This air fryer bok choy is a fun and easy side or snack. Air fry it in minutes and top it with spicy sriracha and crunchy dry roasted edamame.
Jump to RecipeArticle Overview: Air Fryer Bok Choy Recipe
WTF is Bok Choy?
Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage or pak choi, is a leafy green vegetable in the cabbage family, that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Bok choy has thick, crunchy white stalks and dark green, leafy tops. The entire plant is edible, and both the stems and leaves are used in cooking.
Bok choy has a mild, slightly peppery flavor, and its texture can range from crisp when raw to tender when cooked. It works in the air fryer because the stalks get slightly tender and the leaves get nice and crispy.
Baby Bok Choy is slightly more tender and sweeter than adult Bok Choy, and can be used interchangeably. For this air fryer bok choy recipe, we use baby bok choy, simply because its easier to source and it fits in our air fryer better.
Air Fryer Bok Choy Recipe
Air Fryer Bok Choy Ingredients
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this air fryer Bok Choy Recipe. While Bok Choy is more prevalent in the spring and fall, you should be able to find it at most supermarkets year round.
- Bok Choy: You can also use baby Bok Choy for this air fryer recipe, its smaller, more tender, a tad sweeter, and it fits in the air fryer better than the more sturdy adult Bok Choy.
- Sesame Oil: The air fryer still needs a little oil to help it along and we like to use sesame, but a simple olive oil works fine as well.
- Spices: Season your air fryer bok choy with Chinese five spice before cooking it then finish it with a good pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger really makes it pop!
- Sriracha: Who doesn’t like sriracha?! Well, if you don’t… awkward, but just leave it off. This recipe is still great without it.
- Edamame: Totally optional here, but topping this dish with some crunchy dry roasted edamame really take this simple recipe to the next level. We use Seapoint Farms Edamame.
Air Fryer Bok Choy Equipment
Well, goes without saying, you’ll need an air fryer for this Bok Choy Recipe. If you’re still on the fence about getting one, I hear ya. But, I think they’re pretty awesome, we use ours all the time. I won’t lie, I fought the air fryer movement for awhile. I didn’t want another big ass kitchen appliance taking up space in my 700 square foot apartment. Then one year I was gifted one for Christmas.
I had to make my cat an outdoor pet to find space for it, but I am officially on board the air fryer. And this air fryer Bok Choy Recipe is a great representation of why the air fryer is so great. Its super fast, healthy, and it’s easy to clean.
The main knock on it being, and I know whiskers agrees with me, is the size. It’s like having a fat Yoda live on your countertop. Heres a link for a great Air Fryer, if you’re in the market for one.
The only other thing you’ll need to make this recipe is a bowl or a plate to mix the oil, seasoning, and bok choy together.
How to Make Air Fryer Bok Choy
Follow these step by step instructions to make this air fryer Bok Choy Recipe. It should only take you 10 mixtures or so to complete. Easy peasy!
Step 1: Clean & Season Bok Choy
Wash the bok choy thoroughly under running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends of the bok choy, removing any discolored or tough parts. Cut into quarters. Cutting them allows for more even cooking.
Place the bok choy in a large mixing bowl and drizzle it the sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and season with salt and Chinese 5 spice, and grated ginger.
Step 2: Air Fry Bok Choy
Place the prepared bok choy in air fryer basket, a single layer. Make sure there’s some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. If necessary, you can cook them in batches.
Cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the bok choy, as cooking times can vary depending on the size of the pieces and the specific air fryer model. You want them to become tender and slightly crispy.
About halfway through the cooking time, you can open the air fryer and gently shake or toss the bok choy. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 3: Garnish & Serve
Once the bok choy is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer, drizzle sriracha over it and sprinkle the dry roasted edamame and flaky sea salt. Serve it hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Bok Choy
This recipe pairs well with all kinds of things. It’s fun asian flavors and crispy texture make it an ideal companion to curries, noodle dishes or fried chicken dishes.
Additionally, bok choy complements seafood beautifully, salmon, halibut, whatever, just add a touch of lemon or soy sauce to your fish and you have complete meal. For vegetarians or vegans, you could pair this bok choy recipe with a stir fried tofu.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes to pair with this bok choy recipe:
SAVORY Indonesian Chicken & Rice Congee: Bubur Ayam
SUCCULENT Beef Brisket & Coconut Milk Soup – Soto Betawi
Best Beef Massaman Curry (FLAVOR BLAST)
Air Fryer Bok Choy Leftovers
So not everyone ate their greens, what to do now? First, deny them the best part of the day, eating ice cream, next tell them to wash the dishes, and finally store the leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge.
If stored properly it should last for 3-4 days. To reheat just pop them back into the air fryer for a couple minutes. But honestly, I would really try and sell the ice cream angle and not have any leftover Bok Choy. Part of the pleasure of this dish is the crispy edges and you lose that once stored in the fridge.
Don’t freeze.
Air Fryer Bok Choy Recipe FAQ’s
Preheating your air fryer is generally a good practice, it’ll help everything cook more evenly. Some models have a preheat option, if yours doesn’t just run it at temp for a minute or two before you start cooking.
Sure, you can add other ingredients like garlic or other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to create a flavorful mix. Just remember to leave enough space in the air fryer so you don’t crowd everything. Cook in batches if you must.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your bok choy pieces and the specific air fryer model you’re using. Start with 5-7 minutes and check for doneness. You may need to cook it for a bit longer if it’s not tender enough.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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BEST FRIG’n Garlic Parmesan Wings Air Fryer Recipe
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Air Fryer Pears – Pumpkin Spice Delight!
Bok Choy Nutrition
Bok choy, often celebrated for its appealing taste and crunchy texture, also packs a nutritional punch that makes it a smart choice for those looking to boost their health. This leafy green is incredibly low in calories, making it an excellent option for those seeking to manage their weight.
Furthermore, bok choy is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it provides a healthy dose of vitamin A, vital for good vision and skin health.
Bok choy is also a notable source of folate, calcium, and potassium. Its high water content aids in hydration, and its fiber content contributes to digestive health. Moreover, this cruciferous vegetable contains beneficial antioxidants and phytonutrients, potentially offering protective effects against chronic diseases. When incorporated into a balanced diet, bok choy not only adds a burst of flavor but also a wealth of health benefits.
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