Air Fryer Recipe
Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Bites
Chickpea and spinach bites are a delightful snack or side, with a texture that balances a crisp shell and a tender, flavourful centre. The air fryer is perfect for this dish, as it quickly dries the surface, allowing the bites to set without overcooking the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 100g fresh spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped, about 70g
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or very finely minced
- 1 small red chilli, finely chopped, or 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint
- 2 tbsp gram flour, plus 1 tbsp extra if needed
- 1 tbsp fine breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp for brushing or spraying
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus extra to finish
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp tahini or 1 tbsp thick Greek yoghurt
Method
- Pat the chickpeas dry and leave them on kitchen paper.
- Wilt the spinach in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, then press out liquid and chop roughly.
- Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, chilli, coriander, parsley or mint, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until mostly broken down.
- Scrape mixture into a bowl and stir in spinach, gram flour, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add tahini or yoghurt if using. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Test texture by squeezing a walnut-sized piece. Adjust with water or gram flour if needed.
- Shape into 16–18 small bites, flatten slightly into thick discs.
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes. Brush or spray basket liner with oil, arrange bites in a single layer, and brush tops with remaining oil.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8 minutes, turn bites, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until edges are firm and tops are browned.
- Rest bites in the basket for 3 minutes before serving. Finish with a pinch of salt and serve with lemon wedges or a dip.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
