
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes.
- 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
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
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
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
Fill the zucchini boats firmly with the couscous mixture. Top with the remaining feta and remaining pistachios.
- 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
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
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 imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-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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