Leeks are often relegated to soups and stews, but charred in the air fryer they turn meltingly sweet and silky — an elegant, underrated side in 12 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do leeks take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry leeks at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes, until tender and charred at the edges.
Q: How do you prepare them?
A: Trim, halve lengthways and rinse well between the layers to remove grit.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Halved lengthways | 180°C / 360°F | 10–12 min |
| Sliced rounds | 180°C / 360°F | 8–10 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Leeks
Ingredients
- 3 leeks, halved lengthways
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: thyme, lemon
Method
- Rinse the halved leeks well; pat dry.
- Brush with oil and season.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Finish with lemon or thyme.
70 kcal
1g protein
8g carbs
4g fat
2g fibre
Tips
- Rinse between layers — leeks hide grit.
- Cut-side up to char the layers.
- Lovely with roast chicken or stirred into mash.
Frequently asked questions
How long do leeks take in an air fryer?
Halved leeks take 10–12 minutes at 180°C; sliced rounds 8–10. Cook until tender and charred at the edges.
How do you clean leeks for the air fryer?
Trim and halve them lengthways, then rinse well between the layers under running water to wash out any trapped grit.
What do air fryer leeks go with?
They're lovely with roast chicken or fish, stirred through mash, or as part of a vegetable side spread.