Air Fryer Artichokes

For years, our go-to method for enjoying artichokes has been roasting or steaming them, accompanied by our all-time favorite artichoke dipping sauce. And we have another method now: Air frying.

It makes the process quicker than ever before. Now, we can make perfectly cooked, tender artichokes in no time. And the result is equally delicious.

If you don't have an air fryer, you might want to see our methods for steaming artichokes and roasting artichokes. 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This air fryer artichoke recipe is a winner because:

1. It's fast: The air fryer cooks artichokes quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time.
2. It's healthy: Using less oil makes this recipe healthier for you.
3. It's easy: The recipe requires minimal preparation.
4. It's versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or herbs.

About The Ingredients

Before learning how to cook an artichoke fast, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:

1. Artichokes: Use globe artichokes. They are the most common type used for this recipe due to their large size and tender heart. 
2. Lemon: The lemon serves two purposes in this recipe. First,  we rub the artichokes with lemon to prevent them from browning due to oxidation. Second, we serve the dish with lemon wedge to add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the artichokes. If you don't have a lemon, you can substitute it with lime.
3. Olive oil: It is used to coat the artichokes. It develops a delicious and slightly crispy exterior. It also adds a subtle, rich flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can use other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil as substitutes.
4. Seasoning: We only use salt and pepper, which are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the artichokes and balancing the overall taste of the dish. You can adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences. You can also try adding other spices that pair well with artichokes, such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried dill or paprika, for a more customized and flavorful dish.

How To Cook Artichokes In The Air Fryer

Prepare yourself for an effortlessly delicious air fryer roasted artichokes! The only step requiring a bit of effort is prepping the artichokes, but don't worry, we've got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions below:

1. Prepare the artichokes: Wash the artichokes in cold water and dry them. Cut the stem off so they can sit flat. Take off the tough outer leaves and small leaves at the bottom. Use kitchen shears to snip the pointy tips of the leaves. Cut off the top 1 inch of the artichoke with a sharp or serrated knife. Slice the artichokes in half lengthwise and rub the cut sides with fresh lemon juice.
2. Remove the choke: Gently scoop out the fuzzy choke from the middle of each artichoke half using a spoon. Make sure to remove all inedible parts, leaving only the tender heart. Don't forget to see our ultimate guide about How To Prepare Artichokes to learn more preparation methods.

3. Season the artichokes: Rub lemon on the cut sides of the artichoke halves to stop them from turning brown. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the artichokes as desired. Drizzle olive oil over them and coat them evenly using a brush. Alternatively, you can use a cooking spray.

4. Cook the artichokes: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for around 5 minutes. Put the seasoned artichoke halves, cut-side down, in one layer in the air fryer basket. If they don't all fit, cook them in separate batches. Air fry artichokes for 12 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the artichokes are soft and the leaves can be easily pulled off.
5. Serve: Take the artichokes out of the air fryer carefully and serve them warm. 

Important Tips

1. Cut the artichokes in half for air frying so they cook faster.
2. Rub cut surfaces with lemon to maintain a fresh appearance.
3. Place artichokes in a single layer for consistent cooking results.
4. Check for tenderness to ensure perfectly cooked artichokes.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your air fried artichoke as an appetizer with a selection of delectable sauces that complement their earthy flavor. Here's a list of sauces we love:

1. Our Artichoke Dipping Sauce: A delightful combination of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper, creating a creamy, tangy, and savory dipping sauce that perfectly complements the artichokes.
2. Garlic Aioli Sauce: A rich and creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice, adding a tangy and garlicky touch to your artichokes.
3. Melted Butter: Simple yet indulgent, melted butter provides a velvety and smooth texture that enhances the natural flavors of the artichokes.
4. Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: A light and zesty dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs, offering a refreshing citrusy kick to your dish.

Also, these air fried artichokes can be paired with various dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Serve them as a side dish for roasted chicken pieces, roasted fish, lamb kebabs, kofta kebabs or vegetable skewers.

How To Eat Them

Have you ever wondered how to eat an artichoke? It might seem intimidating if you've never tried it before, but with a few simple steps, you'll be savoring this delicious treat in no time.

Eating an air fried artichoke is not different from eating a roasted or steamed artichoke.

Simply pull off the outer leaves one by one, dip the base of each leaf into your preferred sauce, and scrape off the tender flesh with your teeth. Discard the inedible part of the leaf. Once all the leaves are removed, enjoy the flavorful artichoke heart by breaking it into pieces and dipping into the sauce.

Variations

Air fryer artichokes can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or to incorporate different flavors. Here are some variations:

1. Garlic Parmesan: Mince fresh garlic and mix it with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture onto the artichokes before cooking, adding a garlicky, cheesy twist to the dish.
2. Lemon Pepper: For a zesty touch, use lemon pepper seasoning instead of regular salt and pepper. The lemony flavor will complement the artichokes and create a refreshing taste.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your air fryer artichokes fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential. Here's how to store them:

1. Cool down: Let the cooked artichokes reach room temperature to prevent sogginess.
2. Refrigerate: Store cooled artichokes in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3-4 days.
3. Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (180°C) to heat artichokes for 5-7 minutes (air fryer) or 10-15 minutes (oven) until warmed through.

FAQs

Other Artichoke Recipes

• Stuffed Artichokes Recipe
• Steamed Artichokes
• Roasted Artichokes
• Turkish Style Artichokes (Zeytinyagli Enginar)

Other Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Baking Powder
• Dry Rub Chicken Wings