Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Cottage Cheese

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful appetizer or side dish that feels indulgent but fits into a balanced lifestyle, these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are about to become a new favorite.

They’re creamy, savory, and perfectly golden on top—thanks to a high-protein filling made with cottage cheese and sharp white cheddar. Best of all, they cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer or 20 minutes in the oven, making them a veggie-forward finger food, ideal for weeknights, parties, or last-minute entertaining.

Plus, each mushroom packs big flavor with impressive macros: Just 53 calories, 4g protein, 2g fat and 1g net carbs per piece.

Why You’ll Love Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Ready in minutes in the air fryer
  • High-protein, lighter than traditional stuffed mushrooms
  • Creamy and cheesy but using low-fat cottage cheese to minimize fat
  • Great for parties, meal prep, or healthy snacking
  • Naturally low carb and can be gluten-free (skip the panko or use crush gluten-free crackers, if needed)

Pro Tips for Stuffed Mushrooms:

Mushrooms: I have made this with both White Button and Cremini (Baby Bella) mushrooms, and both turned out beautifully. Look for mushrooms that are medium to large so that, when the stem is removed, the cavity is large enough to hold plenty of filling. You could also try dividing filling across four large Portobella mushrooms for a vegetarian entrée option.

Mushroom Stems: You will be removing the mushroom stems for this recipe, but don’t throw them all away! Reserve about half of the fresher-looking stems to finely chop and mix back into the filling. The others can be saved and used later in the week in stir-fries, soups, etc.

Draining Cottage Cheese: Reduced-fat cottage cheese helps add a creamy texture while boosting protein and moderating calories. You do need to drain it, though—otherwise the mushrooms will be soggy. To drain, place it in a fine mesh strainer (like I did in the video) and press out the liquid with the back of a spoon. You can also use a cheesecloth to squeeze out extra moisture.

Squeezing Spinach: Fresh spinach steams quickly in the microwave, but you’ll need to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Make sure it has cooled slightly so you don’t burn your hands.

Crispy Topping: Panko breadcrumbs make a delicious crunchy topping, but you can omit them if you prefer. You can also substitute crushed crackers, regular or gluten-free. Also, did you know gluten-free panko is available?!

Should I Use an Air Fryer or Oven?

These stuffed mushrooms are flexible depending on what you have available, both methods produce tender mushrooms with creamy centers and lightly crisped tops.

If you love mushrooms, you also need to check out my Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms below!!!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms in Air Fryer
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Air fryer cheesy spinach stuffed mushrooms made with cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. A quick, high-protein appetizer ready in 10 minutes with just a smidge over 50 calories per piece.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: cottage cheese, mushroom, spinach
Servings: 16 Stuffed Mushrooms
Calories: 53 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. White Button or Cremini mushrooms medium to larger sized ones work best
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup 2% cottage cheese drained VERY well
  • 4 oz grated white sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp panko bread crumbs or gluten-free crushed cracker option or gluten-free panko
Instructions
  1. Preheat air-fryer to 380°F (Or oven to 350°F).
  2. Drain cottage cheese well to remove the excess liquid. The best way to do this quickly is using the back of spoon to push out liquid through mesh strainer.
  3. Remove the stems from the mushrooms by gently twisting them off. Save about half of the fresher-looking stems to chop up and back into the mixture.
  4. Place mushroom caps on air fryer try (or baking sheet), smooth side up, and brush with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Flip mushrooms back over so openings are face up. Set aside.
  5. In microwave-safe bowl, add spinach and 1 tablespoon of water. Steam in microwave for 1 minute. Let cook for several minutes, until cool enough to squeeze as much liquid out as possible.
  6. Mix together the squeezed spinach (loosened up with fork), drained cottage cheese, and the cheddar cheese. Mix in about 1/4 cup chopped mushroom stems.

  7. Season with garlic salt and ground black pepper, stir well.
  8. Fill each hollowed-out mushroom with the cottage cheese mixture, pressing down to compact it in.
  9. Sprinkle tops with a little bit of panko bread crumbs.
  10. Cook in pre-heated 380F air fryer for 10 minutes (or traditional oven at 350F for 20 minutes) or until nicely browned, cheese is melty and panko is golden.
Recipe Notes

Honey Lime Greens Yogurt Dip – Sweet and Healthy Treat to Pair With Fruit

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit? This Honey Lime Greens Dip is packed with protein, probiotics, and superfoods, thanks to Greek yogurt, a premium greens powder, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Fresh lime juice and zest add a refreshing zing, making this dip the perfect complement to berries, grapes, apple slices, and more. Ready in minutes and easy to scale up for a party, this vibrant, healthy snack will keep you fueled and satisfied!

If you’re looking for a fun and functional way to enjoy fresh fruit, my Honey Lime Greens Dip is the answer! This easy-to-make, protein-packed dip is naturally sweet, tangy, and full of benefits from simple, wholesome ingredients. It takes just minutes to mix up, making it perfect for a quick snack, a party platter, or a healthy dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Fruit Dip

This dip isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients to fuel your body and support overall wellness. Plus, just 81 calories per serving with 1g fat, 11g carbs and 6g protein.  Let’s break down the functional benefits of the ingredients:

  • Greek Yogurt: A powerhouse of protein, probiotics, and calcium, Greek yogurt helps build muscle, improve gut health, and support strong bones. This makes it an excellent base for a healthy fruit dip. I used a 2% milkfat yogurt over full-fat, I felt this compromise gave a more luxurious creamy mouthfeel than using zero-fat.  Plain is what was used in the recipe, but vanilla would also be a nice substitute.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that provides antioxidants and energy without refined sugar. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the yogurt and lime.
  • Greens Powder: This greens blend is packed with digestive enzymes, pre and probiotics, and superfoods to support digestion, immune function, and energy levels. It’s a great way to add more greens to your day while enjoying a simple and delicious superfood dip. I used Smarter Greens Powder for Daily Wellness, it has no added sugar, 125 million probiotic CFUs, the power of 40 superfoods – including 37 fruits and vegetables (literally, I don’t think I could eat this many types of produce in whole food form in a day – and variety is so important for your body)! 
  • Fresh Lime Juice and Zest: The citrus zing cuts the earthiness of the greens powder while providing a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. Combined with honey, it creates a perfectly balanced honey lime dip that enhances any fruit you pair it with. Get a citrus squeezer and two-way zester to make life easy!

Simple to Make, Easy to Scale

This Honey Lime Greens Dip is as easy as it gets—just mix up the ingredients, drizzle with honey, and enjoy! The recipe serves three, but if you’re hosting a party, it’s effortless to scale up to serve a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients and set out a big bowl with a variety of fruit for dipping—grapes, berries, apple slices, or whatever you love! This easy healthy snack is perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.

This dip is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy it as a post-workout snack, a refreshing mid-afternoon treat, or a healthy dessert at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!

Note: This post contains affiliate links and products from my Amazon storefront. I earn a small commission from purchase made through link visits. The proceeds help me offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

Honey Lime Greens Yogurt Dip
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit? This Honey Lime Greens Dip is packed with protein, probiotics, and superfoods, thanks to Greek yogurt, a premium greens powder, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Fresh lime juice and zest add a refreshing zing, making this dip the perfect complement to berries, grapes, apple slices, and more. Ready in minutes and easy to scale up for a party, this vibrant, healthy snack will keep you fueled and satisfied!

Course: Appetizer, party, Snack
Cuisine: healthy, low carb
Keyword: dip, frozen yogurt, greens powder
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 81 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt can sub vanilla, but will change macros
  • 1 scoop Greens Powder
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp. lime zest divided
  • 1 ½ Tbsp honey
Instructions
  1. In 8-oz bowl, stir together yogurt, greens powder, lime juice and 1 tsp of the zest until combined.
  2. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining lime zest. Serve with your fruit of choice.
Recipe Notes

7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip – Easy Appetizer

Seven Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip is a quick, easy and elegant appetizer for holiday entertaining or just everyday munching. Made with flavorful, nourishing items convenient to keep on hand in the pantry and fridge, this simple-to-assemble party dip can be ready to serve in under 10 minutes – and stores beautifully overnight if you want to make ahead.

This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.

Inspired by easy party dips my mom used to make in the 80s as well as elegant molded and stacked tartare dishes, this layered dish features strata upon strata of marinated and bold flavors and various textures that play well together when scooped up with a chip, dolloped on a cracker or just eaten by the spoon! I like to use up any leftovers sprinkled on a green salad!

This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.

Many of the ingredients (such as the hummus, marinated artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes) can be conveniently purchased pre-prepared in the deli or gourmet aisle of your favorite market. To make things speedy, you can also pick up a pouch of pre-cooked quinoa on the grain aisle – or defrost a bag of frozen cooked quinoa that has been meal prepped (that is my economical way – see quinoa freezer and meal prep post here).

This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.

The flavor cornerstone of this Italian layered dip is pesto – but not just any ole pesto! I used Sea Artichoke Pesto from Foraged & Found. I must admit, when I was sent some jars to try out, I did have to Google “What is Sea Asparagus.” What I found out is that Sea Asparagus (Salicornia) is a sea succulent that has a salty, ocean taste when eaten raw and brined, mellower flavor when cooked — used as an ingredient it really maximizes the umami taste in so many dishes from pasta and pizza to seafood and grilled meats.

Sea Asparagus sustainably harvested in Alaska.

What I love about the Foraged & Found company is that they have found a way to share healthful Alaskan foods from the wild that have been sustainably harvested and transformed into some of my favorite kitchen staples – like this Sea Asparagus Pesto. The sea asparagus pesto tastes very similar to a traditional pesto (but better) made with additional ingredients such as almonds, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic and lemon. So clever and eco-conscious!

Sea Asparagus Pesto
Sea Asparagus Pesto from Foraged & Found is mixed into quinoa.

Turning this pesto layered dip is a snap! Most of the pesto is soaked into the quinoa, and a generous dollop is saved for the top.

This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.
Use a 16-oz. container for a mold.

You’ll need a 16-ounce container to use as a mold – it can be cylinder-shaped (like a yogurt or sour cream container) or even a bowl – just make sure that the bottom (which will be the “top” when inverted) is narrower than the opening. I simply used the square plastic container that was provided at the olive bar when I loaded up on marinated tomatoes and artichokes for the recipe!

When layering this creative Italian dip, remember that each level loaded in goes in reverse of how it will look when presented. When inverting on a plate and releasing from a mold, the first ingredients put in at the bottom of the container become the items on top.

Order for Layers (press down lightly, as needed, after each layer):

Note: Start with 1 Tbsp. of reserved oil from the marinated artichokes or tomatoes (this helps release from the mold)

  • Pecans, chopped
  • Blue Cheese, crumbled
  • Garlic Hummus
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped
  • Marinated Artichokes, chopped
  • Fresh Spinach, shredded
  • Quinoa Mixed with Pesto

Chill a bit if needed to firm up and then, invert by placing a plate on top and flipping over quickly.

This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.
If your mold fails, just serve it jumbled up in a bowl — it still tastes great!

The cool thing about this Italian quinoa recipe is that if you have a “fail” when trying to release the mold, and it falls all over the place, you can just throw it all into a bowl and stir up! It tastes just the same, and still looks pretty because it’s so colorful – in fact, I’ve made it this way on purpose before! Also, you can just skip the inverting and stand-alone presentation – just layer it up how you want in a dish. The only downside here is that all the pretty ingredients can’t be seen at once.

Learn more about Foraged & Found and get more sea asparagus recipes:

Note: This post is sponsored by Foraged & Found as part of a bloggers recipe contest. #foragednfoundak #eatwild #wildalaskanprovisions

5 from 3 votes
This quick and easy layered dip makes a show-stopping appetizer in just a few minutes thanks to bottled pesto sauces (I used Sea Asparagus Pesto - but feel free to get creative). You can also serve mixed up in a bowl for an easier presentation. Great scooped onto crackers, or with chips -- also leftovers fantastic on a green salad for lunch or a light dinner.
7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

r a light dinner.

Course: Appetizer, entree salad, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: appetizer, dip, party food, pesto, quinoa
Calories: 187 kcal
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 2 oz. blue cheese crumbled
  • 4 oz. garlic hummus
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (mostly drained*) chopped
  • 4 oz. artichokes packed in oil mostly drained, chopped
  • 4 oz. Sea Asparagus Pesto from Found & Foraged reserve 2 Tbsp. for garnish
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • * Reserve 1 tbsp oil from marinated tomatoes or artichokes to use as a “lube” for the mold.
Instructions
  1. Use a 16-ounce square or round “mold” that is slightly tapered, meaning the bottom is narrower than the top – this will allow layered dip to slide out easily when inverted. A sour cream or yogurt container works nicely.
  2. In medium bowl, mix together cooked quinoa with most of the 4 ounces of pesto (save about 2 tablespoons for garnish).
  3. Add the approximate 1 Tbsp. of reserved oil from the marinated artichokes or tomatoes to bottom of mold container and swirl around. This helps release layers later).
  4. Add layers in this order: Chopped Pecans, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Hummus, Chopped Sun-dried Tomatoes, Chopped Marinated Artichokes, Shredded Spinach, Pesto Quinoa Mixture.
  5. If needed, stick in fridge for 10 minutes to firm up (sometimes the hummus gets too soft at room temperature).
  6. Remove from fridge and carefully run knife around edges of container to help release layers when inverted (but taking care not to “smear” it all together).
  7. Place plate on top of mold opening and quickly invert, gently pulling off mold container. ***
  8. Dollop with remaining pesto.
  9. *** If you have a failure when trying to release the mold, the nice thing about this recipe is that it can be served in a bowl stirred together as a jumble! It tastes just the same, and still looks pretty because it’s so colorful!
Recipe Notes

Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls

My Air Fryer recipe for Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls is inspired by one of my favorite indulgent creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious.

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle.

Instead of heavy sauces, super carby-carbs, and cooking methods I shy from (like traditional deep frying of rice balls), Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls keep all the decadent flavor served up in fun, nourishing “two-bite” morsels. For me, one Chicken and Quinoa appetizer or dinner is easy to portion – one makes a snack and three quinoa balls make a dinner (especially yummy on the sauce of your choice or on a spinach salad).  A three-piece serving has 364 calories, 16g fat, 28g net carb, 27g protein.

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle. -- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp  (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.

This air fryer quinoa arancini recipe is surprisingly simple to make, especially if you already have cooked, shredded chicken breast on hand. I always make a big batch in Instant Pot® Duo Crisp™ + Air Fryer and shred up when cooled, and keep portioned in various serving sizes in the freezer – for recipes like this Chicken Quinoa Balls in Air Fryer. Or, just to thaw and throw on a salad. While this post is all about Quinoa Balls, and not so much how to cook chicken in an Instant Pot – there are several ways. I prefer the slow-cooking function, and really don’t use an official recipe – just about ½ cup of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of my favorite freeze-dried herb poultry seasoning per every 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. I just throw it all in there and let it cook low and slow for 8 hours before shredding up.

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle. 

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp  (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.
Pin this for later!

The rest of the air fryer chicken quinoa meal recipe is a snap. First, cook quinoa according to package directions (takes about 15 minutes) and let cool down to room temperature – another 10 to 15 minutes (faster if you spread out on a baking sheet). You can also use pre-cooked, frozen and defrosted quinoa – check out this quinoa meal prep post.

The it’s just a matter of mixing the seasonings into the softened cream cheese, followed by the shredded chicken and quinoa (btw, I used tri-color quinoa, but any type will do).

Rolling Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls in panko.

Next grab a handful of the mixture, and roll into golf ball-sized portions, making about a dozen. Then roll each ball in panko bread crumbs (or if needed gluten free bread crumbs) until nice and coated, no longer sticky to picky up.

- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp  (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.
Love the convenience of this “shelf” that can be added to Air Fryer basket to
double the cooking capacity!

Stick in the Air Fryer basked of the Instant Pot® Duo Crisp™+ Air Fryer, layering half on the bottom of the basket and using the metal, circular insert to make a shelf to hold the remaining half-dozen. Air fry on 400F degrees for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. They will be done when crunchy and golden brown on the outside, and heated through and a bit, soft and gooey on the inside.

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle. -- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp  (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.

Serving suggestion:  Make a creamy tomato sauce by mixing in a splash of heavy cream into warmed tomato pasta sauce. Place three Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls in the center and garnish with fresh basil.

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle. -- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp  (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Instant Pot® Duo Crisp™ + Air Fryer, an 11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator. It comes with two lids so you can instantly transform it into an Air Fryer with proprietary air flow technology that gives the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95% less oil! Plus, I personally LOVE having just ONE countertop appliance that does it all, instead of a whole closet full! Stay tuned for more Instant Pot Duo Crisp recipes from The Fit Fork!

By the way, this recipe is my own, but was inspired by The Complete Quinoa Cookbook by Catherine Gill, that was recently sent to me by the publisher. Check it out, fabulous stuff in there.

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on products purchased, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operation expense for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

4.8 from 5 votes
Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle.
Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

Chicken Alfredo Quinoa Balls are inspired by one of my favorite indulgent Italian meals, creamy Chicken Alfredo and hot, crispy Arancini (those delicious little balls of deep-fried rice or risotto) – but made more nutritious. So quick and simple to make, and definitely kid-friendly, these delicious morsels can be served as an appetizer or served on sauce as a meal. Visit thefitfork.com for more Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes with great nutrition to fuel a busy and active lifestyle. — The Instant Pot Duo Crisp (that's also an air fryer) is the perfect appliance to make this simple recipe even more quick and convenient.

Course: Appetizer, dinner, dinner, entree
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: air fryer, alfredo, chicken, quinoa
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Neufchatel cheese
  • 1 ½ cups COOKED quinoa
  • 8 ounces shredded chicken breast already cooked
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup panko
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley if desired
  • Optional: pasta sauce for serving.
Instructions
  1. Cook quinoa and chicken breast beforehand, if needed.
  2. Soften Neufchatel cheese and stir in garlic power, onion powder, ground black pepper and salt.
  3. Next stir in cooked quinoa and shredded chicken until mixed thoroughly into the cheese.
  4. Use hands to form golf ball-sized balls (about ¼ cup) of mixture, before rolling each into panko crumbs, patting crumbs on to create a thick coating.
  5. Should make about 12 balls.
  6. Set Air Fryer to 400F degrees and set 6 balls on bottom of basket, and 6 balls on top of tray or 2nd tier metal insert. Or, if smaller capacity air fryer, then do in two batches.
  7. Air fry for 8 – 10 minutes or until turning golden grown and heated well throughout.
  8. Serve as appetizer, or set three in a bowl of pasta sauce for a meal.
Recipe Notes

Nutrition for THREE balls:

Steak and Quinoa Squachos – NachOMG!

Steak and Quinoa Squachos are a healthy take on nachos and gluten-free, low-carb appetizer optionlYou may be thinking, “Ummmm, excuse me . . . but what the heck on God’s green Earth are SQUACHOS”? This quick and easy appetizer is a healthy swap for traditional nachos made with tortilla chips which are typically fried, overly salted and plentiful in carbs (if you’re counting).  Made on slices of summer’s finest squash, my Steak & Quinoa Squachos are, in two simple words, “life changing!”

Steak & Quinoa Squachos - gluten-free and low carb appetizer!

Zucchini and Summer SquashThe farmer’s markets (and personal gardens of you green-thumbers) are exploding with green zucchini and yellow summer squash this time of year — and this fun and fit finger food is a tasty way to take advantage of a bumper crop and squeeze a few extra veggies into the day.

 

Recipes similar to this use panko bread crumbs to create that familiar nacho crunch — but that defeats to purpose of my low-carb, higher protein mission. So, instead, I tossed together almond meal and cooked quinoa with a bit of cheese to create a tasty texture on top of each squash disc.

Steak and Quinoa Squachos -- a low carb, gluten free appetizer!

I used two of my go-to non-GMO, gluten-free and certified organic pantry staples from NowFoods.com Tri-Colored Quinoa  and Raw Almond Flour. This tri-color quinoa a blend of white, red and black seeds and is a great source of protein and iron — I typically serve it as a side dish or salad, but freeze leftovers for speedy recipes like this! Raw Almond Flour (or Almond Meal, as some people call it) is simply finely ground almonds and it makes a great low-carb swap for flour in many recipes. If you can’t find these products in your market, I’ve dropped the Amazon links below.
 

More Protein, More PowerNow, if you’ve been following along on the blog or social media, you know I’ve been sharing my (numerous time) journey on the Protein Challenge and encouraging others to join. This free 30-day challenge sponsored by BeefLovingTexans.com (who I also originally developed the Squacho recipe for) shows you how to tweak your daily protein intake for optimal heath — to be very succinct, you should be getting about 25 – 30 grams of protein at each of your three meals — and also protein rich snacks throughout the day and possibly at bedtime, depending on your activity level. You can register for the Protein Challenge and get tips, support and recipes HERE.

Join the 30 day Protein Challenge

Steak & Quinoa SquachosSo, are you making these Squachos this weekend, or what?!

What are your other plans – a race, a vacation, just catching up on the to-do list? Let’s chat in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

 

Steak & Quinoa Squachos
You'll exclaim "squash-OMG" when you taste these unique beef nachos that swap tortilla chips for discs of zucchini -- almond meal and quinoa create a crunch texture while keeping the appetizer gluten-free and low carb.
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 as appetizer
Ingredients
  • baking spray
  • 2 lbs summer squash (such as zucchini, crookneck etc.)
  • 1/2 cup raw almond flour I like Now Foods "Living Now" brand
  • 1 tablespoon dry fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa I like Now Foods "Living Now" brand
  • 2/3 cup prepared Pico de Gallo, drained of any excess juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves
  • garnishes salsa, guacamole, sour cream or others as desired
Instructions
  1. Preheat broiler on high. 2. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil, coat with baking spray.
  2. lice squash into ¼” slices. Place squash, with edges touching each other, onto baking sheets.
  3. In bowl, toss together almond meal with dry fajita seasoning. Stir in cheese, cooked quinoa and almond meal until combined.
  4. Use a tablespoon to pile a big dollop of this cheese mixture on top of each squash slice. If leftover topping in bowl at end of dolloping, sprinkle evenly across tops.
  5. Cut leftover steak or fajita meat into bite-sized pieces. Place a piece of two of beef on top of each Squacho.
  6. Place oven rack on second to top position. Broil Squachos for 2 to 4 minutes, or until cheese mixture bubbling and turning golden brown on edges Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with drained Pico de Gallo. Serve with other desired accompaniments such as guacamole, sour cream or salsa.