
Crispy Air Fryer Fennel Planks with Citrusy Whipped Feta and Toasted Pistachio
An original Air Fryer recipe where fennel turns tender inside and golden at the edges, coated with a light panko and Parmesan crust. It is served over a lemony whipped feta cream and finished with toasted pistachios and a touch of honey for a fresh, savory, crunchy contrast.
Ingredients
- 2 medianos / about 600 g fennel bulbs (cut thinly sliced gruesas)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 45 g panko breadcrumbs (approx. 1 cup)
- 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 g garlic powder
- 150 g feta cheese
- 80 g plain Greek yogurt
- 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de jugo)
- 15 ml honey
- 35 g pistachios (chopped gruesos)
- 8 g fresh dill (chopped)
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 190 °C / 375 °F for 3 minutes.
- 2
Trim the fennel stalks, saving a few fronds for garnish if fresh, and cut each bulb into 4 to 6 thick planks. Toss the planks with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and the black pepper.
- 3
In a wide plate, combine the panko, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. Press both sides of each fennel plank into the mixture so it adheres well.
- 4
Arrange the fennel planks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle or brush with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Cook at 190 °C / 375 °F for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fennel is tender and the coating is golden and crisp.
- 5
Meanwhile, make the cream: in a small processor or with a fork, blend the feta, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt until thick and spreadable.
- 6
Toast the pistachios in a small skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from the heat and mix with the chopped dill.
- 7
To serve, spread the whipped feta cream onto a platter. Arrange the crispy fennel planks on top, finish with a thin drizzle of honey, and scatter the dill pistachios over everything. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds if using and serve right away.
Chef tips
If the fennel planks are uneven, trim them to a similar thickness so they cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to keep the texture crisp.
Substitutions
You can swap the dill for parsley or mint. Pistachios can be replaced with almonds if tree nuts are not a concern. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko.
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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