Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Begin by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, let’s focus on building the flavor base for our artichokes. In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is crucial here; it not only helps in even cooking and crisping but also acts as a flavor carrier for the other aromatics we’re about to add.

Next, take 2 cloves of garlic and grate them finely. Grated garlic is preferred over minced because it disperses more evenly and releases its pungent aroma and flavor more readily into the oil. Add the grated garlic to the olive oil in the bowl.

Now, for the herbaceous element, measure out 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves. Fresh thyme is best for its vibrant aroma and taste, but in a pinch, you could use dried thyme, although fresh is highly recommended. Gently rub the thyme leaves between your fingers to release their oils before adding them to the bowl. This simple step intensifies their fragrance and flavor.

Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Remember, you can always adjust seasoning later, so it’s better to start conservatively and taste as you go. These seasonings are fundamental in enhancing the natural flavors of the artichokes and other ingredients.

Step 2: Coat the Artichokes

Now it’s time to introduce the star of our dish: the artichoke hearts. You’ll need two 14-ounce cans of artichoke hearts. Drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly and then halve them. Pat them very dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely critical for achieving crispy artichokes in the air fryer. Excess moisture will steam the artichokes instead of allowing them to crisp up. Take your time and ensure they are as dry as possible.

Add the dried and halved artichoke hearts to the bowl with the olive oil and spice mixture. Gently toss everything together using your hands or a spatula to ensure that each artichoke heart is evenly coated with the flavorful oil mixture. This coating is essential for even browning and flavor infusion.

Once the artichokes are well-coated with the oil and spices, it’s time to add the parmesan cheese. We are using grated Parmesan cheese in two stages to maximize flavor and texture. For this step, measure out 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (from the total 1/3 cup). Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of parmesan over the artichokes in the bowl. Gently toss again to coat the artichokes with the cheese. The parmesan will adhere to the oil-coated artichokes, creating a delicious cheesy crust as they air fry.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the parmesan-coated artichoke hearts to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, cut sides up. This orientation helps the parmesan topping on the cut sides to become beautifully golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent proper crisping. If necessary, cook the artichokes in batches to ensure they are arranged in a single layer.

After arranging the artichokes, take the remaining Parmesan cheese – which should be about 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon – and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the artichokes in the air fryer basket. This extra layer of parmesan will create an even more pronounced cheesy crust and add to the overall flavor and visual appeal.

Now, slide the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, around the 5-6 minute mark, pause the air fryer and shake the basket gently. Shaking the basket ensures even cooking and browning, preventing any artichokes from sticking to the basket and promoting overall crispiness.

Continue air frying for the remaining time, or until the artichokes are golden brown and beautifully crisp around the edges. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

Step 4: Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the artichokes are perfectly air-fried, carefully remove the air fryer basket and transfer the crispy parmesan-thyme artichokes to a serving platter. Arrange them artfully to showcase their golden-brown color and cheesy crust.

Now for the final burst of freshness and flavor. Take half of a lemon and grate the zest using a microplane or fine grater. Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the richness of the parmesan and the earthiness of the thyme and artichokes. Sprinkle the freshly grated lemon zest evenly over the hot artichokes.

Finally, chop 2 tablespoons of fresh flat-leaf parsley. Parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal, but it also provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the lemon-zested artichokes.

Serve immediately while they are hot and at their crispiest. These Air Fryer Parmesan-Thyme Artichokes are perfect as a warm appetizer, a side dish, or even as part of a larger antipasto platter. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy texture, cheesy richness, and herbaceous freshness!