Today I tried Belgian endive in the air fryer, which I usually prepared in the oven or in a pan. I tested it with my new Create air fryer, and I liked the result.
I prefer light, simple side dishes, so I didn’t add parmesan or breadcrumbs. Just endive, a spray of oil, salt, pepper, and a few pinches of aromatic herbs.
If you’re interested in other recipes with Belgian endive, here are a few to try:
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Winter, Spring
Ingredients
- 3 heads Belgian endive
- 2 sprays extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp aromatic herbs (thyme, etc.)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch chili pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Tools
- 1 Air fryer
Steps
Wash the Belgian endive heads well, cut them in half lengthwise and place them on an air fryer tray lined with the appropriate parchment paper.
Add aromatic herbs, salt, pepper or chili pepper, and spray with extra virgin olive oil.
Preheat the air fryer to 392°F for a few minutes, insert the tray into the basket and cook for 15–20 minutes. The exact time depends on the freshness and size of the heads, because sometimes the center remains tougher; in that case, extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Serve the endive in a ceramic dish, seasoning with balsamic vinegar or maple syrup.
Daniela’s Tips
Store leftover endive in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can add breadcrumbs with garlic and chopped parsley before cooking.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Does the endive stay bitter?
Air frying caramelizes the natural sugars in the endive, greatly reducing the bitterness. If you want to remove it completely, remove the “cone” at the base of the head before cooking.
Can I cook it whole?
It’s better not to. Cutting it in half allows heat to penetrate the core better, ensuring even cooking and preventing the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
For this recipe it’s not strictly necessary, but if you do preheat it, reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes.
