For an easy side everyone will love, try this Asian-style air fryer bok choy! Simply toss in sesame oil and garlic powder, then cook to crispy perfection in less than 15 minutes.

Looking for an easy side that’s as healthy as it is delicious? Crispy air fryer bok choy with Asian-style flavor is the perfect solution!

You’ll be shocked just how easy it is to prepare this tasty vegan side dish. You only need 5 ingredients, and the whole thing can be ready in less than 15 minutes! On busy weeknights, this recipe is a lifesaver.

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

• How to make the best bok choy in the air fryer in a matter of minutes
• The right way to choose and prepare your baby bok choy
• Ways to enjoy this crispy veggie as a side or part of a main dish
• How to store leftover air fryer baby bok choy

Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, this low-calorie, high-nutrition veggie turns out so delicious that no one will guess they’re eating something healthy! It’s a perfect way to get the whole family to eat their greens. Even the kids will be asking for seconds!

How to Make Air Fryer Baby Bok Choy

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F.

STEP TWO: Wash the bok choy, then slice each one in half. 

STEP THREE: Place the bok choy in a medium glass bowl. Add the sesame seed, sesame oil, and garlic powder, then toss to coat.

STEP FOUR: Lay the bok choy in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring halfway.

STEP FIVE: Serve hot as a side dish.

What is Bok Choy?

Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable that’s part of the large cabbage family. It tastes a bit like a cross between celery and Swiss chard. 

Baby bok choy, which we use in this recipe, is harvested earlier than standard bok choy. Because of this, the leaves will be a bit smaller and more tender with a sweeter flavor.

How to Prepare Baby Bok Choy

First, when you’re picking out your baby bok choy, look for ones with firm leaves and undamaged stems. When you’re ready to cook, give them a rinse to remove any excess dirt, shake off the excess moisture, then cut them in half lengthwise. That’s it!

Ways to Use Air Fryer Bok Choy

I love eating crispy bok choy as is. It makes a great, easy side that’s even vegan friendly!

But you can also use air fryer bok choy as an ingredient in other recipes. If you ever use sauteed or baked bok choy in your dishes, you can always replace them with this fried version.

I’m always throwing bok choy in my stir fry, adding it on top of salads, or even incorporating it into soup. Any time you’re cooking something with Asian-inspired flavors, this bok choy would make a great addition!

What to Serve with Bok Choy

• Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken
• Air Fryer Pork Belly
• Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Honey Garlic Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer

Do I Need to Preheat My Air Fryer?

Yes! This ensures even cooking and will give you the crispiest baby bok choy possible. 

For more information on when to preheat and why it makes a big difference, check out my post How to Preheat an Air Fryer!

Can I Use Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer?

You bet! Just make sure there’s enough bok choy in the air fryer to weigh down the parchment round. Silicone liners will also work and can be a little easier because they don’t need to be weighed down.

Ever wondered if air fryer parchment paper is really worth it and when you should use it? Head on over to my Air Fryer Parchment Paper post to learn more!

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Bok Choy

If you find yourself with extra bok choy, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing your leftovers.

Other Air Fryer Veggie Side Recipes You’ll Love:

• Air Fryer Green Beans (Asian Style)
• Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Blooming Onion
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Roasted Air Fryer Carrots

And check out our massive list of Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes here!