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Crispy Veggie Balls Recipe

4.6 from 133 reviews

These crispy veggie balls are a delicious and healthy plant-based snack made from potatoes, carrots, and broccoli, seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. They are baked or air-fried to crispy perfection and served with a flavorful vegan mayo-based dip, making them perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Veggie Balls

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (add more if needed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried herbs such as oregano or Italian blend
  • 2 tbsp grated vegan parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dip

  • 3 tbsp vegan mayo or vegan yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Boil the Vegetables: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 8 minutes.
  2. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until all the vegetables are soft and tender.
  3. Drain and Cool: Drain the vegetables well and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle for mashing.
  4. Mash the Veggies: Mash the vegetables in a bowl until mostly smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  5. Mix the Dough: Add olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs to the mashed veggies. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. If the mixture feels too soft and sticky, add a little more cornstarch to help it bind better.
  6. Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a tray and chill for 10 minutes if time allows to help them firm up.
  7. Cook the Veggie Balls: For air frying, place the balls in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even crisping. For oven baking, arrange the balls on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once to ensure both sides become golden and crisp.
  8. Finish: Toss the warm veggie balls with chopped parsley and grated vegan parmesan to add flavor and freshness.
  9. Prepare the Dip: In a small bowl, combine vegan mayo or yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix well and serve alongside the veggie balls as a delicious dipping sauce.

Notes

  • If the dough is too sticky, add cornstarch incrementally until it can be easily shaped.
  • These veggie balls can be frozen before cooking; just thaw and cook as instructed.
  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the balls with oil before air frying or baking.
  • Vegan parmesan can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Keywords: crispy veggie balls, vegan snack, air fryer recipes, healthy appetizers, plant-based recipe