Crispy Chickpea Puffs are a crunchy and savory snack that’s simple, healthy, and delicious. These bite-sized treats are made by air-frying seasoned chickpea balls until golden and crispy. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or as a high-protein snack to satisfy your cravings. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chickpea Mixture:
- In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until roughly mashed. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add the flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to form a sticky dough.
- Shape the Puffs:
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into bite-sized balls. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air-Fry the Chickpea Puffs:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chickpea balls in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Remove the puffs from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, yogurt, or a spicy chili dip.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
Servings:
- Makes approximately 20 puffs, serving 4 people (5 puffs per person).
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~250mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Key Notes:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free recipe.
- Flavor Variations: Add grated cheese, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Crispiness Tip: Lightly spray the chickpea puffs with oil before air frying to enhance the golden texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mixture and shape the balls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and air fry just before serving.
Enjoy these Crispy Chickpea Puffs as a versatile, protein-packed snack that’s full of flavor and crunch! 😊