
Air Fryer Broccoli and Quinoa Bites with Gouda Center, Honey Mustard Dip, and Paprika Pepitas
Original crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites made with chopped broccoli, cooked quinoa, and a small melty gouda center. They are air-fried until golden and served with a creamy honey mustard dip and paprika-toasted pepitas for extra texture.
Ingredients
- 250 g finely chopped broccoli (without stalks duros)
- 180 g cooked and cooled quinoa (well escurrida)
- 1 unit large egg (beaten)
- 50 g breadcrumbs (more extra si hace falta ajustar textura)
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 g minced garlic
- 10 g chopped chives
- 4 g salt (divided)
- 1 g black pepper (divided)
- 70 g small gouda cubes (16 cubitos approx.)
- 15 ml olive oil (for the mezcla and the canastilla)
- 25 g pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 g smoked paprika (divided)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the dip)
- 20 g Dijon mustard
- 15 ml honey
- 10 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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
1. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, cooked and cooled quinoa, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chives, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, half of the smoked paprika, and 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Mix well until you have a mixture that can be compacted; if it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- 2
2. Divide the mixture into 16 portions. Take one portion, flatten it in your hand, place a small gouda cube in the center, and close it up to form a compact ball or croquette. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- 3
3. In a small bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with the remaining olive oil, the remaining smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 4
4. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket.
- 5
5. Arrange the bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Cook at 375°F / 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and firm.
- 6
6. While they cook, make the dip by stirring together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, remaining pinch of salt, and remaining pinch of black pepper in a small bowl.
- 7
7. Place the seasoned pumpkin seeds on a small piece of air fryer paper or in an air fryer-safe dish and toast them at 320°F / 160°C for 3 minutes, shaking once, until lightly puffed and fragrant.
- 8
8. Serve the broccoli and quinoa bites hot, with the honey mustard dip on the side and the paprika pepitas sprinkled over the top or served separately for crunch.
Chef tips
Chop the broccoli very finely so the mixture binds better. If the quinoa is damp, dry it slightly before using. Slightly damp hands make it easier to shape the bites without sticking.
Substitutions
You can swap the gouda for firm mozzarella or mild cheddar. Chives can be replaced with parsley. For a stronger flavor, use whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon. If needed, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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 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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