The baked couscous with tomato in an air fryer is an easy, quick, and irresistibly cheesy first course! Perfect for those looking for a tasty and practical dish, this tomato couscous is an original and delicious variant, ideal for a light dinner or a flavorful lunch. Thanks to the air fryer cooking, quicker and more efficient than the oven, you’ll get a golden and crispy crust without having to turn on the oven. The real highlight of the recipe is the melting heart of mozzarella, making every bite irresistible. The result is a dish that combines simplicity and goodness, perfect even for those who love to experiment with new ideas in the kitchen without sacrificing lightness. Preparing this quick and baked couscous is really simple: just a few ingredients and in a few minutes, you can serve a tasty dish, without stress and with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for more couscous recipes, you should also try:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 1 Person
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 745.61 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 63.68 (g) of which sugars 1.90 (g)
- Proteins 39.66 (g)
- Fat 38.61 (g) of which saturated 19.22 (g)of which unsaturated 9.60 (g)
- Fibers 4.80 (g)
- Sodium 1,406.96 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 370 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the baked couscous
- 1/3 cup raw couscous
- 3/8 cup water
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 3.5 oz tomato sauce
- 3.5 oz mozzarella
- 0.7 oz grated parmesan cheese
How to make the baked couscous
To prepare the baked couscous with tomato in an air fryer, first prepare the couscous. Put 3/8 cup of water in a pot (usually, the same weight of water and couscous is used, but I like it softer), add the oil and salt, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the couscous, cover with a lid, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a bowl. Add the tomato sauce.
Mix thoroughly; if needed, add more sauce, but set some aside for the top. Take a baking dish and place half of the couscous on the bottom, level it, and cover with sliced mozzarella.
Cover with the remaining couscous and level again. Complete with grated parmesan cheese and the remaining sauce. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 340°F for 15 minutes or in a preheated ventilated oven at 390°F for 15 minutes. The baked couscous is ready to be enjoyed, bon appétit!
Storage
You can prepare the tomato couscous in advance and keep it in the fridge. You will only need to bake it at the last minute. Once cooked, it is best to consume it immediately.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use another type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! You can replace mozzarella with scamorza, provola, or caciocavallo for a stronger flavor, or with light cheeses if you prefer a lighter version.
How can I make the couscous more flavorful?
You can add spices and herbs such as oregano, basil, smoked paprika, or chili. Even a light sauté of garlic or onion can add more flavor.
How to get an even crunchier crust?
Add a bit of breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese on the surface before cooking. You can also drizzle a little oil for extra browning.
Is baked couscous suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a perfect recipe for kids! If needed, you can avoid spicy or overly strong ingredients.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free couscous?
Absolutely! You can replace classic couscous with whole wheat or gluten-free versions to suit your dietary needs.
