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Crispy fried artichoke hearts are a wonderful vegan appetizer for a romantic evening for two or as a starter to a dinner party. Serve them with garlic and lemon aioli for dunking.
Thank you to GoWISE for sponsoring today’s post! The content, photos, and opinions expressed are fully my own.
For many people, Valentine’s Day is all about sweets. There are chalky heart-shaped candies that say Be Mine, and heart-shaped boxes filled with delicate chocolate truffles.
While I have nothing against sweets, the way to my heart is through finger foods. Canapés, crostini, and vegan charcuterie boards spell romance to me.
After all, finger foods are inherently romantic. They don’t require fussy cutlery. It’s all hands-on and tactile.
Still, you don’t have to give up on hearts altogether.
These fried artichoke hearts would be a wonderful starter for your Valentine’s Day gathering – whether it’s an intimate dinner or a Galentine’s Day party with your pals.
David and I had a head start on Valentine’s Day this past weekend when I made these vegan fried artichokes in the air fryer.
They are battered and then dipped in panko bread crumbs that have been spiced with basil, oregano, and paprika. The batter gets wonderfully crisp. And it really grabs a hold of the artichokes.
I served them with garlic and lemon aioli for a dipping sauce.
My love affair with artichokes has been going on for decades. It borders on obsession. I love them in spinach artichoke dip, added to pesto, as the final touch to artichoke crostini, or thrown into hummus.
But David tends to be indifferent about them. The inherent brininess of jarred artichoke hearts doesn’t speak to him in the same way that it does me.
That changed with these vegan fried artichokes, though. He said it’s easily his favorite way of eating them.
The crisp, flavorful coating balances the briny interior. The flavor of the artichoke hearts pops against the savory breading. He likened it to jalapeño poppers, except with artichoke hearts as the filling.
GoWISE Air Fryer XL
For this recipe, I turned to my favorite easy cooking method – the air fryer. I’ve been using a GoWISE air fryer for over a year now. It gets daily use in my house.
I originally purchased a smaller sized air fryer, because we’re only a household of two humans. However, sometimes I’ve really wished I had a larger one.
Like any cooking method, you get better crispy results if you don’t overfill it. For example, if you overfill a skillet, a stir-fry doesn’t brown as well. And if you overfill a baking sheet, vegetables don’t roast as well.
In the same way, if you overfill an air fryer, it stops the air from flowing as freely, and you don’t get that beautiful crispiness. So there have been times when I’ve wanted to air fry multiple dishes or make a bigger batch of something, and I’ve wished that I opted for a larger size.
Well, as luck would have it, GoWISE reached out to me about their Air Fryer XL.
The basket holds 5.8 quarts as opposed to my original air fryer, which holds 3.7 quarts. The air really whips through it, and I’m able to make larger batches of things when needed.
(Don’t worry, though. You can also cook smaller batches too. If you want one spring roll or air fryer baked potato, for example, you can still put it in there with nothing else – no problem.)
Even though the basket is larger, the Air Fryer XL doesn’t take up that much more room on the counter. In fact, since I got it about a month ago, I’ve left my original air fryer on the counter as well.
There have been a number of occasions when I’ve come home ravenously hungry, and just popped vegan chick’n strips in one, got them started, and then added broccoli florets to the other a few minutes later. I’m loving the convenience of two!
Plus, how cute is that chili red color?
Use water-packed artichoke hearts
For this recipe, it’s best to use artichoke hearts that come from a water-packed jar.
I often enjoy oil-packed artichoke hearts in recipes, but they wouldn’t work particularly well here because the oil would keep the batter from sticking.
Make sure to dry the water-packed artichoke hearts thoroughly before breading.
They are made with just a spritz of oil. But they can be made oil-free if you prefer.
Make the aioli ahead of time
While the lemon garlic aioli can be eaten right away, it’s better once the flavors have melded. The garlic mellows and incorporates with the eggless mayonnaise.
So if you have time, plan on making the aioli the day before you’re serving the fried artichoke hearts.
Pro tip: The aioli is also terrific with fried olives.
Do they reheat well?
Yes! The fried artichokes reheat beautifully in the air fryer. So if you want to make a bunch before a party, you can just reheat them once guests arrive. That makes for some very low stress entertaining!
Air fry the refrigerated leftovers at 360 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes.
Fried artichoke hearts in the air fryer + vegan aioli
Ingredients
For air fried artichoke hearts
- 14 artichoke hearts from water-packed jar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 6 Tablespoons water + 2 more Tablespoons if needed
- 6 Tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Spritz organic canola oil optional
For vegan lemon garlic aioli
- 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated onion
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Remove artichoke hearts from water-packed jar and give each one a gentle squeeze to remove excess liquid. Lay the artichoke hearts on a clean towel to gently dry them.
- Now it's time to make a breading station for the artichoke hearts. In a cereal or soup bowl, use a fork or whisk to combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and 6 Tablespoons of water. After the batter is mixed, slowly add 1 or 2 more Tablespoons of water, as needed. You want the batter to have the consistency of pancake batter.
- Then on a dinner plate, combine panko bread crumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, granulated garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- One at a time, dip each artichoke heart into the batter and fully coat it. Tap off any excess batter. Then dredge it in the panko bread crumb mixture until it's covered. Put the artichoke heart into air fryer basket. Continue breading each one until they are finished. Lightly spritz the breaded artichoke hearts with oil (optional).
- Air fry at 360 degrees for 8 minutes, stopping once to flip the artichoke hearts. Remove from air fryer and serve with vegan aioli.
To make vegan aioli
- Combine vegan mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, granulated onion, and pinch of salt in a blender. You may need to stop once or twice to scrape down the sides until it's fully incorporated. Taste and add more lemon juice or salt, if needed. (If you don't have a blender, the lemon garlic aioli can be made in a small bowl. Just a spoon or fork to mix it. However, it is lighter and airier in the blender, and the garlic is more broken down and blended throughout.)
- The aioli can be eaten right away, but it tastes best after the flavors have melded. If you have the time, move the aioli to a covered container and refrigerate for a day.
Notes
Nutrition
This is a sponsored post with a brand that I use in my own home. Posts like these help me keep fresh recipes coming your way!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
This is the air fryer I have and I love it! These artichokes look amazing – perfect for the Super Bowl this weekend!
Cadry says
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that Mary Ellen! I’m glad it has treated you well. You’re right that this appetizer would be great for this coming weekend!
Becky Striepe says
Oh my gosh, I have a can of artichoke hearts in my pantry right now! This is so happening. And I love that red GoWISE! So pretty.
Cadry says
It was meant to be! Let me know how it goes with the fried artichoke hearts. And yes, I’m loving that red color too. It adds a splash to my kitchen!
Kate says
I’m so eager to try this! I definitely need to get an air fryer… I feel like I’m missing out on so much!
Cadry says
Oh, yes, you do! I use mine all the time. It’s really revolutionized quick breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Until then, though, I’m sure you could fry these artichoke hearts in oil. I haven’t made them that way, but I’m sure they’d fry beautifully too.
Shell says
I need to try this ASAP! I love my GoWise, and I’m grateful that you continue sharing great ideas for what I can put in my air fryer!
Cadry says
Excellent, Shell! Let me know what you think when you try it. I’m so glad that you’re still loving your GoWISE!
Dianne says
I love heart shaped boxes filled with chocolate truffles, but I also love finger foods! These artichokes look right up my alley!
Cadry says
You make an excellent point. I’d gladly accept chocolate truffles AND fried artichoke hearts, no question.
Alisa Fleming says
My husband has never been big on artichoke hearts, but I know he would love these! He’s a fried food fan, so I probably need to look into that air fryer.
Cadry says
Air fryers are great for fried food fans! You get that crackling crunch without gobs of oil. I bet it would be a hit in your house, Alisa!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love artichokes, and I know I’m going to love this recipe. That sauce looks like the perfect compliment, too. And I really wish I had an XL air fryer. I love using my regular size air fryer, but it would be awesome to have a bigger one since I cook for 3 adults. I’m putting it on my wish list!
Cadry says
Good idea! This would be a great size for a family of three adults. I hope you love the recipe as much as I do, Amy!
Nicole says
These should be served at restaurants!
Cadry says
Thank you, Nicole!
Linda from Veganosity says
You’ve just made one of my favorite game day foods romantic. Bravo, lady!! They look amazing!!
Cadry says
Thanks, Linda!
Sarah De la Cruz says
Food is the way to my heart for sure! These look amazing—that crispy coating is perfect! My kiddos…who are always my Valentines…..are surprising artichoke lovers, so I know they would enjoy these!
Cadry says
Thank you, Sarah! I love that your boys are fans of artichokes. I’m sure other parents envy their palates!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
They looks so good! I too have a bit of an addiction to artichoke hearts but have never made them like this. I would be all over them! I adore that red air fryer too. It would match my red Kitchen Aid perfectly!
Cadry says
Thank you, Mel! Red is such a fun color in the kitchen.
Jenn says
These look DELICIOUS!!! I’m all about appetizers and finger foods for V-day too. So much better than a heavy meal!
Cadry says
Agreed! Alllllll of the appetizers, please.
Hedi Pavelcova says
I have never used an air fryer, but looking at this gorgeous red one I think I could be tempted to get one!
Cadry says
That color is so cute, right? I’m happy to have it jazzing up my countertop.
The Vegan 8 says
These look amazing! Artichokes are one of my favorite foods and that coating you created sounds incredibly flavorful and delicious. I’ve heard great things about air fryers too! Such an awesome recipe!
Cadry says
Thank you, Brandi! If artichokes are one of your favorite foods, I think you’d be in love with these! I’m pretty addicted to my air fryers. They make cooking exponentially more fun.
Ricki says
Holy moly, these look incredible! What a great idea. And I MUST. GET. AN. AIR. FRYER!!!! Cannot wait to give this recipe a try. 🙂 Happy V-Day!
Cadry says
Thank you, Ricki! You would have so much fun with an air fryer. I’d love to see what you’d make!
Janis Ware says
These were so easy to make and VERY delicious! What a fun and different appetizer to serve to my guests!
Cadry says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that, Janis. Thank you for letting me know!
Ellen says
I made this recipe a couple of nights ago, and it was fantastic! I plan to use the air-fried artichokes in fish tacos next week with a mango salsa. I had a little batter left over, so I quartered some mushrooms and tried them, too, and they were almost as good as the artichokes.
Cadry says
That’s so nice to hear, Ellen! That’s a great idea to use the artichokes in tacos, and for re-purposing the leftover batter for mushrooms. Thanks for letting me know!