Air Fryer Romaine Lettuce
Description
Crispy, charred romaine with smoky grilled flavor in five minutes — no grill required. The easiest low-carb side dish in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise through the core
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. A fully preheated basket is essential — lettuce cooks too fast to brown in a cold air fryer.
- Slice each romaine heart in half lengthwise, cutting straight through the stem end so the core keeps the leaves attached.
- Pat both cut halves completely dry with paper towels. Remove all surface moisture.
- Brush the cut face of each half lightly with olive oil, about ½ teaspoon per half.
- Place the halves in the air fryer basket cut side up in a single layer, without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until the outer leaves are browned and blistered at the edges and the ribs are still firm.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add Parmesan or garlic powder if using, and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Pastry Brush
Notes
- Do not salt before cooking. Salt draws moisture to the surface and prevents charring.
- Air fryers vary. Check at 4 minutes the first time you make this.
- For separated leaves instead of halves, reduce to 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Best served immediately. Crispness fades within about an hour.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 339mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4943IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg