10-Minute Air Fryer Radicchio Wedges with Balsamic Glaze

These air fryer radicchio wedges soften at the center while their ruffled edges turn lightly crisp. Balsamic glaze and orange zest balance the vegetable’s pleasant bitterness.

10-Minute Air Fryer Radicchio Wedges

  • Prep time: 4 minutes
  • Cook time: 6 minutes
  • Temperature: 375°F
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Equipment: Air fryer and sharp knife

Keep part of the core attached to every wedge so the leaves stay together. Add the glaze after cooking because its concentrated sweetness can scorch in the air fryer.

Ingredients

  • 1 small head radicchio, about 8 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Ingredients for air fryer radicchio wedges
Radicchio wedges and measured seasonings ready for the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Radicchio Wedges

  1. Preheat: Heat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Cut: Remove damaged outer leaves. Quarter the radicchio through the core, then cut each quarter in half.
  3. Season: Brush all sides lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Arrange: Place wedges cut-side down in one layer without pressing the leaves flat.
  5. Cook: Air-fry 6 minutes, turning carefully at 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
    Radicchio wedges cooking in an air fryer
    Turn the radicchio carefully halfway through the six-minute cook.

Bitterness-Balancing Checklist

  • Choose a firm compact head.
  • Remove wilted outer leaves.
  • Brown the cut surfaces lightly.
  • Add sweet glaze only after cooking.
  • Finish with fresh orange zest.

Serve beside our air fryer cabbage steaks, crispy air fryer asparagus, or air fryer radishes.

Cooking Notes

Small loose leaves may brown before the core softens. Remove any dark detached pieces at the 3-minute turn, then return the intact wedges to finish cooking.

  • Add toasted walnuts only when allergies allow.
  • Use lemon zest instead of orange.
  • Finish with grated Parmesan for a richer side.
  • Serve immediately for crispest edges.

Allergens and Storage

Plain radicchio and the listed seasonings contain no major allergen, but packaged balsamic glaze can include unexpected ingredients. Read the label and check cross-contact statements.

Follow USDA leftover guidance: refrigerate cooked vegetables promptly and discard food left at room temperature beyond 2 hours.

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours.
  • Store covered for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat at 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Discard after 1 hour above 90°F.

Choosing and Cutting Radicchio

Look for a dense head with crisp burgundy leaves and little browning. A loose head sheds more leaves into the fan and cooks less evenly.

Place the core on the cutting board for stability. Use a sharp knife and cut directly through the center so every wedge receives a narrow strip of core.

  • Wash the intact head under running water.
  • Dry thoroughly before oiling.
  • Keep wedges similar in size.
  • Use clean silicone-tipped tongs very gently at the halfway turn to protect the delicate leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add glaze before cooking?

No. The concentrated sweetener may burn. Add it after the wedges leave the air fryer.

Why did the wedges fall apart?

The core may have been removed. Slice through it and leave a small attached section on every wedge.