Crispy Air Fryer Rice, Pea and Panela Fritters with Mint Lemon Cream

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Rice, Pea and Panela Fritters with Mint Lemon Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión casera
Ingredients: 10.6 oz cooked and chilled white rice; 1 cup frozen peas; 4.2 oz panela cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup green onion; 1 clove garlic; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh mint; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup thick plain yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil

Golden, crispy on the outside and tender inside, these fritters are made with cooked rice, peas, and panela cheese. They are finished in the air fryer and served with a fresh mint, lemon, and yogurt cream for a bright, aromatic contrast.

20 minPrep

16 minCook

36 minTotal

4Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

300 g cooked and chilled white rice (preferiblemente of the día anterior)
120 g frozen peas (descongelados and escurridos)
120 g panela cheese (desmoronado finely)
1 unit egg (beaten)
45 g breadcrumbs (more extra for cubrir lightly)
30 g green onion (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (grated or finely chopped)
1 cdita lemon zest (divided)
15 ml lemon juice (divided)
8 g fresh mint (finely chopped, divided)
1 g ground cumin
1 g black pepper
5 g salt (divided or to taste)
120 g thick plain yogurt (for the cream)
15 ml olive oil (for brush or rociar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

246 kcal

Calories

10.2 g

Protein

28.4 g

Carbs

9.6 g

Fat

2.3 g

Fiber

26.1 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. In a large bowl, mix the cooked and chilled rice, thawed peas, crumbled panela cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, green onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of the chopped mint, ground cumin, black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture holds together.
2
2. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape into fritters about 3/4 inch thick. If they feel too soft, dust the outside with a little extra breadcrumbs to help them keep their shape.
3
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
4
4. Place the fritters on a tray or plate and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
5
5. Arrange the fritters in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for 6 to 8 minutes more at 380°F (193°C), until golden and crisp.
6
6. Meanwhile, make the cream by stirring together the thick plain yogurt, the remaining lemon juice, the remaining lemon zest, the remaining chopped mint, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
7
7. Serve the fritters hot with the mint lemon cream on the side or spooned over the top. If desired, finish with a little extra black pepper.

Chef tips

Use rice that is fully chilled and slightly dry so the fritters hold together better. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for better browning.

Substitutions

You can replace panela cheese with firm queso fresco. Hierbabuena can be swapped for mint or parsley. For a stronger flavor, use chives instead of green onion.

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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