Ready in under 10 minutes (yes, TEN!), this crispy, garlicky, slightly smoky Air Fryer Bok Choy is basically a veggie glow-up. It’s the kind of side that makes your main dish go, “Wait… am I even the star here?” Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when your fridge is giving you "you need to eat something green" vibes.
This recipe was inspired by my Air Fryer Sesame Green Beans (because crispy greens are my love language) and it pairs so well with my Tofu Stir Fry Noodles for a full-on flavor party.
Whether you're meal-prepping like a boss or just want a quick veg that isn’t boring ol’ steamed broccoli, this one's gonna be your go-to. Crunchy tips, tender stems, umami magic—let’s gooo.
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🌟 Why This Recipe Works
- Super speedy: We're talking 10 minutes from fridge to fork.
- Crispy AND tender: That air fryer magic gets the leafy bits all crackly, while the stems stay juicy.
- Minimal ingredients, max flavor: A few pantry staples = flavor bomb status.
- Customizable: Go spicy, sweet, or soy-glazed. Your taste buds, your rules.
🛒 Ingredients
- Bok Choy – The star of the show. Mild, juicy, and made to crisp up like a champ in the air fryer.
- Garlic Powder – Adds instant savory depth without the fuss of mincing. A pantry MVP.
- Paprika – Just a pinch adds warmth and that hint of smoky color. Not spicy—just vibey.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
This dish is naturally gluten free—just check your seasoning blends and toppings! More options include:
- Oil-Free Option: Yep, you can skip the oil! Just know your bok choy won’t be as crispy. Still tasty, though.
- Spicy Vibes: Add chili flakes or a dash of gochujang pre-air fry. Or serve with sriracha for a fiery dip.
- Sweet + Savory: Drizzle with a little maple syrup or honey after air frying for a sweet-salty twist.
- Mix It Up: Throw in mushrooms or sliced bell peppers (just watch your air fryer space!). Tofu cubes are also a total win.
- Kid-Friendly: Sprinkle some crushed kettle chips or a light dusting of nutritional yeast. It’s like veggie chips, but better.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Bok Choy
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- Step 1: Give your bok choy a good rinse under cold water—those little leaves love to hold onto dirt! Pat them dry with a towel, then slice each one lengthwise into 3 or 4 pieces.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together some garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Lay the bok choy out on a plate or tray, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over each piece. No need to measure perfectly—just make sure every bite gets some flavor!
- Step 3: Grab a brush (or use your hands if that’s your style!) and lightly coat the bok choy with vegetable oil. This helps it crisp up beautifully. Then, sprinkle on some sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty goodness.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (because crispy veggies are life). Arrange the bok choy in a single layer in the basket—no crowding!
- Step 5: Air fry for 7-8 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. The leaves should get a little crispy, while the stems turn perfectly tender.
- Step 6: Pop that gorgeous bok choy onto a serving plate, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with a little soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it up as a quick side, or eat it straight from the plate. Enjoy!
💡Hint: If you're adding other veggies or tofu, stagger the cooking. Start the slower ones first, then toss in bok choy for the last 7 minutes to keep things crisp and not soggy.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: Toss bok choy in soy sauce + sesame oil for 10 mins before air frying. Hello umami.
- Choose the Right Oil: Avocado or grapeseed oil = higher smoke point and crispier finish.
- Balance the Bitter: A teeny pinch of brown sugar pre-air fry or drizzle of honey after helps mellow out bitterness.
- Dry Bok Choy = Crispy Bok Choy: Extra water = soggy sadness. Pat it dry like you mean it.
💭 FAQs
Yes, baby bok choy works well in the air fryer. Due to its smaller size, it may cook faster, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier than with regular bok choy.
Preheating isn't necessary for bok choy. You can place it directly into the air fryer and start cooking.
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, as well as proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make it a more balanced meal. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even crisping and prevents sticking.
Lightly coating the bok choy with oil and avoiding overcooking helps maintain its moisture.
Yes, air-fried bok choy retains its nutrients and uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthy side dish.
Overcooking can cause bitterness. Reduce cooking time slightly and consider adding a sweet element like a honey drizzle to balance the flavors.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- This crispy bok choy isn’t just a pretty side dish—it’s a total mealtime chameleon. Here’s how to level it up:
- Bowl it up: Serve over rice or noodles with tofu or tempeh and a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame dressing.
- Takeout vibes: Pair with dumplings, sticky rice, or miso soup for an easy dinner win.
- Taco twist: Chop it up and toss into tilapia fish tacos for crunch.
- Brunch boost: Add to a tofu scramble or avo toast for extra greens.
- Leftover love: Toss cold into green salads or a quinoa salad—no need to reheat.
🍽 Try These Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Bok Choy
Ingredients
- 2 Bok Choy
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Give your bok choy a good rinse under cold water—those little leaves love to hold onto dirt! Pat them dry with a towel, then slice each one lengthwise into 3 or 4 pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix together some garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Lay the bok choy out on a plate or tray, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over each piece. No need to measure perfectly—just make sure every bite gets some flavor!
- Grab a brush (or use your hands if that’s your style!) and lightly coat the bok choy with vegetable oil. This helps it crisp up beautifully. Then, sprinkle on some sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty goodness.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (because crispy veggies are life). Arrange the bok choy in a single layer in the basket—no crowding!
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. The leaves should get a little crispy, while the stems turn perfectly tender.
- Pop that gorgeous bok choy onto a serving plate, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with a little soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it up as a quick side, or eat it straight from the plate. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate for More Flavor: Toss the bok choy in a little soy sauce and sesame oil for 10 minutes before air frying to boost the umami taste.
- Use High Smoke Point Oil: Swap vegetable oil with avocado or grapeseed oil for extra crispiness without burning.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: A sprinkle of brown sugar or honey balances the flavors and gives a beautiful caramelized finish.
I absolutely love this recipe. Bok Choy is a great dish with unami flavors, a perfect side for stir fries and noodles.
Did not work for me.