Crispy Spiced Eggplant & Chickpea Fritters: Air Fryer Delight
Discover a crunchy air fryer recipe with eggplant and chickpeas. Perfect for a vegetarian meal rich in fiber and protein. Try these healthy fritters today!
Recipe Overview
Discover a crunchy air fryer recipe with eggplant and chickpeas. Perfect for a vegetarian meal rich in fiber and protein. Try these healthy fritters today!
Ingredients
- • medium eggplant: 1, peeled and diced
- • canned chickpeas: 1 cup, drained and rinsed
- • onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- • garlic cloves: 2, minced
- • ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- • ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- • all-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- • lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the fritters achieve a crispy texture without excessive oil.
- 2 In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas until they form a coarse consistency. Add the diced eggplant, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, parsley, flour, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 3 Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact to avoid crumbling.
- 4 Place the fritters in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 5 Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
Serving Suggestions
- • These Crispy Spiced Eggplant & Chickpea Fritters are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. Pair them with a light, refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. For a touch of creaminess, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a vegan yogurt alternative mixed with mint and cucumber. For an added burst of flavor, consider serving the fritters with a spicy harissa sauce or a homemade tahini dressing. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime complements the meal perfectly, cleansing the palate and enhancing the spices.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
