Air Fryer Recipe

Crispy Lemon and Herb Couscous Balls

• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 15 min
• Total: 25 min
• Serves: 4
• Category: Snacks
• Print Recipe

These couscous balls are a delightful treat with their crisp exterior and lemony, herb-infused centre. The air fryer is perfect for achieving that golden crunch without excessive oil, making it a healthier option for this savoury snack.

Ingredients

• 180g medium couscous
• 220ml hot vegetable stock, made slightly stronger than usual
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra oil spray for air frying
• 1 unwaxed lemon, finely zested, plus 1 tbsp juice
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 25g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 10g mint, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus extra to finish
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 45g plain flour
• 60g feta, finely crumbled, optional
• 80g panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, optional

Method

1. Put the couscous in a heatproof bowl with the olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.
2. Pour over the hot stock, stir once, cover tightly and leave for 8 minutes.
3. Fluff the couscous very thoroughly with a fork, then leave uncovered for 10 minutes until warm rather than hot.
4. Add the spring onions, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, beaten egg, flour and feta if using.
5. Mix firmly with a spoon, pressing some of the couscous against the side of the bowl to form a slightly sticky mass.
6. Shape into 18 compact balls, about the size of a walnut.
7. Mix the panko with the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl.
8. Roll each ball in the crumbs, pressing lightly so the coating adheres all over.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
10. Lightly spray the basket, add the balls in a single layer, then spray the tops until the crumbs look slightly glossy.
11. Air fry at 190°C for 6 minutes, then turn the balls gently with tongs or shake the basket with care.
12. Continue for 5–7 minutes until deep golden, crisp and hot through.
13. Rest for 3 minutes before serving with yoghurt, tahini sauce or garlic mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Calories: 250

• #couscous
• #air fryer
• #lemon
• #herbs
• #vegetarian