Imagine: the day is over, the kids have come home from school, and a delightful aroma fills the house. It’s already dark outside, the table is set, and the atmosphere is relaxed. All that’s missing is a touch of magic to make dinner perfect: crispy and flavorful artichokes, cooked in an air fryer. Without excess oil, with a tender heart and an aroma that captivates, these artichokes are a true pleasure for the palate.
Who doesn’t wish for a tasty dinner ready in a few minutes, especially after a busy day?
With this very easy recipe, you can enjoy a light and versatile side dish, perfect to accompany any main course.
And while the air fryer does its job, you’ll have time to play with the kids, chat with your partner, or simply relax a bit.
Curious to find out how to prepare these delicious artichokes in just 15 minutes?
Keep reading!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, and Spring
- Energy 48.37 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 9.68 (g) of which sugars 0.79 (g)
- Proteins 2.32 (g)
- Fat 0.92 (g) of which saturated 0.16 (g)of which unsaturated 0.13 (g)
- Fibers 4.57 (g)
- Sodium 180.34 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 120 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 10 artichokes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Half lemon
- 1 bunch parsley
- to taste salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
Tools
- 1 Air Fryer
Steps
Preparing the artichokes:
Start by carefully cleaning each artichoke one by one.
First, remove the tougher outer leaves that are hard to detach. Continue until you reach the tender heart of the artichoke, with a nice light green color.
With a sharp knife or a peeler, remove the internal fuzz (if present) to avoid bitterness.
As for the stem, you can decide whether to leave it attached to the artichoke after peeling it with a vegetable peeler or detach it and cook it separately sliced.
Remember that the artichoke stem is rich in fiber and has a delicate flavor, so it’s worth using it!
Cutting and soaking:
Once cleaned, cut each artichoke into wedges by first halving and then quartering it.As you clean and cut them, immerse them in a bowl with cold water acidulated with lemon juice.
This step is essential to prevent the artichokes from oxidizing in contact with air and turning an unappetizing dark color.
The acidulated water helps preserve the bright green color and fresh flavor of the artichokes.
After the necessary time (about 15-20 minutes), drain them and quickly rinse under cold running water to remove any lemon residues.
Finally, pat them dry with a clean cloth before cooking.
Cooking in the air fryer:
Transfer the artichokes to a large bowl.
Season with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
To best measure the oil and achieve a light, crispy cooking, I recommend using a spray bottle. This way, you will avoid over-seasoning and the artichokes will not be greasy.
Add a teaspoon of flour and mix well so that the artichokes are evenly coated.
The flour will help create a golden and crispy crust during cooking.
Place the wedges in the air fryer’s basket, spacing them slightly to promote hot air circulation.
Cook at 356°F for 10-15 minutes, checking the cooking towards the end. The artichokes will be ready when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
If necessary, extend the cooking for a few minutes.
Serving:
Your crispy artichokes in air fryer are ready to be enjoyed!
Serve them hot as a tasty side dish to accompany your favorite meat, fish, or vegetable dishes.
You can enjoy them naturally, enhancing their delicate flavor, or with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
Bon appétit!
Here are some storage tips and delicious variations for your crispy artichokes in air fryer:
Storage:
In the fridge:
Air fryer-cooked artichokes keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, closed in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
Reheating:
To best enjoy them, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 356°F, so they regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can warm them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or in the microwave.
Variations:
Flavored artichokes:
Before cooking, add aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, or a pinch of chili for a spicy touch to the artichoke wedges.
Gratinated artichokes:
Arrange the cooked artichokes in a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of oil, and broil in the oven for a few minutes until golden.
Stuffed artichokes:
Before cooking, stuff the artichokes with a filling of breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, and parsley.
Breaded artichokes:
Coat the artichoke wedges in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs before cooking them in the air fryer for an even crispier version.
Artichokes with potatoes:
Add potato wedges to the air fryer basket for a complete and tasty side dish.
Extra tips:
For easier cleaning, you can use gloves to avoid staining your hands with the artichoke.
If the artichokes are very large, you can cut them into smaller wedges for more even cooking.
For an even crispier result, you can increase the air fryer’s temperature to 392°F in the last minutes of cooking.
I hope these ideas are helpful for experimenting with new recipes and enjoying artichokes in different ways! 😊
Wine to pair with crispy artichokes in air fryer:
Here are 4 wines that pair well with crispy artichokes in air fryer, with a focus on their availability in Italy:
Vermentino di Sardegna:
A fresh and savory white, with notes of white flowers and citrus, which balances well with the slightly bitter flavor of artichokes and their crispiness.
Grechetto di Todi:
Another Umbrian white, with floral and fruity notes, good minerality, and a slight bitter note that pairs well with artichokes.
Franciacorta Brut:
If you prefer bubbles, a Franciacorta Brut with its freshness and effervescence can be a great choice to accompany artichokes, especially if served as an appetizer.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo:
A fresh and fruity rosé, with notes of cherry and berries, that pairs well with the delicacy of artichokes and their light cooking.
Extra pairing tips:
If you added aromatic herbs or spices to the artichokes, consider that in your wine choice, seeking a pairing that enhances the aromas.
The wine’s serving temperature is important:
serve whites and rosé chilled, while Franciacorta should be served well chilled.
Cheers! 🥂
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen artichokes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen artichokes, but you will need to adjust the cooking. Start with a lower temperature (around 320°F) and increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes, checking often to avoid burning.
How do I know if the artichokes are cooked?
The artichokes will be ready when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can check the cooking by inserting a fork into a wedge: if it goes in easily, they are done.
What can I do if the artichokes stick to the air fryer basket?
To prevent the artichokes from sticking, make sure to dry them well after washing and lightly oil the air fryer basket. You can also use a perforated parchment paper sheet on the bottom of the basket.
Can I add other ingredients to the artichokes?
Of course! You can add aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, or a pinch of chili to the artichoke wedges. You can also add garlic cloves or thinly sliced onions.
Are artichokes in air fryer a light dish?
Yes, artichokes cooked in an air fryer are a light and healthy side dish, as they require very little oil compared to traditional frying.
What can I serve with crispy artichokes?
Crispy artichokes in air fryer are a versatile side dish that pairs with many dishes. They are great with meat, fish, eggs, cheese, or simply with a slice of rustic bread.
I hope these FAQs are helpful to you! 😊
