Crispy-on-the-outside, tender-and-juicy-on-the-inside fried cardoon recipe in the air fryer or the oven! It’s a fantastic appetizer or snack, and it’s wonderful dipped in marinara sauce. Recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.
Remove any leaves on the stalks and cut about 2-3 inches off the top and bottom of the cardoon bunch.
Separate the stalks. The edges of each stalk may have small thorns through the length of it. Use a sharp knife to slice them off.
The rounded side of each stalk has a layer of skin that’s chewy and tough. Use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to peel it off. Your cardones are now ready for cooking!
How To Make Fried Cardone Recipe
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While the water is boiling, prep and cut the cardoons.
Clean and peel the cardoons using the instructions under “How to Prep When Cooking Cardoons” section above.
Cut the cleaned cardoons into 2-3 inch pieces.
Boil the cardoons in water for 30 minutes until tender.
Drain and rinse. Dry the cardoons with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
Whisk together the eggs in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, stir together almond flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add grated parmesan, if using.
Dredge the cardoon pieces in the egg wash. Shake off the excess and press into the almond flour mixture. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest of the cardoon pieces.
Finish cooking the cardoons using either the air fryer or oven below.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F, and spray the tray or basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the breaded cardoons in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket without touching each other.
Spray the cardoons with cooking spray, then cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy
Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, or just on their own.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the breaded cardoons in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet without touching each other.
Spray the cardoons with cooking spray, then bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, or just on their own.
