Zimmy's Nook

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air fryer recipes

Loaded Hummus with Air Fryer Harissa Sausage Balls

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A platter of Loaded Hummus with Air Fryer Harissa Sausage Balls with a selection of fresh and pickled vegetables and herbs.

Loaded Hummus with Air Fryer Harissa Sausage Balls.

I’ve seen several loaded hummus posts, so I decided it was time to put my own spin on it!

Homemade hummus base. Topped with red onions, tomatoes, pickled mushrooms, kalamata olives, pickled jalapeños, fresh parsley, crispy chickpeas (cooked in the air fryer) and Harissa spiced sausage balls.
I used a hot fennel plus hot Italian sausages, mixed with pepper, harissa, parsley , cilantro, panko and eggs for these easy, flavour packed sausage balls.

Served with pita or flatbread to dip or make a mouth-watering wrap!

Seriously, this was a perfectly balanced platter. Ideal for a party appetizer or a grazing board for the family!

A close up of sausage balls on a loaded hummus platter.
A platter of Loaded Hummus with Air Fryer Harissa Sausage Balls with a selection of fresh and pickled vegetables and herbs.

Loaded Hummus with Air Fryer Harissa Sausage Balls

I’ve seen several loaded hummus posts, so I decided it was time to put my own spin on it. Homemade hummus base. Topped with red onions, tomatoes, pickled mushrooms, kalamata olives, pickled jalapeños, fresh parsley, crispy chickpeas (cooked in the air fryer) and Harissa spiced sausage balls. I used a hot fennel plus hot Italian sausages, mixed with pepper, harissa, parsley , cilantro, panko and eggs for these easy, flavour packed sausage balls.
Served with pita or flatbread to dip or make a mouth-watering wrap! Seriously, this was a perfectly balanced platter. Ideal for a party appetizer or a grazing board for the family!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Game Day Snack, Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 -8 People

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

Sausage balls

  • 450 g 1 lb hot fennel sausages (casing removed)
  • 450 g 1 lb hot Italian sausages (casing removed)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon harissa spice
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅛ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • ⅛ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Olive oil – to lightly spray or brush on meatballs 4 teaspoons liquid – optional

Hummus

  • 2 cups canned chickpeas liquid reserved
  • ½ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling (optional)
  • 3 cloves roasted garlic optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon plus more as needed

Chickpeas

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed and dried
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste

Instructions
 

Hummus

  • Put everything in a food processor (I use a Vitamix) and begin to process; add the chickpea liquid as needed to allow the machine to produce a smooth puree.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning (add more lemon juice if desired)

Chickpeas

  • Toss with olive oil to coat and a sprinkle of salt.
  • Cook in the air fryer at 400 for 12 mins, shake two to three times.
  • Remove to a plate and set aside until ready to use.

Sausage Balls

  • In a large bowl, mix sausage, pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, and basil.
  • Form 3 cm (1 ¼ inch) sausage balls (approximately 28.5 g/1 oz) and place on a baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush a little olive oil on each meatball, then reshape with your hands to ensure the oil coats the entire ball. (The olive oil is optional but helps create a crispier golden exterior)
  • Preheat air fryer to oven to 400°F.
  • Bake in batches for 8 minutes at 400°F, shaking the meatballs halfway through.

Assemble & Serve

  • First layer the hummus on a platter. Stack the meatballs in the middle of the hummus, then add an assortment of your favourite fresh and pickled vegetables, herbs and crispy chickpeas around the platter.
  • Served with pita or flatbread to dip or make a mouth-watering wrap.

Video

Notes

  • Sausage balls can also be baked in an oven at 400°F (on the parchment lined baking sheet – middle rack) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the pan 2-3 times for even cooking.
  • Serves 6-8 people as an appetizer, or 4 for a meal.
Keyword air fryer chickpeas, air fryer recipe, air fryer sausage balls, crispy chickpeas, Harissa, Loaded hummus, sausage balls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Hope you enjoy this recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

We’ve also linked our a few other favourite air fryer recipes –

  • Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles. Preparing this classic brunch combination in your own kitchen is easier than you may think. All it takes is a little planning, an air fryer, and a waffle maker, to turn your table into the hottest brunch spot in your neighbourhood. Serve with honey, hot sauce and a side of slaw for the ultimate brunch plate!
  • Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs. Using the combination of Grimm’s Spicy Italian & Bratwurst Sausages and served with orange-jalapeño-cranberry sauce and baguette rounds!

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy) & Elaine

Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles

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Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles plated with coleslaw

Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles.

Preparing this classic brunch combination in your own kitchen is easier than you may think. All it takes is a little planning, an air fryer, and a waffle maker, to turn your table into the hottest brunch spot in your neighbourhood. Serve with honey, hot sauce and a side of slaw for the ultimate brunch plate!

Crispy on the outside, moist tender and juicy on the inside… what more do I have to say?

Oh, it is also a healthier option than the deep-fried version!

Aplate and platter of waffles and chicken.

Buttermilk Waffles – recipe here

Fresh homemade waffles are an absolute treat for breakfast, brunch (Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles), or even dessert! Simply served with syrup or loaded with fresh fruit, these waffles are sure to please the young and the young at heart.

Make extra to freeze, then pop a couple in the toaster for a super quick breakfast.

Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles plated with coleslaw

Air Fryer Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles

Preparing this classic brunch combination in your own kitchen is easier than you may think. All it takes is a little planning, an air fryer, and a waffle maker, to turn your table into the hottest brunch spot in your neighbourhood. Serve with honey, hot sauce and a side of slaw for the ultimate brunch plate!
Crispy on the outside, moist tender and juicy on the inside… what more do I have to say? Oh, it is also a healthier option than the deep-fried version!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Brunch, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 3 springs of fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the breading

  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil

Make ahead

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken and marinade ingredients in a resealable bag, squeeze out excess air, seal the bag and shake to combine. Marinate for 4 to 24 hours.
  • In a shallow bowl or small baking tray, whisk the flour, corn starch, and spices together.
  • Remove the chicken pieces directly from the bag and dredge in the flour mixture. Once each piece is completely coated, place on a cooling rack and let rest for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380F.
  • Generously spray (or dab with a brush) the chicken all over with oil. It is important to coat all the breading to create a crispy crust.
  • Place the 4 chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer, leaving space between the thighs.
  • Set the air fryer to 380F for 24 minutes and start. After 12 minutes, flip the chicken and lightly spray the other side with oil. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°. Remove the thighs to a cooling rack
  • Repeat the process with the chicken drumsticks.
  • While the drumsticks rest on the cooling rack, reheat the thighs for 3-4 minutes in the air fryer then serve hot with the waffles.

Video

Notes

Buttermilk Waffle recipe is available on www.zimmysnook.ca
Keyword air fryer recipe, buttermilk waffles, chicken and waffles, chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, healthier option, healthy recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Hope you enjoy this recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy)

Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs

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A top down image of a round platter filled with meatballs and bowl of cranberry sauce. A sliced baguette, a cheese board, plates and festive decoration surround this platter.

Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs

The keys to delicious meatballs are the perfect balance of fat content to meat, and seasoning that does not overpower your taste buds, but leaves you craving another meatball… then another…

Using the combination of Grimm’s Spicy Italian & Bratwurst Sausages, solves both those challenges and takes the guesswork out of meatball preparation. Simply remove the casing, toss them in a bowl with a couple of eggs, panko & fresh herbs, roll into balls and before you know it, you are enjoying The Ultimate Meatballs!

These meatballs are sooooo delicious on their own but create the perfect festive treat when served with orange-jalapeño-cranberry sauce and baguette rounds!

To avoid disappointment, make extra! I doubled the recipe!

A top down image of an air fryer and the ingredients used to make these meatballs.
Bowls of ingredients for sausage meatballs.
A sheet pan filled with meatballs ready to go into the air fryer.
A round platter filled with meatballs and bowl of cranberry sauce. A sliced baguette, a cheese board, plates and festive decoration surround this platter.

Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Grimm’s Fine Foods. Opinions in this post are my own.

A top down image of a round platter filled with meatballs and bowl of cranberry sauce. A sliced baguette, a cheese board, plates and festive decoration surround this platter.

Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs

The keys to delicious meatballs are the perfect balance of fat content to meat, and seasoning that does not overpower your taste buds, but leaves you craving another meatball… then another…
Using the combination of Grimm’s Spicy Italian & Bratwurst Sausages, solves both those challenges and takes the guesswork out of meatball preparation. Simply remove the casing, toss them in a bowl with a couple of eggs, panko & fresh herbs, roll into balls and before you know it, you are enjoying The Ultimate Meatballs!
These meatballs are sooooo delicious on their own but create the perfect festive treat when served with orange-jalapeño-cranberry sauce and baguette rounds!
To avoid disappointment, make extra! I doubled the recipe!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine North American
Servings 24 meatballs

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

Orange-Jalapeño-Cranberry sauce:

  • 2 large jalapeños charred, seeds removed, and finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoons rosemary finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 12 oz package fresh or frozen cranberries (3 cups)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix sausage, pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, and basil.
  • Form 3 cm (1 ¼ inch) meatballs (approximately 28.5 g/1 oz) and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush a little olive oil on each meatball, then reshape with your hands to ensure the oil coats the entire ball.
  • Preheat air fryer to oven to 400°F.
  • Bake in batches for 8 minutes at 400°F, shaking the meatballs halfway through.
  • Serve with orange-jalapeño-cranberry sauce (instructions below) and baguette rounds for a delicious holiday appetizer.

Notes:

  • For crispier meatballs cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • The olive oil is optional but helps create a crispier golden exterior.
  • Make extra to use on your favourite pasta or enjoy a mouth-wateringly good meatball sandwich!
  • Meatballs can also be baked in an oven at 400°F (on the parchment lined baking sheet – middle rack) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the pan 2-3 times for even cooking.

Orange-Jalapeño-Cranberry Sauce:

  • Char the jalapeños directly on a grill, gas stove burner or on a hot griddle pan. Remove jalapeños, place in a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a plate. Let steam for about 5 minutes. Using a paper towel wipe off charred skin, slice in half, remove seeds and finely dice.
  • To prepare the cranberry sauce add the white balsamic vinegar, sugar, jalapeños, salt, and rosemary in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, stir to combine. Add water, then stir with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved, reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes.
  • Add orange and cranberries, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries have softened.
  • Spoon sauce into a bowl(s), cover and cool at room temperature. Refrigerate until serving time. Makes 2 cups

Notes:

  • Use a larger pot than needed and watch the cranberries to avoid them boiling over and making a mess.

Video

Keyword Cranberry Sauce recipe, meatball recipe, sausage, sausage meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Hope you enjoy my Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs recipe! We would love to hear from you, please leave us your feedback in the comment box below.

Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy)

For more of my Grimm’s Fine Food recipes, click here.