Hello, dear friends! Mateo here, your friendly home cook who loves nothing more than sharing warm, comforting dishes that bring families together around the dinner table. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a simple yet delightful recipe: Air Fryer Kohlrabi. If you haven’t cooked with kohlrabi before, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of those humble ingredients that, when prepared right, transforms into something truly special.
Introduction
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon kohlrabi at our local farmer’s market. Its quirky, bulbous appearance intrigued me, and the vendor, an elderly lady with a warm smile, assured me it was worth trying. She described it as the love child of a cabbage and a turnip, and I just couldn’t resist giving it a go. That evening, as I experimented with this new veggie, I discovered how wonderfully it absorbs flavors and how its sweetness shines when roasted to perfection. This Air Fryer Kohlrabi recipe has since become a staple in our home, especially on busy weeknights when I want to whip up something nutritious and delicious without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this Air Fryer Kohlrabi recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home:
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Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. You can have a delicious and nutritious side ready in no time, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax with your family. If you prep your kohlrabi ahead of time, it can further reduce the effort needed during mealtime.
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Healthy Comfort Food: Kohlrabi is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a guilt-free side dish that’s still satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without compromising on health, as it provides essential nutrients without unnecessary calories. Its high fiber content also aids digestion and keeps you feeling full, meaning it pairs well with lighter meals or as a standalone snack.
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Family-Friendly: Its mild, slightly sweet flavor appeals to both kids and adults. Even picky eaters enjoy its crispy texture! This makes it an ideal dish to introduce new vegetables to children or anyone hesitant about trying new foods. You might even get your kids involved in the preparation process, making it a fun family activity.
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Budget-Friendly: Using everyday ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor. Kohlrabi is often reasonably priced, especially when in season, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. Buying in-season kohlrabi can save money and ensure a fresher taste.
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Versatile: This recipe pairs well with various mains, from grilled chicken to hearty stews. Its adaptability means you can serve it with almost any protein or include it in a range of meal plans. You can also modify the seasoning based on what you’re serving it with, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
The Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Temperature: 400°F | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 medium kohlrabi, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the kohlrabi starts cooking immediately, helping achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
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Mix the kohlrabi cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss until they’re well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring every piece is flavorful. Consider using your hands to massage the oil and seasonings into the kohlrabi for even coverage.
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Cook: Arrange the seasoned kohlrabi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes. Cooking in a single layer is key to achieving even cooking and browning. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Shake the basket after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the kohlrabi is golden brown and tender. Shaking the basket helps the kohlrabi cook evenly, preventing any pieces from being undercooked.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Helpful Tip: For extra crispiness, spray a light coat of cooking spray on the kohlrabi halfway through the cooking process. This can enhance the crunchiness without adding significant calories. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Air Fryer Kohlrabi, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
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Air Fryer: The star of the show, ideal for creating a crispy texture without the extra oil. If you don’t have an air fryer, a convection oven can be a good alternative. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
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Large Bowl: For mixing your ingredients. A large enough bowl ensures you can toss the kohlrabi well without any pieces falling out, which helps achieve thorough seasoning.
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Measuring Spoons: To ensure you get the seasonings just right. Accurate measurements can make a big difference in the outcome of the dish. It’s always a good idea to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping your kohlrabi. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, which promotes even cooking. Make sure your cutting board is stable to prevent accidents.
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Tongs: Helpful for tossing the kohlrabi in the bowl and arranging it in the air fryer. Tongs provide better control than hands or spoons, particularly when working with hot surfaces.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding why each ingredient is part of the recipe can really enhance your cooking experience:
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Kohlrabi: This veggie is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Its slightly sweet flavor and firm texture make it perfect for roasting. It’s also known to support a healthy immune system and digestion. Kohlrabi can also be eaten raw, adding versatility to its culinary uses.
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Olive Oil: Adds a healthy fat component, aiding in the crisping process while bringing out the best in the spices. Olive oil is also full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a heart-healthy choice that complements the kohlrabi beautifully.
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Garlic Powder and Smoked Paprika: These seasonings provide a depth of flavor and a smoky kick that complements the natural sweetness of kohlrabi. They transform the simple vegetable into a gourmet experience. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
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Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Salt enhances flavors, while pepper adds a subtle kick. You can experiment with different types of salt or freshly ground pepper for additional flavor nuances.
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Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation. Parsley is rich in vitamins K, C, and A. It also provides a fresh contrast to the roasted kohlrabi’s rich flavors.
What to Serve With This Dish
The versatility of this Air Fryer Kohlrabi makes it a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of the kohlrabi pairs beautifully with a simple grilled chicken breast. Check out my favorite grilled chicken recipe here. The lightness of the chicken complements the hearty kohlrabi. Consider marinating your chicken for added flavor.
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Hearty Stews: Serve alongside a warm, comforting beef or vegetable stew for a cozy meal. The kohlrabi’s texture holds up well against rich, saucy dishes. Its slightly sweet flavor can balance the savory notes of a stew.
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Salads: Add some kohlrabi to a fresh green salad for added texture and flavor. Try it with this fresh garden salad recipe. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads. Pair with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), storing them is a breeze:
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Refrigerate: Place any leftover kohlrabi in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to have a ready-to-heat side dish for a quick meal. Make sure to let the kohlrabi cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
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Reheat: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain some of that crispiness. This method prevents them from becoming soggy, a common issue with reheated roasted vegetables. Avoid microwaving as it can make them lose their texture.
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Freeze: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked kohlrabi. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer or oven. This can be a lifesaver on nights when you need a quick side dish but don’t have time to cook fresh vegetables. Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.
This recipe is more than just a way to prepare kohlrabi; it’s an invitation to gather around the table with your loved ones and enjoy a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is a testament to how simple, accessible ingredients can create something truly special. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments below. I’d love to hear how your family enjoyed this dish!
Air Fryer Kohlrabi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the kohlrabi cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated.
- Place the seasoned kohlrabi in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the kohlrabi are golden brown and tender.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.