When it comes to cooking, many of us are looking for ways to make healthy meals that are also quick, easy, and delicious. One way to achieve this is by using an air fryer, a kitchen appliance that has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years. But what makes air frying so great? For starters, it’s much healthier than deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil and produces meals that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the Mediterranean diet, a way of eating that emphasizes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By combining these principles with the power of air frying, you can create dishes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. From crispy falafel to tender chicken, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering Mediterranean-inspired air fryer recipes for you to try.
Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed bell peppers, this recipe combines the bright flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of air frying.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup chopped artichoke hearts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, feta cheese, olives, artichoke hearts, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the Mediterranean mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Discover the perfect blend of crispy and tender falafel, paired with a creamy and tangy tahini sauce. This recipe is a game-changer for air fryer enthusiasts!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
– Tahini sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup tahini paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon garlic puree, salt and water (to thin)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 portions and shape each into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball slightly to form patties.
6. Dip both sides of each patty in the egg wash and place in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each falafel.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, shaking halfway through.
8. Meanwhile, mix tahini sauce ingredients and adjust to desired consistency.
9. Serve falafels hot with a dollop of tahini sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Greek-Style Lemon Garlic Chicken
Air Fryer Greek-Style Lemon Garlic Chicken
Experience the bright flavors of Greece with this quick and easy air fryer recipe, featuring succulent chicken breasts smothered in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
4. Brush the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle chopped oregano on top.
6. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Mediterranean Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Mediterranean Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
A delicious twist on traditional fritters, these Mediterranean-inspired bites combine the freshness of zucchini with the warmth of spices and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, grated
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine grated zucchini, flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Using a spoon or small scoop, shape the mixture into 6-8 fritters.
5. Place the fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Salmon with Dill Yogurt
Elevate your salmon game with this flavorful and healthy recipe, where a crispy herb crust meets a tangy dill yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and coat evenly with the herb mixture.
4. Place salmon in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each fillet.
5. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix together yogurt and chopped fresh dill in a small bowl.
7. Serve salmon with a dollop of dill yogurt on top.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Roasted Air Fryer Eggplant with Tomato Basil Relish
Elevate your eggplant game with this easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By roasting the eggplant in an air fryer, you’ll achieve a tender and smoky texture that pairs perfectly with the fresh tomato basil relish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Load the air fryer basket with eggplant slices in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Meanwhile, combine cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once eggplant is cooked, remove from air fryer and top each slice with tomato basil relish.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (air fryer) + 5 minutes (relish preparation)
Air Fryer Mediterranean Veggie Kebabs
Air Fryer Mediterranean Veggie Kebabs: A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional kebabs!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Place the kebabs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Tips:
– For an extra crispy exterior, increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes or finish with a quick broil.
– Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as is!
Garlicky Air Fryer Shrimp with Lemon and Oregano
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and healthy shrimp recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Load the shrimp into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites with Feta
These bite-sized spinach and feta cheese pastries are a twist on the traditional Greek appetizer. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon zest or juice for extra brightness
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough on a flat surface. Brush with water.
5. Spoon small amounts of the spinach mixture onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around each piece.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
7. Cook in air fryer for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Mediterranean Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Elevate your veggie game with this flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired air fryer cauliflower steaks recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Remove leaves and stem from cauliflower. Cut into 8-10 thick “steaks”. Place steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush mixture evenly over both sides of the cauliflower steaks.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- If using feta cheese, sprinkle on top of cauliflower steaks during last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Mediterranean air fryer cauliflower steaks!
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas with Smoked Paprika
Elevate your snack game with these addictive, crispy chickpeas seasoned with smoky paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, lemon juice, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse chickpeas and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt.
4. Add chickpeas to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated.
5. Load chickpeas into air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches).
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check on chickpeas; if they’re not crispy enough, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until desired crispiness is reached.
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Enjoy your crispy, smoky chickpeas as a snack or add them to salads, wraps, and more!
Air Fryer Greek-Style Lamb Meatballs
Elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful and tender lamb meatballs infused with the bold flavors of Greece.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
– Feta cheese crumbles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Remove from the air fryer and brush with beaten egg for an extra crispy coating (if desired).
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mediterranean Air Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Transform ordinary portobello mushrooms into an extraordinary Mediterranean-inspired delight, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, onion, garlic, feta cheese, parsley, and oregano.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each mushroom.
5. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Air Fryer Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs
Ratatouille is a classic Provençal vegetable stew that’s perfect for the air fryer! This recipe combines the flavors of roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic to create a delicious and healthy side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss together eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary until the vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Load the vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with this citrusy and flavorful recipe! Tender chicken thighs are infused with the zest of lemon and the aroma of herbs, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Mediterranean Quinoa-Stuffed Tomatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes, this recipe combines the warmth of Mediterranean spices with the nutty taste of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out some of the insides, leaving a shell.
3. In a bowl, mix together quinoa, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each tomato with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the quinoa is lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi Fries with Mint Yogurt Dip
Crispy Air Fryer Halloumi Fries with Mint Yogurt Dip Recipe
Summary: Elevate your snack game with these crispy air fryer halloumi fries, paired with a refreshing mint yogurt dip. Perfect for a quick and satisfying treat!
Ingredients:
– 250g halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together halloumi cheese, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Load the mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot with mint yogurt dip (see below).
Mint Yogurt Dip:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 tsp lemon juice
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Air Fryer Mediterranean-Style Cod with Olives and Capers
Air Fryer Mediterranean-Style Cod with Olives and Capers Recipe
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy and delicious cod recipe, featuring briny olives and tangy capers.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cod fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
5. Drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the cod.
6. Sprinkle olives and capers on top of the cod.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Roasted Air Fryer Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted Air Fryer Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
A twist on traditional hummus, this recipe adds a smoky flavor from roasted red peppers and the convenience of air frying.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, roasted red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
5. Continue blending until the hummus is creamy and well combined.
Cooking Time:
– Air fryer cooking time: 2-3 minutes
– Total preparation time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Mediterranean Sweet Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Mediterranean Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with these crispy and delicious Air Fryer Mediterranean Sweet Potato Wedges!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Load the sweet potato wedges into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and crispy, shaking halfway through.
5. Remove from the Air Fryer and sprinkle with feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Mediterranean Sweet Potato Wedges!
Summary
Discover the delicious and healthy world of Mediterranean diet air fryer recipes! This collection of 20 mouth-watering dishes brings together the bold flavors and fresh ingredients of the Mediterranean region, with a modern twist from the air fryer. From crispy falafel to flavorful stuffed peppers, and from savory lamb meatballs to sweet potato wedges, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
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