Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Spiced Quinoa Fritters
These quinoa fritters make a wholesome, satisfying snack, with the air fryer giving them a lovely crisp finish without fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been fully absorbed. Leave it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties or fritters, about 2 inches in diameter, and set them on a plate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Brush each fritter lightly with olive oil before moving them to the air fryer basket. Cook each batch for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer the fritters to a serving plate and scatter over freshly chopped coriander or parsley.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior on the fritters while keeping the inside moist, enhancing the texture contrast.
Equipment notes
Assumes a standard 3.5L basket air fryer. In dual-zone models, cook in a single zone to ensure even air flow; adjust timing if using both zones simultaneously.
Common pitfalls
- Fritters falling apart? Ensure quinoa is cooled and mixture is well-combined; warm quinoa can cause binding issues.
- Not browning by minute 6? Increase temperature by 10°C; oil may not be evenly distributed.
- Dry texture? Reduce cooking time by 2 minutes; overcooking can dry out the fritters.
- Uneven cooking? Flip fritters halfway and avoid stacking; air circulation is key.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute breadcrumbs with panko for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Use feta instead of Parmesan for a tangier flavour profile.
- Replace cumin and coriander with curry powder for a different spice blend.
- Add finely chopped spinach for extra nutrients and a green hue.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
