Description
This Air Fryer Falafel recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden brown falafel balls that are light yet packed with flavor. Made from a blend of soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these falafels are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, courtesy of the air fryer. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or in pita with tahini sauce and veggies, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delicious vegan Middle Eastern classic with a crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight and drained)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying falafel balls)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas and Herbs: Rinse the soaked chickpeas under cold water and drain thoroughly. Roughly chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to prepare for blending.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you get a coarse, grainy mixture that holds together but is not a puree.
- Add Flour and Mix: Transfer the ground mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour to help bind the falafel. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Form Falafel Balls: Using your hands or a falafel scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Oil the Falafel: Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with olive oil to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry: Arrange the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from air fryer and serve hot with tahini sauce, hummus, salad, or stuffed into pita bread with fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure to soak dried chickpeas overnight; canned chickpeas are too soft and will not yield the right texture.
- Don’t over-process the mixture; the texture should be coarse to keep falafel from becoming mushy.
- To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Falafel can be made ahead and frozen uncooked; cook straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these can also be baked or shallow fried, though air frying yields a healthier, crispy result.
