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Mediterranean Pork and Quinoa Air Fryer Delight

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍽️ Recipe Overview

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Macro Focus: Balanced
  • Calories/Serving: 517
  • Time: Medium
  • Dietary Needs: Balanced
  • Serves: 3
  • Equipment: Air Fryer

👨‍🍳 Chef's Notes

Adding quinoa to this Mediterranean-inspired dish not only boosts the protein content but also brings a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior on the pork while keeping it juicy inside, perfectly complementing the earthy quinoa and vibrant Mediterranean vegetables.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 400g Pork, cubed (14 oz)
  • 1 cup Quinoa (180g)
  • 1 cup Zucchini, sliced (125g)
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced (150g)
  • 1 cup Eggplant, cubed (135g)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (30ml)
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

🔪 Preparation

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the cubed pork with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and set aside.
  4. Prepare the vegetables as indicated.

🥘 Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the seasoned pork in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Sensory Indicator: The pork should sizzle and release a savory aroma.
  2. Add the prepared vegetables and quinoa to the pork in the air fryer, mix well, and cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and quinoa is fluffy.
    • Sensory Indicator: The vegetables should be slightly charred, and quinoa should be tender but not mushy.

⏱️ Timing Breakdown

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes

📊 Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 517
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 6g

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with firm tofu or tempeh.
  • Low-Carb: Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight in Mediterranean herbs and lemon juice.
  • Ensure the quinoa is well-drained before adding it to the air fryer to prevent excess moisture.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Remember to enjoy this unique Mediterranean pork and quinoa dish straight from the air fryer for a delightful and crispy experience!