3 Creative Ways to Make Saganaki: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Recipes

Name: Saganaki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 pound of kefalotyri cheese; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Slow Cooker Saganaki: Braised Cheese with Rich Tomato Sauce for a Melt-in-Your-Mouth Experience

Saganaki typically requires quick frying, but you can modify it for the slow cooker by braising your cheese with a savory tomato sauce or wine. Set the slow cooker on "Low" for 1-2 hours for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a robust, infused flavor.

Instant Pot Saganaki: Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside in Just Minutes

Use the "Saute" function to quickly brown the cheese before adding your sauce or a splash of ouzo for flavor. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" for just 5-7 minutes. This will give you the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy, all in a fraction of the time.

Air Fryer Saganaki: A Healthier, Crispy Twist on the Classic Greek Fried Cheese

Coat your cheese in flour and lightly spray with olive oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the cheese for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer creates that crispy, golden-brown crust without the need for excessive oil, providing a healthier yet delicious version of this beloved Greek dish.

Tips and Suggestions on Saganaki

Cheese selection

Saganaki is a Greek dish made from pan-seared cheese, typically Kefalograviera or Kefalotyri. The challenge with Saganaki is finding the right type of cheese. Select a cheese that's firm and not too salty, and slice it to the desired thickness. Experiment with different cheese types until you find the one that works best for your taste.

Pan temperature

Saganaki requires the pan to be very hot in order to sear the cheese properly and create a crispy outer crust. The challenge is in finding the right temperature for your pan. Test the temperature of your pan with a small piece of cheese before adding the full slice.

Cooking time

Saganaki requires a short cooking time in order to melt the cheese and create a crispy outer crust. The challenge is in finding the right cooking time. Aim for 60 to 90 seconds on each side, depending on the thickness of your cheese slice.

Serving suggestion

Saganaki is often served with a squirt of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as roasted vegetables or crusty bread. The challenge is in finding the right pairing for your Saganaki. Experimentation and tasting various combinations will help you find the perfect one for your taste.

Oil selection

Saganaki should be pan-fried in a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. The challenge is in finding the right oil and the right amount. Too much oil can result in a greasy dish, while too little oil can cause the cheese to stick to the pan.

Classic Saganaki Recipe

                        Ingredients
                        1/2 pound of kefalotyri cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped parsley

                    

                        Instructions
                        Cut the kefalotyri cheese into slices.
Dredge each slice in flour, ensuring that it is fully coated.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the
                                slices of cheese to the skillet.
Cook each side of the cheese until it is golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3
                                minutes per side.
Once the cheese is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and pour the lemon juice
                                over the top of the cheese.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cheese and serve immediately.

                    

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total time 20 min

                        Nutrition Facts
                        Calories: 250
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 14 g

                    

Variations for Saganaki

Lamb meatball

This version is made with juicy lamb meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce and topped with melted feta for a hearty delight.

Lamb meatball saganaki

Greek saganaki

This version is made with succulent lamb cooked until tender, combined with a tangy tomato sauce and perfectly melted cheese.

Greek saganaki-style lamb

Prawn Saganaki

This version is made with fresh prawns sautéed in a spicy tomato sauce, enhanced with fragrant thyme for a delightful kick.

Prawn Saganaki with Chilli and Thyme

Saganaki with hot honey

This version is made with crispy fried cheese drizzled with spicy hot honey, aromatic oregano, and zesty lemon for a unique flavor.

Saganaki w hot honey, oregano & lemon

Mussels Saganaki

This version is made with plump mussels baked in a savory tomato sauce, topped with feta cheese for a classic Greek seafood dish.

Mussels Saganaki recipe (Greek Midia Saganaki)

Shrimp Saganaki

This version is made with tender shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce and finished with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean favorite.

Shrimp Saganaki (Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta)

Traditional Saganaki