Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Chickpea and Carrot Balls
These chickpea and carrot balls are a delightful combination of crisp edges and a tender middle, making them a satisfying snack or addition to a meal. The air fryer is ideal for this recipe, as it ensures a quick browning without the need for deep frying, keeping the balls light and not greasy.
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted very dry
- 150g carrots, finely grated
- 1 small brown onion, finely grated or very finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 25g fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes, optional
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus extra to finish
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tahini or 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter thinned with 1 tsp water
- 45g chickpea flour or plain flour
- 35g dried breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing or spraying
Method
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then spread them on a clean tea towel and rub them dry.
- Put the grated carrot in the tea towel, gather it up and squeeze firmly over the sink until it stops dripping.
- Add the chickpeas to a food processor with the onion, garlic, herbs, spices, salt, pepper, lemon juice, tahini and olive oil. Pulse until mostly crushed but not smooth.
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Stir in the squeezed carrot, chickpea flour, breadcrumbs and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Rest the mixture for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
- Shape into 18 compact balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil, then arrange the balls in a single layer with at least 1cm between them. Brush or spray the tops with a little more oil.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8 minutes. Open the drawer and gently turn the balls with tongs or a silicone spatula.
- Cook for a further 5–7 minutes, until deep golden in patches and firm to the touch.
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve with yoghurt, lemon, salad and flatbreads.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
