Introduction

Air fryer romaine lettuce is a quick and tasty way to add a smoky, charred flavor to your greens. This simple method enhances the crispness while keeping the lettuce fresh and vibrant. It’s a perfect side or salad base with minimal effort.

Two layers of grilled romaine lettuce are placed side by side on a white oval plate, showing a mix of green and golden brown colors with some charred edges and soft, wilted texture. The base of the lettuce is white and firm, transitioning to light green and darker green towards the outer leaves. Small green herb garnishes are scattered on the plate around the lettuce. To the top right, a glass bowl holds a golden sauce with herbs, sitting on a white marbled surface with part of a woman’s hand holding a spoon visible. A light blue cloth is partly visible at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 romaine lettuce head
½ tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mixed herbs (optional)
Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, mixed herbs (if using), and black pepper. Use a brush or your hands to lightly coat the romaine lettuce with the mixture, leaving some dressing if desired.
Step 3: Place the coated romaine lettuce in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 4: Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. For extra char, continue cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Use tongs to carefully remove the hot romaine lettuce from the air fryer. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Try substituting the mixed herbs with fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal note.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.

Storage

Air fried romaine lettuce is best eaten fresh for optimal crispness. If you need to store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore some crunch, but note it may soften.

How to Serve

The image shows a grilled romaine lettuce half placed inside a black air fryer basket. The lettuce has several layers, starting from the outer green leaves which are slightly wilted and browned at the edges, moving inward to yellow-green leaves with some char marks and a crisp texture, ending with pale white and light green core leaves that are slightly translucent and cooked through. The black air fryer basket has a perforated pattern with circular and slit openings. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for this recipe?

Romaine works best because it holds its shape and crisps well. Butter lettuce or iceberg might become too soft when air fried.

How do I prevent the lettuce from burning in the air fryer?

Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid cooking longer than recommended. If your air fryer runs hot, try lowering the temperature slightly or shortening the cook time.

Air Fryer Romaine Lettuce with Herbs and Garlic Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

This Air Fryer Romaine Lettuce recipe delivers a quick and deliciously charred twist to the classic salad green. Lightly coated in olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, mixed herbs, and black pepper, the romaine is air fried for a perfect crispy texture with a smoky flavor. Ideal as a unique side dish or a base for salads, this recipe is simple, fast, and healthy.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 romaine lettuce head
½ tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mixed herbs (optional)
Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, mixed herbs (if using), and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dressing.
Coat the romaine lettuce: Using a silicone brush or your hands, lightly coat the romaine lettuce head evenly with the oil and seasoning mixture. Some dressing may remain in the bowl.
Air fry the lettuce: Place the coated romaine lettuce head in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. For an extra charred effect, continue air frying for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Remove and serve: Using tongs, carefully remove the hot romaine lettuce from the air fryer. Serve immediately as a smoky, crispy side or incorporate into your favorite salad dishes.

Notes

For best results, choose a firm, fresh romaine head.
Adjust the garlic powder and mixed herbs according to your taste preference.
Use tongs to handle the lettuce after air frying as it will be hot.
Keep a close eye during the last minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
This recipe can be doubled or tripled; just cook in batches to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Air Fryer Romaine Lettuce, crispy romaine, air fryer salad, healthy side dish, charred lettuce