Crispy Air Fryer Fennel Planks with Citrusy Whipped Feta and Toasted Pistachio
♨️ Air Fryer
Intermediate

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.

20 minPrep
14 minCook
34 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 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

267 kcal
Calories
9.2 g
Protein
16.8 g
Carbs
18.4 g
Fat
3.1 g
Fiber
13.7 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 190 °C / 375 °F for 3 minutes.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • 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: 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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