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Air Fryer Stuffed Grape Leaves served on a plate

Air Fryer Stuffed Grape Leaves

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Air fryer stuffed grape leaves are a quick, hands-off Mediterranean appetizer that combines tender rice and spiced meat filling wrapped in grape leaves. The air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the filling moist, cutting the traditional cooking time in half. Rolling tightly and brushing with olive oil ensures evenly browned, compact results.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 leaves grape leaves jarred or frozen, soaked and rinsed
  • 0.75 cup short-grain rice par-cooked 5 minutes
  • 1.5 cups water for par-cooking rice
  • 0.5 lb ground beef or ground lamb
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for brushing leaves
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment

  • Air fryer Used for cooking stuffed grape leaves to crisp edges and tender filling
  • Pot Used to par-cook rice before mixing the filling
  • Mixing bowl Used to combine rice, meat, herbs, and spices

Method
 

  1. Soak jarred grape leaves in hot water for 10 minutes to remove excess brine salt. Then rinse under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Trim any thick stems flush with the leaf base.
    24 leaves grape leaves
  2. Bring 1½ cups water to a boil, add ¾ cup short-grain rice, and cook for 5 minutes until grains are slightly softened but still firm. Drain and let cool.
    0.75 cup short-grain rice, 1.5 cups water
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the par-cooked rice, ground meat, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, mint, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until even.
    0.75 cup short-grain rice, 0.5 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 0.25 cup fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh mint, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. Place one grape leaf smooth side down with the stem end closest to you. Add 1 tablespoon of filling near the stem end. Fold sides over the filling, then roll tightly away from you into a compact cylinder. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
    24 leaves grape leaves
  5. Brush each rolled leaf lightly with olive oil. Arrange them seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 7 minutes, then flip gently with tongs and air fry another 8 minutes until edges are golden and leaves are tender.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 24 leaves grape leaves

Notes

  • Soak jarred grape leaves thoroughly to remove excess salt and improve pliability for rolling.
  • Roll leaves tightly but not too tight to prevent bursting during cooking.
  • Flip the leaves halfway through air frying to ensure even browning on all sides.

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