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–+ servings
Nuggets from chickpeas

Nuggets from chickpeas

A warm, nutty aroma fills the kitchen as these chickpea nuggets begin to crisp, creating an inviting sense of comfort that feels perfect for a wholesome lunch, a light dinner or a satisfying snack.
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Ingredients

Nuggets

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas drained and dried
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Coating

  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 3/4 cup toasted almonds finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 small pickle finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer or oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chickpeas dry very well.
  • Blend chickpeas, egg, almond flour, salt, and pepper until a thick, moldable mixture forms.
  • Shape into 12–14 small nuggets.
  • In one bowl, add beaten egg. In another, mix chopped almonds, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each nugget in egg, then coat in the almond mixture.
  • Air fry for 10–15 minutes or bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden and crisp.
  • Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Serve warm with the yogurt pickle sauce.

Notes

  • If the mixture is too wet, add 1 more tablespoon almond flour.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • For extra browning, lightly spray the nuggets with oil before cooking.
What makes them special is the contrast of textures. The inside stays soft because of the mashed chickpeas and egg, while the outside turns golden and crunchy thanks to the almond coating. Add the cool yogurt pickle sauce on the side, and you have a dish that tastes fresh, satisfying, and far more elegant than the ingredient list suggests. This is exactly the kind of recipe I like to teach to inexperienced cooks: it uses everyday techniques, it does not require special equipment beyond a food processor or fork, and once you make it once, you will understand the method forever.

Nutrition

Serving: 120gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 13gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 3520mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2.4mg