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Air Fryer Artichoke with Garlic Aioli Sauce

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Air fryer artichokes are the best way to make fresh artichokes at home! These are a super simple side dish that tastes better than oven roasted and cooks in just minutes. Dip them in my easy garlic aioli sauce for the perfect appetizer.

For many years the only way I ate artichokes was as part of a dip – and I’m sure I’m not the only one! They can seem intimidating because they are a little complicated to cut.

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But they taste fantastic, with a rich flavor, similar to asparagus or brussels sprouts. And while cutting one isn’t exactly intuitive, it isn’t difficult either.

Roasted artichokes cooked in an air fryer take just 10 minutes to make and are full of flavor, making them a super easy side dish that’s great year-round. In this post, I will show you how to pick, prepare, and air fry this vegetable and expand the range of foods you cook!

How to Pick Artichokes

When you are at the store, you can find a good artichoke by looking for dark, glossy leaves and a rough stem that appears to be slightly hairy. Look for one that is a deep green color.

artichokes on a cutting board
Fresh artichokes

It is okay if the leaves have a little bit of browning on the tips. You can find artichokes in the grocery store all year round, but spring and fall are the peak seasons.

To test it for freshness, give it a quick squeeze. Fresh ones will squeak, older ones will feel spongy. I used a globe artichoke for these pictures, which is the most common kind you will find in the US.

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How to Prepare Artichokes Before Air Frying

Cutting a fresh artichoke can seem a little intimidating, and it is probably the most challenging step of this simple recipe! But once you’ve cut a few, it will seem effortless.

cutting the top off the artichokes
Cutting off the top

First, cut off the stem and the top half-inch of the artichoke. You will want to use a serrated knife or large chef’s knife for this.

preparing the artichokes
Triming the leaves

Then use kitchen shears to cut the tip off the outer leaves to have a flat top. I usually wait to wash it until I have completed this step. 

To wash it, rinse it under cold running water and gently push open the leaves so that the water can get between them.

scooping out the choke from the artichoke
Remove the choke

Then cut it in half. At the center of the artichoke heart are tiny, pointy fibers called the choke. Use a spoon and a knife to scoop these out and discard them.

Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over the cut vegetable. This will keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.

Air Frying the Artichokes

Take the cut vegetable and brush or spray it with olive oil. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the inside and outside of each half.

halves in air fryer basket
Artichokes air frying

Put them in the air fryer basket. How many you can fit at one time will vary based on the size of your air fryer and the size of the artichokes. Don’t stack them or overlap them.

Cook them at 350 degrees F for 8 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another 4 minutes. 

artichoke haves after air frying
Cooked artichokes

Once the artichoke is tender, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you are a cheese lover, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on each artichoke half before serving.

Serving Ideas

Roasted artichokes are usually served with a dipping sauce. If you are in a rush and don’t have time to make a quick sauce, you can serve them with melted butter or mayonnaise.

But if you want to make your side dish extra delicious, then make this easy garlic aioli sauce while they air fry.

closeup of artichokes cooked in air fryer

Garlic Aioli Dip

This aioli sauce is just a souped-up version of mayonnaise. The extra flavors blend with the mayonnaise and make an ideal complement that is perfect for dipping the artichoke pieces.

making the aioli sauce
Mixing the garlic aioli sauce

Put the mayonnaise in a bowl and add minced garlic, black pepper, dill, paprika, and fresh lemon juice to make the sauce. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

You can quickly whip up this sauce while the vegetables air fry. Then pull the leaves off one at a time, starting with the tender inner leaves, and dip them in the sauce. 

dipping the artichokes in aioli sauce

You could also try whipped feta dip, ranch dressing, or another favorite dipping sauce.

Looking for more air fryer appetizers? Check out my air fried ravioli and air fryer pasta chips.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 3 days. They can be eaten cold or reheated by air frying them at 370 degrees F for 5 minutes.

Leftover garlic aioli sauce should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for 5 days.

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closeup of artichokes cooked in air fryer
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Air Fryer Artichoke Recipe

Published By Anne
Air fryer artichokes are the best way to make fresh artichokes at home!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 2
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 artichokes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 lemon

Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dill
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

  • Prepare your artichoke. Remove the stem and cut off the top half inch. Use a large knife for this step. Then cut the tip off each of the outer leaves. Kitchen shears work well for this step.
    2 artichokes
  • Wash the vegetable by running it under cold water. Gently pull apart the leaves to let the water in. Pat it dry. 
  • Cut each artichoke in half. Then remove the tiny fibers, called the choke, at the center of the heart. Use a spoon or knife to dig these out.
  • Artichokes will start to brown once you cut them open. Squeeze lemon juice over the inside to stop the browning.
    1 lemon
  • Brush olive oil over the inside and outside of each half. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Place hearts in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for 4 more minutes. 
  • While cooking, mix all the garlic aioli ingredients together in a medium bowl.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Remove hearts from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving with the sauce.

Notes

  • Serve with a lemon wedge. 
  • Peel the leaves off and dip in the sauce.
  • If you don't want to make an aioli sauce then melted butter or just mayonnaise can work for dipping.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 1061mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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roasted artichoke with lemon wedge
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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