Air Fryer Zucchini Fans with Basil Lemon Ricotta and Toasted Almond

Name: Air Fryer Zucchini Fans with Basil Lemon Ricotta and Toasted Almond
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterránea
Ingredients: about 1.1 lb medium zucchini; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 7 oz ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil; 1 lemon lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 2 tsp honey

An original recipe featuring fan-cut zucchini seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until tender in the center and lightly browned at the edges. It is finished with whipped ricotta blended with basil and lemon, toasted almonds, and a touch of honey for a fresh, creamy, and crunchy contrast.

20 minPrep

14 minCook

34 minTotal

4Servings

VegetarianLow CarbDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings

2 approx. 500 g medium zucchini (cut a lo largo en mitades and luego en abanico without llegar a the base)
2 30 ml olive oil (divided)
1 3 g garlic powder
1 2 g sweet paprika
1 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
1/2 1 g black pepper
200 200 g ricotta cheese
15 15 g fresh basil (more extra for decorar optional)
1 1 lemon lemon zest
15 15 ml lemon juice
30 30 g sliced almonds (tostadas)
10 10 ml honey (optional for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

180 kcal

Calories

7 g

Protein

8 g

Carbs

13 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

6 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyTree Nuts

Instructions

1
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes.
2
Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Place each half cut-side down and make thin parallel slices without cutting through the base, creating a fan shape.
3
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 1 tbsp) olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture over the zucchini, making sure some gets between the slices.
4
Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket with space between each piece. Cook at 375°F / 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes, until tender and lightly browned on the edges.
5
While they cook, add the ricotta, fresh basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 1 tbsp) olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to a small processor or blending cup. Blend until thick, smooth, and green.
6
Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately so they do not burn.
7
Serve the zucchini fans warm over a layer of basil ricotta or spoon the ricotta on top. Finish with the toasted almonds, a drizzle of honey if using, and a few extra basil leaves if desired.

Chef tips

To make the fan cuts easier, place each zucchini half between two chopsticks or spoon handles so the knife does not cut all the way through. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches so the air can circulate properly.

Substitutions

You can swap the ricotta for creamy cottage cheese or soft goat cheese. Basil can be replaced with parsley or mint. The almonds can be changed for chopped walnuts or pistachios if you want a different crunchy finish.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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