Air Fryer Zucchini Boats with Pearl Couscous, Feta and Pistachio with Mint Yogurt
♨️ Air Fryer
Intermediate

Air Fryer Zucchini Boats with Pearl Couscous, Feta and Pistachio with Mint Yogurt

Tender, lightly browned zucchini boats filled with pearl couscous, sautéed onion, feta, lemon and pistachio, finished in the air fryer and served with a fresh mint yogurt sauce. An original vegetarian recipe with creamy, crunchy and bright citrus notes.

25 minPrep
18 minCook
43 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 2 approx. 500 g medium zucchini (cut a lo largo for formar 4 barquitas)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 120 g dry pearl couscous (also llamado couscous israelí)
  • 240 ml water (for cocer the cuscús)
  • 80 g yellow onion, finely diced
  • 6 g minced garlic
  • 4 g lemon zest (divided)
  • 30 ml lemon juice (divided)
  • 100 g crumbled feta cheese (divided)
  • 35 g chopped pistachios (divided)
  • 15 g chopped fresh parsley
  • 160 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 8 g chopped fresh mint
  • 1 g sweet paprika (for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

274 kcal
Calories
10.2 g
Protein
24.8 g
Carbs
15.1 g
Fat
3.4 g
Fiber
21.4 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

GlutenDairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Slice the zucchini lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out some of the flesh to form 4 boats. Finely chop 60 g (about 1/2 cup) of the scooped zucchini flesh and set aside. Brush the boats with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  3. 3

    Place the water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the pearl couscous and a pinch of salt, reduce the heat, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Drain if needed and let cool for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the couscous cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chopped zucchini flesh; cook 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, combine the cooked couscous with the sautéed onion, garlic and zucchini flesh, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 70 g (about 2.5 oz) feta, 25 g (about 3 tbsp) pistachios, parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  6. 6

    Fill the zucchini boats firmly with the couscous mixture. Top with the remaining feta and remaining pistachios.

  7. 7

    Arrange the boats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F / 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is lightly golden.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, make the sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, mint, remaining lemon zest, remaining lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

  9. 9

    Serve the zucchini boats hot with the mint yogurt spooned over or on the side, and finish with a sprinkle of sweet paprika.

Chef tips

If your zucchini are very large, add 2 to 3 extra minutes in the air fryer. Lightly toast the pistachios in a skillet before chopping for deeper flavor.

Substitutions

You can swap the pearl couscous for cooked quinoa for a gluten-free version, the feta for soft goat cheese, and the pistachios for walnuts or almonds if preferred.

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: Non-stick frying panIllustrative 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
    View on Amazon

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