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Air-Fried Eggplant & Chickpea No-Meat Balls with Spicy Tomato Glaze
Discover air-fried eggplant & chickpea no-meat balls, a vegan delight with a spicy tomato glaze. Perfect for clean eating and full of flavor!
Elevate your plant-based meal game with these Air-Fried Eggplant & Chickpea No-Meat Balls that are both delicious and packed with nutrients. Eggplant, often overlooked in favor of more popular vegetables, is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Combined with protein-rich chickpeas, these no-meat balls offer a satisfying texture and flavor profile that even non-vegans will love.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is the use of the air fryer, which creates a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This method preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the eggplant and chickpeas, ensuring a healthy meal that's good for your heart and waistline. The spicy tomato glaze adds a zesty finish, making these no-meat balls a perfect addition to your clean eating repertoire.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4
Calories
350 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Discover air-fried eggplant & chickpea no-meat balls, a vegan delight with a spicy tomato glaze. Perfect for clean eating and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- • eggplant: 1 large, peeled and diced
- • canned chickpeas: 1 cup, drained and rinsed
- • breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
- • nutritional yeast: 2 tablespoons
- • garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- • onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- • ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- • fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- • olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- • tomato paste: 3 tablespoons
- • hot sauce: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
- • maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- • water: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the no-meat balls.
- 2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- 3 In a food processor, combine the sautéed eggplant, chickpeas, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- 4 Shape the mixture into 16 balls, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow even cooking.
- 5 Air fry the no-meat balls for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- 6 While the no-meat balls are cooking, prepare the spicy tomato glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, hot sauce, maple syrup, and water until smooth.
- 7 Once the no-meat balls are done, remove from the air fryer and immediately brush them with the spicy tomato glaze. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- • These Air-Fried Eggplant & Chickpea No-Meat Balls are delightful as a main course or appetizer. Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the spiciness of the glaze. For a heartier meal, serve alongside quinoa or brown rice. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a cool cucumber and mint-infused water, which will complement the dish's flavors and provide a hydrating contrast. Alternatively, a light, unsweetened iced green tea would be a perfect match, enhancing the meal's clean and wholesome character.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover no-meat balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crisp texture. The spicy tomato glaze can be stored separately in a small container and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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