Air Fryer Paella

Name: Air Fryer Paella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Spain
Ingredients: 300 g of short-grain rice (for paella); 500 g of mussels (fresh); 200 g of shrimp (whole); 150 g of squid rings; 100 g of peas; 1 red bell peppers; 2 tomatoes ((or pulp)); 1 onions; 2 garlic cloves; 1 pinch of saffron (or food coloring); 750 ml of chicken broth (or fish); 1 tbsp of olive oil; 1 lemons; salt; pepper; a few sprigs of parsley

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This quick paella cooks in the air fryer basket. 🥘 The rice will be a bit more "toasted" than when made in a skillet.

Total time: 50 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Rest: 5 min
Difficulty: Medium
Per person: €3.25

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a starter

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For dessert

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Christmas Sausage Rolls

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To drink

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Christmas Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

480kcal

Protein26 g23%
Carbs55 g48%
Fat15 g29%
Fiber5 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For an even more flavorful texture, roast the shrimp for 2 minutes in the air fryer before adding them to the paella.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Cooked. Up to 1 month in individual portions. The texture of the seafood may change slightly.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 2 days maximum in the fridge in an airtight container. The seafood can become rubbery after that.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Prepare and cut the vegetables (onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic). Clean and peel the shrimp.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Oven: 15-20 min at 160°C covered to prevent drying out. Microwave: 3-5 min on medium power, stir halfway. Saucepan: gently over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Air fryer: not recommended, risk of drying out the rice and the seafood

Variations

Replace the saffron with food coloring.
Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Stir halfway through so the rice cooks evenly.

Mistakes to avoid

Using an unsuitable dish: choose a heat-resistant dish that is not too deep.
Adding the seafood too early: add it after 20 minutes of cooking.
Serving right away: let it rest 5 minutes in the switched-off air fryer.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make paella in an air fryer?

Mix the raw rice, vegetables, peas, saffron and oil, pour in the hot broth, cook 20 minutes at 170°C, add the seafood and continue for 15 minutes.

What dish should you use?

A dish that fits your air fryer, is heat-resistant and not too deep. Pour in the mixture of raw rice, sliced vegetables and hot broth.

When should you add the seafood?

After 20 minutes of cooking at 170°C, open the air fryer and place the mussels, shrimp and calamari on the rice, then close it and continue for 15 minutes.

How long should it rest?

Let it rest 5 minutes in the switched-off air fryer so the flavors develop, then garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.