Yum!!! These are just TOO GOOD! These Air Fryer Artichoke & Mint “Meatballs” are little crispy flavor bombs!
I know it’s pretty hilarious to make meatless meatballs, but honestly, you won’t miss the meat in these hearty lentil balls. But the real reason these are so good is the flavor pairing of artichoke and mint. The salty artichoke hearts contrasting with the bright mint, just WORKS.
Now these Air Fryer Artichoke & Mint “Meatballs” will take a little time. But while you are forming them, you get to smell the delicious aroma and that always keeps us motivated! Just be sure to pack them tightly so the balls stay together. (See photo) Although even if they fall apart, they still taste amazing.
We decided to make these in the air fryer because we wanted crispy “meatballs.” But I’m sure these would still taste fantastic when baked in the oven, they just wouldn’t have that extra crunch.
If you are looking for a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs, try these! You won’t believe how incredible these Air Fryer Artichoke & Mint “Meatballs” truly are… until these bombs explode in your mouth. BOOM! Enjoy!
- 1 Cup Dry Brown Lentils (Cook as per Directions on Package)
- 1 15 oz. Can Artichoke Hearts (Chopped)
- 2 Cups Gluten Free Bread Crumb
- 2 Tbsp Flax Seed Meal
- 6 Tbsp Water
- 2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 1 Bunch Mint (Finely Chopped)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
- Sauce:
- ¼ Cup Tahini
- 1 Lemon (Juiced)
- Cook the lentils as per directed and set aside. Mince the garlic and chop the artichoke hearts and mint.
- Add the water to the flax seed meal and stir to combine. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- In a deep skillet add 2 Tbsp of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté over medium high heat until fragrant.
- Add the cooked lentils, artichoke hearts and dry spices. Stir to combine. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently.
- Next add the flax “eggs”, mint and bread crumb to the skillet. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Make the sauce. Add the lemon juice to the tahini and whisk vigorously, until it is well combined (See Picture).
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees.
- Form the lentil mixture into balls approx. 2 inches in diameter. Once they are formed, roll them into the bread crumb until covered completely.
- Working in batches, cook the “Meatballs” in the Air Fryer for approx. 10-15 minutes. Depending on how brown you want them.
- Garnish with more chopped mint. Serve them immediately with the sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy!
