Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts — Easy Baked Appetizer

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Crisp, golden edges give way to tender, tangy artichoke hearts in this easy-to-follow Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts recipe — a beginner-friendly appetizer that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Imagine warm, nutty Parmesan crunch and a squeeze of lemon on each bite: irresistible for parties or a cozy snack night.

Why You’ll Love ThisCrispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients for busy cooks.
  • Panko and Parmesan form an ultra-crisp coating that stays crunchy after baking or air-frying.
  • Versatile appetizer — serve with aioli, marinara, or a lemony dip for crowds or casual snacking.

A Little Background

Artichokes have long been celebrated in Mediterranean kitchens for their unique, slightly sweet flavor. Turning tender artichoke hearts into crispy bites is a modern, crowd-pleasing twist that borrows techniques from classic breaded appetizers. Whether enjoyed year-round from jars or canned hearts or made with fresh when in season, this recipe elevates humble ingredients into an elegant yet approachable starter.

Golden-brown, Parmesan-crusted artichoke hearts ready to serve.

Key Ingredients for perfect Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

  • Artichoke hearts (canned or jarred): Drain and pat dry for best crisping.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, extra-crispy exterior.
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds savory, nutty flavor and helps the crust brown.
  • Egg (or a little mayo): Binds the coating to the artichoke hearts.
  • Olive oil or cooking spray: Promotes golden color and crunch in the oven or air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly oil it, or preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if using.
  2. Drain the artichoke hearts well and pat them dry with paper towels. If large, halve or quarter them so pieces are bite-sized.
  3. In a shallow bowl combine 1 cup panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, a pinch of salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl beat 1–2 eggs (or use 3 tbsp mayonnaise) to make an egg wash.
  4. Dip each artichoke heart in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Arrange coated artichokes in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to encourage browning.
  6. Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crust is golden and crispy. For an air fryer, cook 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket once, until crisped to your liking.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest a minute. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, toast the panko lightly in a skillet with a little olive oil before mixing with Parmesan.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
  • Variations: add chopped fresh herbs (thyme or oregano), a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, or swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a sharper bite.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts pair beautifully with a garlicky aioli, lemony yogurt dip, or classic marinara. Serve them as an appetizer at parties, alongside a cheese board, or as a crunchy topping for salads and bowls. A crisp white wine or a light, citrus-forward beer complements the nutty Parmesan and bright lemon finish.

Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts

These golden, breaded artichoke bites are coated in Parmesan and panko, then baked or air-fried until irresistibly crunchy. A squeeze of lemon and a quick garlic-lemon aioli make this appetizer disappear fast!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Tongs
  • Air Fryer (optional)

Ingredients
  

Artichokes

  • 2 cans artichoke hearts drained and patted very dry

Coating

  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • olive oil spray for misting

To Finish

  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Optional Lemon-Garlic Aioli

  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic finely grated
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly mist with olive oil. For air fryer: preheat to 400°F (200°C).
  • Drain artichoke hearts thoroughly and pat very dry with paper towels. If large, halve or quarter into bite-size pieces for even crisping.
  • Set up two bowls: (1) beaten eggs; (2) panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the dry mixture to combine.
  • Dip artichoke pieces into egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated. Transfer to the prepared sheet in a single layer and mist tops with olive oil.
  • Bake 15–20 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and crunchy. Air fryer: cook 10–12 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until crisp.
  • Combine the aioli ingredients (mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Serve the crispy artichokes hot with lemon wedges, parsley, and the aioli for dipping.

Notes

For best texture, dry the artichoke hearts thoroughly; excess moisture prevents the coating from getting ultra-crispy.
To make ahead, bread the artichokes and refrigerate on a sheet pan for up to 6 hours; bake just before serving. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crunch.
Flavor boosts: add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix, or swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a sharper bite.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2.6mg
Keyword air fryer appetizer, artichoke appetizer, baked artichokes, Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts
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