Crispy, golden and full of flavor, North African bricks have a long culinary history and make an instant crowd-pleaser. This tuna-and-potato version is adapted for the Air Fryer to deliver a lighter crunch in minutes, perfect for Ramadan evenings or a quick snack.
Ingredients for 4 people — tuna bricks made easy (Air Fryer)
- 10 thin brick or pastilla sheets
- 2 medium potatoes
- 250 g canned tuna in water, drained
- 50 g soft spreadable cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 egg or a flour-and-water paste for sealing (optional)
Make the filling and prepare the potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes for faster cooking.
- Boil in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes, then drain well.
- Mash the warm potatoes with a fork or ricer until smooth.
- Fold in the spreadable cheese, drained tuna, parsley, garlic and paprika.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix until the filling is uniform.
- Adjust seasoning now so each brick has balanced flavor.
Shaping the bricks: a simple triangle fold for neat parcels
- Work with half a sheet of brick, lengthwise, for one triangular pocket.
- Fold the edges toward the center to form a long rectangle strip.
- Place a tablespoon of filling near one end of the strip.
- Fold into a triangle repeatedly, tucking the filling inside as you go.
- Seal the final edge with beaten egg or the flour-and-water paste.
- Repeat until all filling is used.
Air Fryer cooking guide for perfect crispiness
- Preheat the Air Fryer if your model recommends it.
- Lightly brush both sides of each brick with olive oil for even browning.
- Arrange bricks in a single layer in the basket without crowding.
- Select a high-heat crisping program or set the temperature to 240°C.
- Cook for about 8 minutes, turning halfway for uniform color.
- Check doneness: sheets should be golden and very crisp before serving.
Quick tips for better results
- If sheets tear, repair with a little paste or overlap two sheets.
- Brush with oil rather than spraying for a richer crust.
- Use chilled filling to prevent sheets from becoming soggy.
- Adjust time for smaller or larger bricks; every Air Fryer is different.
Flavor variations and serving ideas to try
The filling is highly adaptable. Try these twists to suit seasons and cravings:
- Add roasted bell pepper strips or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness.
- Capers bring a tangy, briny lift to the tuna mix.
- Swap tuna for shredded roast chicken and a dash of tandoori spice.
- Stir in a spoonful of plain yogurt and finish with fresh coriander for a creamy touch.
Related recipe suggestion — spiced chicken brick
For a favorite variation, use leftover roast chicken, a pinch of tandoori spices, sliced pepper and a few tablespoons of yogurt. Add chopped coriander before serving for brightness.
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