Chickpea breaded bites in the air fryer (egg-free)

Name: Chickpea breaded bites in the air fryer (egg-free)
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 60 g chickpeas; 80 g broccoli; 50 g tapioca; 30 g fig; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 g coriander; 1 piece flax seeds + water (1 tbsp + 3 tbsp)

An egg-free recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months with allergies. Made with chickpeas and homemade breading in air fryer. SAFETY: all ingredients are guaranteed egg-free.

10 min
Prep: 0 min
Cook

Ingredients

60 gchickpeasAlternative: green lentils
80 gbroccoliAlternative: zucchini
50 gtapiocaAlternative: gluten-free bread
30 gfigAlternative: mandarin
1 tbspolive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil
3 gcorianderAlternative: cumin
1 pieceflax seeds + water (1 tbsp + 3 tbsp)Alternative: 2 tbsp apple compote

Preparation steps

1. Safe ingredient preparation (chickpea breaded bites)

15 min

CHECK that ALL ingredients bear the Egg-Free label
Cook the chickpeas in water (30 min) until tender
Cut the broccoli into regular 1.5 cm florets
Cook the tapioca pearls in water (15 min) until translucent
Cut the fig into small pieces (very soft)
Mix the flax seeds with water and let gel (10 min)
Wash and finely chop the coriander
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature)

Cutting boardParing knifeKitchen scaleMixing bowlAir fryer

Keep an eye on

Do NOT buy a product without reading the label
Do not cut too large: choking hazard
Do not leave tough broccoli stems
Do not forget to remove thick fig skin
Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys
⚠️ NEVER serve a product that may contain hidden eggs

Texture tip

Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking
For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm)
Test cooking with a fork: chickpeas should be melting-tender
KEEP PACKAGING of sensitive products to prove egg-free
Check LABELS even for 'obvious' products (e.g. breading mixes sometimes contain eggs)
Take out 30 min before for better incorporation

2. Assembly and shaping

10 min

Mash the cooked chickpeas in a large bowl
Add the broccoli mashed into a smooth purée
Fold in the cooked tapioca and diced fig
Add the binder (flax egg)
Pour in the olive oil and half of the coriander
Mix with a wooden spoon
Adjust the texture (tapioca flour if too sticky)
Shape small bites with oiled hands
Roll in homemade breading

3. Cooking (air fryer)

12 min

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C
Lightly oil the air fryer basket
Arrange the bites leaving 2 cm between each
Cook in the air fryer for 10 min
Check cooking halfway through
Remove when bites are golden
Let cool 3-4 min
Test the temp with a finger: warm
Serve immediately

4. Safe serving

6 min

Prepare a fresh fig slice garnish
Arrange the warm bites on baby's plate
Add small fig pieces around (peeled)
Show how to pick up the bites
Serve warm
Watch baby during the meal
Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling)
Put leftovers in the fridge

Baby plateSmall bowl + suction cup