Alright, Let’s Chat: Why This Recipe Exists
You know how some recipes just sort of happen because you’re staring at your fridge, hungry, and feeling kind of lazy? That’s how this one came about. I’d just got an air fryer (finally caved — thanks, Aunt June!) and had an awkward amount of baby spinach left from salad night, plus a jar of roasted red peppers and a chunk of goat cheese that was, frankly, begging to be used. So, yeah, this Air Fryer Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Goat Cheese thing was born. Now, every time I make it, I remember that weirdly rainy Saturday where we ate it straight from the basket, standing in the kitchen. No regrets. Well, maybe one — I should have made more. And don’t get me started on the time my cat tried to swipe a bite off the counter, like he was a fancy food critic or something.
Why You’ll Love This (Or At Least, Why I Do)
I pull this recipe out when I don’t want to feel like I’m eating just a salad, but I still need to use up all that spinach before it gets questionable (we’ve all been there). My family goes nuts for the creamy goat cheese against the sweet roasted peppers — though, I’ll admit, my partner once tried to convince me to add olives. Didn’t love that, but hey, to each their own. And, listen, if you’ve ever stood over the sink eating leftovers, cold, out of Tupperware… this is for you. Plus, it’s quick, and you barely have to clean up. (Although, full disclosure: the air fryer basket is always awkward to wash. Why do they design them like that?)
What You’ll Need (And What You Can Get Away With)
- 2 big handfuls of fresh baby spinach (or frozen — just squeeze out the water, I sometimes cheat with frozen when I can’t be bothered)
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced (the fancy stuff is nice, but I use whatever’s on sale)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (my gran swore by a brand from the farmer’s market, but supermarket stuff totally works)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or honestly, I’ve used melted butter once — way richer)
- Salt & pepper to taste (I’m heavy-handed with the pepper, but you do you)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but I forget it half the time and it’s still tasty)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a bit of a kick — or skip if you’re spice-shy)
How To: My Way (Or, You Know, Your Way Works Too)
- Preheat your air fryer to about 350°F (180°C). Or don’t, if you forget; I sometimes chuck it all in cold and it’s fine, just adds a couple minutes.
- In a big bowl, toss the spinach, roasted red peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Use your hands. It gets messy, but honestly, it helps coat everything better.
- Dump the mix into your air fryer basket. Don’t worry if it’s piled high — the spinach always wilts down more than you think. (This is where I usually sneak a little taste. For science.)
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. If things look a little sad or weird, just trust the process. It sorts itself out.
- Once the spinach looks wilted and the peppers are a bit charred on the edges, pull it out. Sprinkle goat cheese over the top (or stir it in, if you want it all melty and creamy — that’s my move when it’s cold out).
- Let it sit a minute. Goat cheese gets super hot and has burned my tongue more than once. Patience, grasshopper.
Notes: Stuff I Learned The Hard Way
- If you try to stack the goat cheese in the air fryer from the start, it gets a bit too brown (and kinda rubbery, ew). Add it after.
- Spinach shrinks a ton. Like, you’ll think you’ve made a huge portion but it turns into a tiny pile. Add more if you’re feeding folks.
- If you forget to drain the roasted peppers, the whole thing gets soggy. Ask me how I know.
If You’re Feeling Adventurous (Or Just Bored)
- Swap the goat cheese for feta or cream cheese. Both are good, but the cream cheese is a little heavy. Oh, once I tried blue cheese, and… let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend that. Your mileage may vary.
- Add toasted pine nuts on top — fancy, but kind of a pain unless you already have them.
- Toss in some cooked chicken to make it a full meal. Not traditional, but I’ve done it in a pinch.
- I even tried stirring in some cooked quinoa once for extra bulk. Not bad! Just a bit odd texture-wise, but edible.
What If I Don’t Have An Air Fryer?
Honestly, you’re not out of luck. Just toss everything on a baking tray and roast in a hot oven (425°F) for about 7-10 minutes. Not the same, but not bad! I did this once at my cousin’s flat in Manchester — turned out just fine, though her oven smoked a bit (pro tip: maybe clean your oven first?).
Storing Leftovers (But Good Luck With That)
Pop any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for a couple of days, though in my house, it never lasts more than a day because someone always sneaks an extra serving late at night. Actually, I think it tastes a bit better the next day when the flavors have had time to chill out together.
Serving It Up Like A Pro (Or At Least Like Me)
I usually serve this with crusty bread (sometimes toasted, if I’m feeling energetic) or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. On Sunday mornings, I’ll even throw a poached egg on top — my little nod to brunch at that café I can’t afford anymore. My niece likes it stuffed into a wrap, which, honestly, is genius and way less messy than eating it from the bowl.
Listen Up: Things I’ve Goofed Before
- Rushing the air frying step makes the spinach soggy — you want it quick and hot, not slow and steamy. I learned that one the hard way (and so did my smoke alarm).
- Forgetting to shake the basket means some bits get crispy and some don’t. Not the end of the world, but uneven. Actually, sometimes I like the variety, but that’s just me.
- Adding all the cheese up front — don’t do it. Seriously.
FAQ: Stuff People (Actually) Ask Me
- Can I use kale instead of spinach? Oh, absolutely — just chop it small. It’s a bit tougher, so maybe add a minute or two. Or two and a half, who’s counting?
- What kind of goat cheese? I use whatever’s at the shop. The soft, creamy kind melts best, though.
- Can I prep it ahead? Sort of. You can mix everything except the cheese, store in the fridge, and then air fry when you’re ready. Not more than a day or it gets watery.
- Is this gluten free? Yep, as long as you don’t serve it with bread. But, check your cheese labels if you’re really sensitive. Here’s a good guide on hidden gluten if you’re curious.
- Where do you get your roasted peppers? Usually just from Aldi or Lidl (budget life), but if you want to make your own, this guide is brilliant. Honestly, homemade is best, but who has the time?
And oh! Before I forget — I once dropped half the spinach behind the counter. Had to fish it out with a spatula because I was too stubborn to let it go. Lesson: always have a backup handful, just in case.
If you’re on the hunt for more air fryer ideas, this roundup is fab (not sponsored, just genuinely helpful). And let me know your tweaks — I’m always on the lookout for genius spins on my kitchen staples.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 large roasted red bell pepper, sliced
100 g goat cheese, crumbled
2 large eggs
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
-
2In a large bowl, toss the spinach leaves with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
-
3In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip the spinach leaves into the eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
-
4Arrange the coated spinach leaves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6 minutes.
-
5Carefully add the roasted red pepper slices and crumbled goat cheese over the spinach. Air fry for an additional 6 minutes until the cheese is slightly golden.
-
6Remove from the air fryer and serve warm as a light dinner, appetizer, or side dish.
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
1 serving
165cal
10 gg
10 gg
0g
0g
0mg
0mg
0mg
8 gg
0g
0g
0g
0
0mg
0mg
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 100 g goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
-
2In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
-
3Add the fresh spinach leaves and sliced roasted red peppers to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
-
4Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased air fryer-safe baking dish or pan.
-
5Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top.
-
6Air fry for 12 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
