Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts (Frozen or Canned)

There’s just something about artichoke hearts – whether they’re in a creamy, cheesy baked dip, paired with green shakshuka, or even enjoyed simply in artichoke tapenade spread across crackers, their sweet, mild, earthy flavor is one that can’t be matched.

And since discovering frozen artichoke hearts (yes, it’s a thing!), I’ve been hooked on making them in the air fryer and enjoying them every which way (more on that soon). But if you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, never fear because you can also make canned artichokes in the air fryer.

With all that good news (and deliciousness!) let’s get to cooking… I mean, air frying?! You’re going to love making vegetables in the air fryer!

Ingredient Spotlight

The star of the show here is obviously artichoke hearts. Use either a can of artichoke hearts or frozen to keep this recipe easy, peasy! Other than that, you’ll just need a little bit of olive oil and any seasonings you’d like!

Frozen Artichoke Hearts

If you’re just learning that you can buy frozen artichoke hearts, you’re not alone. I saw them not all that long ago in the frozen aisle of Trader Joe’s and was immediately intrigued! Whole Foods also has them in their 365 brand, and I’ve seen them at a few other specialty grocery stores.

In my recipe tests between frozen and canned artichokes, I’ve found that the frozen varieties tend to be larger and thus result in a better texture after being air fried. The size will depend on the brand you buy. See the process photographs below to see the difference between sizes.

Canned Artichoke Hearts

If you can’t find frozen, you can totally use canned artichoke hearts. In this case, it’s really important to make sure you dry them off well so that they get the lovely crispness from the air fryer.

You can choose from quartered or whole artichoke hearts when buying them from a can. I’ve always used quartered for the air fryer because it works well in recipes and the layers are perfect for holding seasonings.

Speaking of, when deciding between marinated or plain artichokes for the air fryer, do note that because you’ll need to pat them dry before cooking, it will take off a lot of the marinade. While some flavor soaks into them, I still like to season them on my own.

Seasoning Options

You can easily make air fryer artichokes without any seasonings at all – besides salt at least because we’re not monsters. Anyway, I like to add my own seasoning blend depending on how I plan on using them (gotta match the vibe!).

Lemon Pepper Seasoning really compliments the flavor of artichokes well, so if you’ll be enjoying them as they are, that’s my first recommendation! You could also try a simple homemade seasoned salt, or go for something more unique like ranch seasoning.

Let’s Air Fry Artichokes!

As with any frozen vegetable in the air fryer, this recipe is really easy to make (yes, just as easy with the can, too!).

If using canned artichokes, the first step to take is to make sure you drain the artichokes and pat them dry as best as you can. Other than that, the process is the same.

Toss the artichokes in a little bit of oil as well as your seasoning of choice. You guessed it, we’re using lemon pepper seasoning here – it truly is my go-to for artichokes!

Spread the artichokes in an even layer across the crisper plate in the air fryer basket. Spread them out the best you can to encourage crisping instead of steaming. They will shrink some throughout the cooking process.

Cooking time and temperature does vary depending on frozen or canned, mostly because of the size difference, and because the canned variety obviously does not need to thaw.

• Frozen Artichokes: air fry at 400F for about 8-10 minutes, tossing about halfway through the cooking time.
• Canned Artichokes: air fry a little lower at 375F for about 6-8 minutes, depending on their size. As I mentioned, the smaller size that’s usually in canned will need less time.

Ways to Enjoy Cooked Artichokes

Easily enjoy air-fried artichokes right out of the basket; they’re delicious on their own and especially dipped in garlic aioli (or your favorite dipping sauce).

Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and parsley. Some crispy breadcrumbs or just a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are also amazing. Serve them like this as an appetizer, or even as a side dish.

They’re versatile though! Try them in so many ways:

• On a lettuce salad. Toss them on top of a bed of greens with your favorite toppings. They’ll pair well with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a white balsamic vinaigrette.
• Add them to parmesan orzo – the breadcrumbs and broccoli will pair so well!
• Top them on an easy flatbread pizza.
• Making a vegetarian mezze platter? You know they’ve got a place on it!
• Put them in a sandwich or add them to pasta.
• Place them on a crostini recipe for an easy appetizer!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!