- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or set your air fryer to 200°C to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
- Mash Chickpeas: Begin by pouring the boiled chickpeas into a large bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the chickpeas until they reach a coarse consistency. This step will help bind the nuggets together and create a satisfying texture.
- Seasoning: To infuse the chickpeas with flavor, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, extra virgin olive oil, almond flour or coconut flour, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that each nugget is evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning blend.
- Forming Nuggets: Using a teaspoon, scoop up portions of the chickpea mixture and shape them into small nuggets using your hands. The size of the nuggets is up to your preference, but aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking.
- Baking or Air Frying: Arrange the formed nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or place them directly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper air circulation. Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or air fry them for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Golden and Crispy: Once the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on the outside, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips:
- Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your chickpea nuggets. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- For a gluten-free option, opt for almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour. These alternatives add a nutty flavor and help create a crispy coating without the need for breadcrumbs.
- To make the nuggets even more indulgent, consider adding vegan cheese or finely chopped vegetables to the chickpea mixture for added flavor and texture.
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