The Scotch egg is a beloved fixture in British cuisine, traditionally consisting of a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. The innovative twist of using falafel mixture instead of sausage offers an exciting alternative for vegetarians and those seeking a delightful change without compromising on flavour. Perfectly adapted for air frying, these Falafel Scotch Eggs encapsulate the rich, spicy notes of the Middle Eastern falafel combined with the classic appeal of a Scotch egg.
Ingredients
- 6 medium eggs
- 400g (14 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 6 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs.
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you have a coarse mixture. Be careful not to over-process, as you want some texture to the mixture.
- Wrap the Eggs: Divide the falafel mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and carefully wrap it around a peeled egg, ensuring the egg is completely covered. Smooth out any cracks and shape it into an even ball.
- Coat & Prepare for Air Frying: Roll each egg ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Spray the falafel-coated eggs with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Air Fry: Place the coated eggs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.
Serving Suggestions
These Falafel Scotch Eggs are best served warm with a side of tahini sauce or hummus. They make for a delightful picnic item, a hearty snack, or a tasty accompaniment in a mezze platter.
Whether you're catering to a vegetarian diet or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, these Falafel Scotch Eggs promise to delight your palate with their vibrant flavours and satisfying texture. Enjoy at picnics, packed lunches, or as an appetiser to wow your guests.