Air Fryer Zucchini Fans with Herbed Ricotta, Roasted Lemon and Crunchy Almonds
♨️ Air Fryer
Intermediate

Air Fryer Zucchini Fans with Herbed Ricotta, Roasted Lemon and Crunchy Almonds

An original Air Fryer recipe featuring fan-cut zucchini, cooked until tender with crisp edges, served over herbed ricotta with roasted lemon and toasted almonds for a fresh, savory contrast.

20 minPrep
16 minCook
36 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 4 approx. 700 g medium zucchini (cut en abanico without llegar hasta the base)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 5 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 g garlic powder
  • 2 g smoked paprika
  • 220 g ricotta cheese
  • 60 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 lemon lemon zest (usar also the juice and the slices)
  • 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 unit lemon (the mitad sliced finas for roasting)
  • 10 g fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 5 g fresh mint (finely chopped)
  • 30 g sliced almonds
  • 10 ml honey

Nutrition facts

per serving

187 kcal
Calories
7.2 g
Protein
9.8 g
Carbs
13.4 g
Fat
2.1 g
Fiber
7.7 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. 1

    1. Wash and dry the zucchini. Make parallel cuts in each zucchini, leaving the base intact to create a fan shape. Brush the zucchini with 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml), then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, making sure some seasoning gets between the slices.

  2. 2

    2. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    3. Place the zucchini in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Add the thin slices from half of the lemon alongside the zucchini. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the zucchini are tender and browned on the edges.

  4. 4

    4. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the ricotta, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh mint, and 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil (5 ml). Stir until rustic and evenly combined.

  5. 5

    5. In another small bowl, mix the sliced almonds with the honey and the final teaspoon of olive oil (5 ml).

  6. 6

    6. Once the zucchini are done, remove them along with the roasted lemon slices. Place the almond mixture on a small piece of Air Fryer paper or in a basket-safe dish and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely and stirring once, until golden and crisp.

  7. 7

    7. Spread the herbed ricotta on a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the zucchini fans on top, add the roasted lemon slices, and finish with the crunchy almonds.

  8. 8

    8. Serve immediately, using the roasted lemon slices to squeeze a little extra juice over the zucchini if desired.

Chef tips

For even zucchini cuts, place each one between two chopsticks or spoon handles while slicing so you do not cut all the way through. Do not overcrowd the basket so the edges brown properly.

Substitutions

You can substitute the ricotta with thick curd cheese or well-drained cottage cheese. The almonds can be replaced with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you do not have mint, use only parsley or a little basil.

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: Air fryerIllustrative 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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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