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Air Fryer Eggplant Bites with Spicy Chickpea Filling and Tahini Drizzle
Discover a unique air fryer recipe with eggplant bites filled with spiced chickpeas and topped with a creamy tahini drizzle. Perfect for healthy snacking!
Transform your air fryer into a culinary magic wand with these delicious eggplant bites, filled with a spicy chickpea blend and drizzled with creamy tahini. This recipe taps into the versatility of eggplants, offering a satisfying plant-based dish that's rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. The air fryer method ensures a crispy exterior with minimal oil, preserving the nutritional integrity of each ingredient.
Eggplants are a fantastic source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, while chickpeas add plant-based protein that keeps you full longer. The spicy filling, combined with the creamy tahini drizzle, creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore new culinary horizons while maintaining a focus on clean eating.
Recipe Overview
🥗 Vegetarian
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4
Calories
320 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Discover a unique air fryer recipe with eggplant bites filled with spiced chickpeas and topped with a creamy tahini drizzle. Perfect for healthy snacking!
Ingredients
- • eggplants: 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- • canned chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- • garlic cloves: 2, minced
- • ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- • cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- • lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
- • tahini: 1/4 cup
- • water: 2 tablespoons
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- • fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- 2 In a bowl, toss eggplant slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- 3 Air fry the eggplant slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.
- 4 Meanwhile, prepare the chickpea filling: In a mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 5 Once the eggplants are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Spoon a generous amount of the chickpea mixture onto each eggplant slice.
- 6 Return the filled eggplant slices to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tops to crisp slightly.
- 7 While the eggplant bites are finishing, prepare the tahini drizzle: In a small bowl, mix tahini with water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
- 8 Drizzle the cooked eggplant bites with tahini sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- • These air fryer eggplant bites are perfect as a standalone snack or appetizer. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a fresh arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and a light lemon vinaigrette. A side of warm pita bread can complement the dish, offering a satisfying way to scoop up the flavorful bites. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider serving with a chilled glass of mint-infused iced green tea.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover eggplant bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the eggplants soggy.
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