Leeks in the Air Fryer
Leeks can turn slimy when boiled and scorch on the edges when roasted too hot in the oven. Cooking leeks in the air fryer gives you soft, sweet centres and golden, lightly crisp tops in about 12 minutes, with very little oil. This page covers how to cook leeks in air fryer baskets, how to clean them properly and how to make crispy or cheesy versions.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 22min
- Prep
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 75kcal
Why the air fryer works for leeks
Leeks in air fryer baskets cook in a way that sits between roasting and braising. The tightly packed layers steam gently from the inside, while the hot air browns the cut surface and the outer edges. The result is a soft, sweet middle with caramelised tops, and it takes around half the time of the oven. If you have ever wondered whether you can cook leeks in air fryer machines, the answer is a clear yes, as long as you prepare them carefully.
Roasted leeks in the air fryer are also much less work than boiling and draining them. Nothing goes watery, and the flavour stays concentrated and mildly oniony rather than washing out into the pan. The one real job is washing: leeks grow in sandy soil, and the grit hides between the layers. A quick fan-and-rinse after slicing them in half solves it.
How to make leeks in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Trim and wash Cut off the roots and the dark green tops, leaving the white and pale green part. Slice each leek in half lengthways, then rinse under cold water, fanning the layers apart with your thumbs to wash out any grit. Shake dry and pat with kitchen roll.
- Cut to length Cut each half into pieces about 8 cm long, so that they fit the basket and cook at the same speed. Keep the halves intact where you can, as the layers hold them together.
- Season Toss the leeks gently with the oil, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. Work some of the oil in between the layers.
- Cook Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C for . Lay the leeks cut side up in a single layer and cook for . Turn them over after so both sides colour, then flip back for the last minute.
- Finish The leeks are done when a knife slides in easily and the edges are golden brown. Squeeze the lemon juice over them and serve straight away.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Leeks | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leek halves, 8 cm lengthsTurn halfway | 180 °C | 12 min |
| Sliced leek rounds, 1 cmShake halfway | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Baby leeks, whole | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Crispy leeks, thin ringsFloured (not gluten-free) | 160 °C | 5–7 min |
| Cheesy leeksCheese for last 2 min (not vegan) | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Frozen sliced leeks | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Use the white and pale green part. The dark green tops are tough and fibrous in the air fryer. Keep them for making stock.
- Choose even leeks. Pick leeks of similar thickness so that they finish together, or cut the fat ones in half again.
- Add acid at the end. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar after cooking lifts the sweetness and stops the leeks tasting heavy.
Serving
Serve the leeks as a side with roast chicken or pork chops, or lay them over toast with a poached egg for lunch. They also work well beside sausages and mash. For a vegetarian main, top them with a spoonful of crème fraîche and toasted breadcrumbs (not vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free). More ideas are in the vegetable recipes.
Storing and reheating
Cooked leeks keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 4–5 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). Cold leeks are also good chopped into an omelette, a quiche or a vinaigrette salad, so leftover leeks in air fryer batches rarely go to waste.
Variations
- Cheesy leeks: Sprinkle 50 g grated mature cheddar over the leeks for the last 2 minutes, until it bubbles. This version is not vegan or dairy-free.
- Crispy leeks: Shred the white part very finely, toss with 1 tsp plain flour and cook at 160 °C for 5–7 minutes. They make a good topping for soup or mash (not gluten-free).
- Leeks and potatoes: Cook 400 g diced potatoes for 5 minutes at 180 °C first, add the leeks and carry on for 10 minutes for a simple one-basket side.
Troubleshooting
- There is still grit between the layers
- Leeks trap soil deep inside. Slice them lengthways and rinse them under running water with the layers fanned out. Do this before seasoning, never afterwards.
- The leeks are dry and papery on top
- The outer layers have been in the hot air too long. Lay them cut side down for the first half only, add a teaspoon more oil, or cut the time to 10 minutes for slim leeks.
- The leeks fall apart when turned
- Cut the pieces thicker, keep the halves long, and turn them with tongs or a spatula instead of shaking the basket.
Frequently asked questions
How long do leeks take in the air fryer?
Leek halves take about 12 minutes at 180 °C. Thin baby leeks need 8–10 minutes, and sliced rounds 8–10 minutes with a shake halfway.
Can you air fry leeks without oil?
You can, but they will be pale and a little dry. A tablespoon of oil for four leeks is enough to help them brown and keep them silky.
Can you cook leeks in an air fryer from frozen?
Yes. Frozen sliced leeks need 10–12 minutes at 180 °C, shaken every 3 minutes. They are softer than fresh, so they suit soups, pies and sauces better than a side dish.
How do you make crispy leeks in the air fryer?
Slice the white part into very thin rings, toss them with 1 tsp plain flour and 1 tsp oil, then cook at 160 °C for 5–7 minutes, shaking twice. Drain on kitchen roll and add salt. The flour means this version is not gluten-free.
Can I cook the leeks with potatoes?
Yes, but start the potatoes first. Diced potatoes need about 15 minutes at 180 °C, so add the leeks for the last 10 minutes.
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