A recipe that combines simplicity, lightness, and taste: zucchini and ricotta balls. They are perfect for a tasty appetizer, a light main course, or even as finger food for an aperitif with friends. The creaminess of the ricotta blends with the freshness of the zucchini, creating a combination of delicate and irresistible flavors.
Zucchini and ricotta balls are easy and quick to prepare, ideal even for those who have little time but do not want to give up a healthy and genuine dish. The recipe is very versatile: you can customize it with the addition of herbs, spices, or even a cheesy heart to make them even more delicious. Moreover, these balls are perfect both fried and baked, for an even lighter option. And yes, they are also suitable for air fryer cooking.
Zucchini and ricotta balls will win everyone over at the first taste!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 12 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Frying, Air Frying, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
- 3 cups zucchini
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp Grana Padano cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- salt
- pepper
- as needed fine breadcrumbs
- as needed vegetable oil
Tools
- Grater
- Pan
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Liners
Steps
To prepare these delicious zucchini and ricotta balls, start by washing the zucchinis and trimming both ends. Then grate the zucchinis using a manual or electric grater on the larger round holes. Season the grated zucchinis with a pinch of salt and transfer them to a colander to let them lose some water. Leave them there for a couple of minutes, while in a bowl, you can put the breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, a pinch of ground pepper, and ricotta.
Now squeeze the zucchinis with your hands to remove as much water as possible, then add them to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix everything with a fork until well combined into a homogeneous mixture. If necessary, add some more salt.
Prepare a plate with breadcrumbs. Now take a spoonful of the mixture and form slightly flattened balls with your hands. Then roll them in breadcrumbs and set them aside.
Now choose your preferred cooking method.
In a pan: Heat about 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan, then fry the balls over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
In the oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the balls on it. Drizzle with a bit of oil and bake at 392°F for about 25 minutes.
In an air fryer: Place parchment paper suitable for the air fryer at the bottom of the basket, place the balls on the bottom, and add a few drops of oil. Then cook at 356°F for about 15/20 minutes.
