Air Fryer Mustard Spinach wilts a full pound of baby spinach in a tangy dressing of Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and fresh chives. Ten minutes in the air fryer is all it takes to turn the leaves silky and tender. It's a sharp, bright side that cuts through rich keto mains beautifully.
If you think spinach is boring, this recipe is here to change your mind! I’ve officially cracked the code on making greens genuinely exciting with this Air Fryer Mustard Spinach. It’s the ultimate easy side dish—perfectly wilted spinach tossed in a zesty mustard and apple cider vinegar dressing that packs a serious flavor punch. Forget sad, soggy greens; this dish is vibrant, tangy, and on the table in just 15 minutes. It’s become my absolute go-to for a quick, healthy addition to any meal, and I know you’re going to love it too.
Ingredients
• 16 oz / 454 g baby spinach
• 1 tbsp mustard (Dijon or stone-ground recommended)
• 1/4 cup (960 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp chives, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Lightly coat an air fryer-safe pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chopped chives. Toss thoroughly until every leaf is coated in the dressing.
4. Transfer the seasoned spinach to the prepared pan and place it in your air fryer basket.
5. Air fry at 350°F / 175°C for 10 minutes, or until the spinach is perfectly wilted and tender.
6. Carefully remove the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information (per serving)
• Calories: 160
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
Pro Tips
• Dry Your Spinach Well:** If you wash your spinach, use a salad spinner to get it bone-dry. Excess water will steam the leaves and dilute the tangy mustard flavor.
• Work in Batches:** A full pound of spinach is a lot! To avoid steaming your greens, cook in two batches if your air fryer is small. This ensures the hot air circulates for perfectly wilted results.
• Elevate Your Mustard:** While any mustard works, using a quality Dijon or a coarse stone-ground mustard will add a much deeper, more complex flavor to the dish.
• Check Halfway Through:** All air fryers cook differently. Take a peek around the 5-minute mark to ensure your spinach doesn’t overcook. You’re looking for wilted, not mushy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe
A: This Air Fryer Mustard Spinach recipe is designed for fresh baby spinach. Frozen spinach releases too much water, which will steam the leaves and make them soggy, diluting the zesty mustard dressing. For the best texture and flavor, stick with fresh spinach.
Q: Why is my air fryer spinach soggy
A: Soggy spinach is usually caused by excess moisture. Ensure your spinach is completely dry before adding the dressing, using a salad spinner if you’ve washed it. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in two batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate and wilt the leaves perfectly instead of steaming them.
Q: What kind of mustard is best for this spinach recipe
A: For the most vibrant and complex flavor, we recommend using a quality Dijon or a coarse stone-ground mustard. These varieties provide a deeper, tangier punch that perfectly complements the spinach and apple cider vinegar.
Q: How do I prevent the spinach from flying around in the air fryer
A: Tossing the spinach thoroughly in the mustard and vinegar dressing helps weigh the leaves down. Using an air fryer-safe pan, as suggested in the recipe, also contains the spinach and prevents it from flying into the heating element.
Pro Tips
- Dry your spinach well: if you wash it, use a salad spinner to get it bone-dry, because excess water will steam the leaves and dilute the tangy mustard flavor.
- Work in batches if your air fryer is small — a full pound of spinach is a lot, and cooking in two batches lets the hot air circulate for perfectly wilted results.
- Check around the 5-minute mark: all air fryers cook differently, and you're looking for wilted, not mushy.
- While any mustard works, a quality Dijon or coarse stone-ground mustard adds a much deeper, more complex flavor to the dressing.
- Toss the spinach thoroughly with the mustard and vinegar before cooking so every leaf is coated, and lightly coat the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my spinach turn out watery?
The leaves were most likely still wet from washing. Spin them bone-dry in a salad spinner and cook in batches so the hot air can circulate instead of steaming the greens.
Which mustard works best in this recipe?
A quality Dijon or coarse stone-ground mustard gives the deepest, most complex flavor. Any mustard will work in a pinch, but the dressing is the star here.
Is Air Fryer Mustard Spinach keto-friendly?
The recipe uses only spinach, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chives, though the nutrition panel lists 27 g of carbs per serving. If you count carbs strictly, portion the dressing to your daily target.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served immediately while the leaves are freshly wilted. Leftovers keep a few days in the fridge and can be eaten warm or at room temperature.
Recipe card below.
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Air Fryer Mustard Spinach
Ingredients
Method
- Directions
- Lightly coat an air fryer-safe pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chopped chives.
- Toss thoroughly until every leaf is coated in the dressing.
- Transfer the seasoned spinach to the prepared pan and place it in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F / 175°C for 10 minutes, or until the spinach is perfectly wilted and tender.
- Carefully remove the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
- Dry Your Spinach Well:** If you wash your spinach, use a salad spinner to get it bone-dry. Excess water will steam the leaves and dilute the tangy mustard flavor.
- Work in Batches:** A full pound of spinach is a lot! To avoid steaming your greens, cook in two batches if your air fryer is small. This ensures the hot air circulates for perfectly wilted results.
- Check Halfway Through:** All air fryers cook differently. Take a peek around the 5-minute mark to ensure your spinach doesn't overcook. You're looking for wilted, not mushy.
