Need an easy, last-minute appetizer this holiday season? Look no further than Air Fried Artichokes with Lemon Aioli, which uses mostly pantry staples to create a crunchy, lemony pre-dinner treat!
We know how it goes. Family decides to drive in last-minute for the holidays. A friend flies in from out of town unexpectedly. Sometimes, we have guests in our home that we did not plan for.
Once everyone is settled in, safe and sound, a yummy snack is in order. Impress your guests with these Air Fried Artichokes with Lemon Aioli, a simple appetizer or snack that comes together with barely any effort yet lots of flavor!
Simply batter some canned or thawed artichokes in a light cornstarch mixture before air frying to crisp perfection. Serve with a delicious and tart sauce using high-quality mayo, lemon zest, and fresh thyme.
What Type of Artichokes Should I Air Fry?
As you may know, there are a variety of ways to buy your artichokes from the grocery store. There are canned, jarred, marinated, frozen, and fresh artichokes. For these air fried varieties, it is best to use either frozen, canned, or jarred.
Making fresh artichokes would take a lot of time and dedication. When making a last-minute recipe, time is usually not on our side. Instead, pick a prepared type that you like and use that!
Be sure that whatever prepared artichoke you use is nicely dry. Water and drying do not mix and the artichokes will come out gummy. Using paper towels, very carefully dry off the veggie before dipping into the dry batter. This way, your chokes will be crisp and perfectly fried.
Ingredients in Air Fried Artichokes with Lemon Aioli
- 12 oz. frozen quartered artichokes, thawed and patted dry
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
For the Lemon Aioli:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
How to Make Air Fried Artichokes with Lemon Aioli
Begin by thawing the artichokes. Drain and pat dry using paper towels. You can also use jarred/canned artichokes in the same amount and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the cornstarch, salt, cayenne, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each artichoke heart into the mixture, coating completely. Set the coated artichokes on a separate plate and repeat with the remaining artichokes.
Once the air fryer is preheated, add the coated artichokes to the basket. Spray with olive oil spray carefully and place the basket into the fryer.
Cook for 6-7 minutes. Open the fryer and carefully flip the artichokes. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until crisp.
Meanwhile, make the Lemon Aioli. Mix the mayo, lemon zest, juice, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until homogenous and set aside.
When the artichokes are done, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve hot with the dipping sauce.
Air Fried Artichokes with Lemon Aioli
Ingredients
- 12 oz. frozen quartered artichokes, thawed and patted dry
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
For the Lemon Aioli:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by thawing the artichokes. Drain and pat dry using paper towels. You can also use jarred/canned artichokes in the same amount and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the cornstarch, salt, cayenne, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each artichoke heart into the mixture, coating completely. Set the coated artichokes on a separate plate and repeat with the remaining artichokes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, add the coated artichokes to the basket. Spray with olive oil spray carefully and place the basket into the fryer.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes. Open the fryer and carefully flip the artichokes. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until crisp.
- Meanwhile, make the Lemon Aioli. Mix the mayo, lemon zest, juice, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until homogenous and set aside.
- When the artichokes are done, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot with the dipping sauce.
