopita well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. You can use a light brushing of water or olive oil to help seal them.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even air circulation and crisping.
• Taste your filling before adding the eggs so you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Remember that feta cheese will add saltiness.
• Allow the filling to cool before assembling the spanakopita to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Spanakopita is versatile, so feel free to add different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables.

Storing and Reheating:

Spanakopita is best served fresh from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy and heated through.

How to make ahead and store

Making spanakopita in an air fryer is a simple and satisfying experience, and you can prepare the dish ahead of time.

Firstly, you can prepare the filling and assemble the triangles or rolls, placing them on a baking sheet. Then, freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, there is no need to defrost the spanakopita; simply air fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Alternatively, if you want to store the filling for another day or another recipe, you can do so. Just be sure to keep the spinach mixture refrigerated in an airtight container.

Reheating:

You can reheat any leftovers in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F and pop the spanakopita in for a few minutes until crispy and heated through.

Storing Tips:

• If you have any raw spanakopita, it is best to keep it in the freezer in airtight containers.
• If you have already cooked the spanakopita, it is best to eat it fresh as the pastry can lose its crispiness over time. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• If you want to store the filling, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.

What to serve with spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish—a pie filled with spinach, cheese, and other savoury ingredients. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish, but can also be a main course.

• Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce: The creaminess of the pasta sauce and the saltiness of the feta complement the spanakopita well.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This classic Greek sauce pairs well with meats, vegetables, and pita chips. It can also be used as a dip for crispy pita wedges.
• Rice Pilaf: This flavourful dish with a great texture can be made with various spices and ingredients.
• Roasted Potatoes: The slight caramelisation of roasted potatoes adds a savoury flavour profile that complements the rich flavours of the spanakopita.
• Greek Salad with Feta Cheese: A classic Greek salad with feta cheese added to it creates a great flavour combination with the spanakopita.
• Falafel: This healthy dish made from chickpeas is perfect for dipping into tzatziki sauce.
• Pita Bread: The soft texture of pita bread goes well with the baked filo dough of the spanakopita. It can be used for dipping or scooping.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side dish that pairs well with the warm, crispy spanakopita.
• Greek Pasta Salad: Onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese tossed with tender cooked pasta. The feta melts into the warm pasta, creating a creamy sauce.
• Greek Lemon Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, pepper, and oregano, and roasted in a skillet.
• Gyros: Classic Greek wrapped sandwiches that can be served as a main course alongside spanakopita.
• Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad: A healthy, refreshing salad to accompany the spanakopita.
• Greek Lemon Potatoes: The author of the air fryer recipe above says that these potatoes complement spanakopita really well.

These suggestions offer a range of options to serve alongside spanakopita, from salads to meats, and dips to breads.

Frequently asked questions