Air Fryer Crispy Rice and Zucchini Croquettes with Mozzarella Center and Smoky Pepper Dip

Name: Air Fryer Crispy Rice and Zucchini Croquettes with Mozzarella Center and Smoky Pepper Dip
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 10.6 oz cooked and cooled white rice; 6.3 oz grated zucchini; 4.2 oz mozzarella cut into small cubes; 2.5 oz breadcrumbs; 1.2 oz grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 0.9 oz chopped scallion or green onion; 0.35 oz chopped parsley; 0.2 oz minced garlic; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4.2 oz roasted red pepper; 3.5 oz thick plain yogurt; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Original croquettes made with cooked rice, grated zucchini, herbs, and a melty mozzarella center, cooked in the Air Fryer until golden and crisp. Served with a creamy smoky roasted red pepper yogurt dip.

25 minPrep

15 minCook

40 minTotal

4Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

300 g cooked and cooled white rice (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
180 g grated zucchini (well escurrido, approx. 1 1/2 cups)
120 g mozzarella cut into small cubes (approx. 3/4 cup)
70 g breadcrumbs (approx. 3/4 cup, divided)
35 g grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 1/3 cup)
1 unit egg (beaten)
25 g chopped scallion or green onion (approx. 3 tbsp)
10 g chopped parsley (approx. 3 tbsp)
6 g minced garlic (approx. 2 cloves)
1 g dried oregano
4 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper
15 ml olive oil (more a poco for rociar)
120 g roasted red pepper (approx. 1/2 cup)
100 g thick plain yogurt (approx. 1/3 cup)
2 g smoked paprika
15 ml lemon juice

Nutrition facts

per serving

320 kcal

Calories

13 g

Protein

30 g

Carbs

16 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

28 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

GlutenDairyEggs

Instructions

1
1. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it very well to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps the croquettes hold their shape and turn crisp.
2
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled rice, squeezed zucchini, 40 g (about 1/2 cup) of the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, scallion, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Mix until evenly combined.
3
3. Take portions of the mixture, about 2 tablespoons each, flatten them slightly in your hand, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and close them up to form round or oval croquettes. Repeat until all the mixture and mozzarella are used.
4
4. Place the remaining breadcrumbs on a plate and lightly coat each croquette on the outside.
5
5. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly oil the basket and arrange the croquettes in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray or brush the tops with more oil.
6
6. Cook the croquettes at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden, firm on the outside, and melty in the center.
7
7. Meanwhile, make the dip: add the roasted red pepper, thick plain yogurt, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if desired.
8
8. Serve the croquettes hot with the smoky red pepper dip on the side.

Chef tips

If the mixture feels too wet, add 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs before shaping. For a deeper golden finish, lightly spray with oil right before cooking.

Substitutions

You can substitute the mozzarella with Oaxaca cheese, provolone, or another good melting semi-firm cheese. The yogurt in the dip can be replaced with thick sour cream. Parsley can be swapped for basil or dill.

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
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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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