Air-Frying Quinoa: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Method?

Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a great option for those looking for a fast, healthy, and tasty meal. Quinoa can be cooked in a variety of ways, including on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Interestingly, it can also be cooked in an air fryer. Air-fried quinoa can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, and sandwiches, or as a binding agent in dishes like quinoa patties and arancini.

Air-frying quinoa to make it crispy

Yes, you can cook quinoa in an air fryer! In fact, it is a great way to make the grain crispy and crunchy. Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that can be used in various dishes, from salads and side dishes to main courses and desserts. It cooks relatively quickly and is a great option for those looking for a fast, nutritious meal.

• Start by cooking the quinoa. The general ratio for cooking quinoa is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of liquid (water or broth). It should take about 15-20 minutes to cook. You can also use pre-cooked quinoa for this recipe.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF.
• In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with olive oil and salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to enhance the flavour.
• Place an air fryer-friendly parchment paper liner inside your air fryer. You can also use foil greased with oil.
• Spread the quinoa on top of the liner in an even layer, working in batches if needed.
• Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until crispy, shaking the air fryer basket at the halfway point.
• Once it's done, remove the crispy quinoa from the air fryer and let it cool.
• Enjoy your crispy quinoa as a healthy snack, or use it as a topping for salads, soups, or bowls. You can also try making quinoa patties or arancini balls using the air-fried quinoa for a crunchy texture.

Some creative ways to use crispy quinoa include:

• Salads: Sprinkle a handful of crispy quinoa on salads for added texture, protein, and crunch.
• Soups and Stews: Toss some crispy quinoa on top of blended soups or stews for extra texture and crunch.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a crunchy boost of protein to your sandwiches or wraps by sprinkling in some crispy quinoa.
• Bowls: Include crispy quinoa in your favourite bowls, such as a mushroom barley bowl.
• Yogurt Topping: For a healthy and crunchy snack, top some yogurt with crispy quinoa.

You can also experiment with different flavours for your crispy quinoa. Try making it spicy by adding smoked paprika, cayenne, or Aleppo pepper. For more flavour, cook the quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth. Or, for an Italian twist, add some Italian seasoning. You can also try using spice blends like za'atar, Ras el Hanout, or Cajun seasoning.

So, go ahead and give air-frying quinoa a try! It's a simple way to add a healthy, crunchy element to your meals.

Making air-fried quinoa arancini

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep-frying arancini, as they use less oil and produce fewer calories and less fat. They are also a safer option, reducing the mess and the risk of undercooking or burning your food.

To make air-fried quinoa arancini, you will need the following ingredients:

• Quinoa
• An egg
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Oil
• Basil
• Seasonings
• Cheese cubes

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Prepare your quinoa according to the package directions and let it cool to room temperature. Next, stir in your egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oil, basil, and seasonings. You can also add cooked, shredded chicken breast to make chicken quinoa balls. Divide the mixture into 6 portions and shape each portion around a cheese cube, forming a ball.

Then, place the remaining egg and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip the quinoa balls in the egg and then roll them in the breadcrumbs until they are nicely coated. Place the balls on a greased tray in the air fryer basket and spritz with cooking spray. Finally, air fry for about 6-10 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy on the outside.

Your air-fried quinoa arancini are now ready to be served! You can serve them warm with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Creating quinoa patties in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook quinoa in an air fryer! In fact, you can make a variety of dishes with quinoa in an air fryer, including quinoa patties.

Ingredients:

• Quinoa
• Potatoes
• Mixed vegetables (e.g. corn, beans, carrots)
• Spices (e.g. cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt)
• Oil (e.g. avocado oil, olive oil)
• Optional: nuts or seeds (e.g. sesame, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, pecans)
• Optional: chopped jalapeños, chili, or smoked paprika for spice

Method:

• Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. It should be cooked well but not mushy or soggy. A ratio of 1/2 cup of quinoa to 1-1/2 cups of water, cooked for 15 minutes, should work well.
• Boil and mash the potatoes. These will act as a binding agent in the recipe.
• Chop and prepare your choice of mixed vegetables. Avoid mushy vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage.
• Combine the cooked quinoa, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and spices in a bowl.
• Mix the ingredients well and form the mixture into patties.
• Brush the patties with oil. This will help to crisp the patties and give them a golden colour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/172°C.
• Place the patties in the air fryer, ensuring there is space between them for airflow. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the patties for 12 minutes, adding an extra 3 minutes for crispiness.

Your quinoa patties are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as an appetizer, in a burger, or as a satisfying and healthy vegan and gluten-free meal.

Using an air fryer to cook quinoa salad

Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including salads. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and is a great source of protein and fiber. You can cook quinoa in an air fryer, and it is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this nutritious grain.

To make quinoa salad using an air fryer, start by cooking the quinoa. The general ratio for cooking quinoa is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of liquid (water or broth). Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove the natural coating of bitter-tasting saponins. Most commercially available quinoa is pre-rinsed, but an extra rinse can improve the flavor. You can cook the quinoa in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. If using an Instant Pot, add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to the pot, close the lid, and set the mode to pressure cook for 1 minute. Once cooked, naturally release the pressure, open the pot, and fluff the quinoa. Let it cool before using it in your salad.

While the quinoa is cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients for your salad. A simple quinoa salad can include chopped vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green peas, and corn kernels. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein and flavor. Cut the broccoli into thin slices or coins to ensure even cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to customize the flavor of your quinoa salad. Try adding garlic, onion powder, or dried herbs.

Once your quinoa is cooked and cooled, it's time to assemble your salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the chopped vegetables and chickpeas. You can also add a dressing of your choice, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon olive oil dressing. Toss everything together until well combined.

Finally, you can use your air fryer to add a crispy element to your quinoa salad. Place the cooked quinoa in the air fryer basket, toss it with olive oil and salt, and spread it evenly. Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF and bake the quinoa for 13 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy. Once done, let it cool, and then sprinkle the crispy quinoa on top of your salad for added texture and crunch.

Your quinoa salad is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a nutritious and flavorful meal, and the crispy quinoa adds a unique touch. This salad is a great way to experience the versatility of quinoa and the convenience of using an air fryer.

Flavouring quinoa before air frying

Quinoa can be flavoured in many ways before air frying to make it crispy. It can be tossed with olive oil and salt, or other types of oil such as herb-infused basil or parsley oil, garlic oil, or chilli oil. Spices can also be added to the cooked quinoa, such as smoked paprika, cayenne, or Aleppo pepper for a spicy flavour profile. For an Italian flavour, add Italian seasoning, or for a sweet flavour, add cinnamon with a drizzle of maple syrup. Other spice blends that can be used include za'atar, Ras el Hanout, or Cajun seasoning.

For a more savoury option, try making arancini by stirring in an egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oil, basil, and seasonings. Shape the mixture around a cheese cube, dip in egg, roll in breadcrumbs, and place in the air fryer until golden brown.

Additionally, the quinoa can be cooked in chicken or vegetable broth for added flavour before air frying.

Frequently asked questions