Air Fryer Kale and Rice Bites with Provolone Center, Lemon and Toasted Almond

Name: Air Fryer Kale and Rice Bites with Provolone Center, Lemon and Toasted Almond
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked and cooled white rice; 3 cups kale; 1/2 cup yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 oz provolone cheese; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1 whole lemon; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these bites are made with cooked rice, sautéed kale, and a small molten provolone center. They are finished with lemon zest, toasted almond, and a quick garlic yogurt sauce for a fresh contrast.

25 minPrep

15 minCook

40 minTotal

4Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

240 g g cooked and cooled white rice (mejor si es of the día anterior)
90 g g kale (without stalks duros and chopped fina)
60 g g yellow onion (chopped fina)
9 g g garlic (2 cloves for the mezcla and 1 for the sauce)
22 ml ml olive oil (divided)
50 g g egg (beaten)
50 g g panko breadcrumbs (more extra for ajustar si hiciera falta)
30 g g grated Parmesan cheese (for the mezcla)
80 g g provolone cheese (cut en 12 cubitos)
25 g g sliced almonds (lightly tostada and chopped)
1 unidad 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tsp/2 tsp of juice, divided)
120 g g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
8 g g fresh parsley (chopped fino)
5 g g salt (or to taste, divided)
2 g g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

255 kcal

Calories

11 g

Protein

24 g

Carbs

13 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

22 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

GlutenDairyEggsTree Nuts

Instructions

1
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds. Add the kale, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and reduced. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
2
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed kale mixture, beaten egg, panko, Parmesan, half of the lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Mix well until the mixture holds together; if it feels too loose, add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of panko.
3
3. Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Take one portion, flatten it in your hand, place a cube of provolone in the center, and seal it to form a ball or rounded croquette. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F / 190°C for 3 minutes. Brush or spray the bites with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and arrange them in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F / 190°C, turning halfway, until golden and set.
5
5. While they cook, make the sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt with 1 grated or finely minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
6
6. Combine the toasted almonds with the parsley and the remaining lemon zest.
7
7. Serve the bites hot with the yogurt sauce underneath or on the side. Finish with the almond, parsley, and lemon mixture on top.
8
8. If cooking in batches, keep the finished bites on a warm tray and repeat the process at 375°F / 190°C with the remaining batch.

Chef tips

For the best texture, use cold, fairly dry rice. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more panko. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket so the bites brown evenly.

Substitutions

You can use firm mozzarella or fontina instead of provolone. Kale can be replaced with well-drained spinach, and parsley with chives. For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and finish with extra Parmesan.

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
View on Amazon
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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