Air fryer recipe · Starters
Crisp Stuffed Grape-Leaf Bites
Tangy rice-stuffed vine leaves crisped at the edges for a fresh take on a classic mezze.
- 22 minTotal time
- 185°CAir fryer
- 4Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 265kcal
- 4.5 gprotein
- 44.6 gcarbs
- 7.4 gfat
- 2.4 gfibre
Per serving, about 4 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Brined grape leaves20 leaves
- Short-grain rice1 cup
- Fresh dill and mint1/2 cup
- Lemon juice3 tbsp
- Olive oil2 tbsp
Method
Prep the leaves
Rinse the brined leaves well under running water to wash off the salt, then pat them dry. Snip away any tough stems, because a smooth leaf rolls into a neat, tight parcel without tearing.
Make the filling
Mix the par-cooked rice with the chopped herbs, half the lemon juice, a little olive oil, and salt. Keep the rice just soft rather than fully cooked, so it finishes steaming tender inside the wraps.
Roll tight parcels
Put a small spoon of filling near the stem end, fold the sides in, and roll firmly into a snug cigar. A tight roll holds its shape and crisps cleanly instead of loosening and spilling open.
Oil the outsides
Brush each parcel with olive oil and the rest of the lemon juice so the outer leaf crisps and turns glossy. Set them seam-side down in the basket to keep the roll sealed shut.
Air-fry to crisp edges
Air-fry at 185°C for 12 min, turning them gently once so both sides colour. They are done when the outer leaves are lightly blistered and the rice inside is tender.
