Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer falafel offers a crispy, golden twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite, made healthier with less oil. This easy recipe delivers flavorful, tender falafel balls perfect for a snack or a meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy home cooks craving something delicious and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Olive oil spray (for spraying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended, making sure not to puree it.
2. Step 2: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties about the size of a golf ball.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
5. Step 5: Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Flip the falafel over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are firm, golden, and crispy on both sides.
7. Step 7: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, soak the chickpeas overnight and use fresh ones instead of canned.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve with tahini sauce or your favorite yogurt dip to complement the falafel.
• Use chickpea flour instead of regular flour to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?

Yes, canned chickpeas work well and save preparation time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before use.

How do I prevent falafel from falling apart?

Be careful not to over-process the mixture so it retains some texture, and use flour to help bind the ingredients together. Forming firm balls and preheating the air fryer also help maintain shape during cooking.

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 124 reviews

This Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful falafel without frying in oil. Made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, these falafel balls are air fried to perfection for a crunchy outside and tender inside. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or filling for wraps and salads, this easy-to-follow recipe yields delicious falafel in under 40 minutes.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 falafel balls) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Falafel Mixture

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Cooking

• Olive oil spray (for spraying)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prep the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro by roughly chopping or mincing as indicated to ensure smooth blending.
2. Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Pulse the mixture until coarsely blended but not pureed to maintain a good texture for the falafel.
3. Form Mixture into Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball, ensuring they hold together well.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to get it ready for cooking the falafel evenly.
5. Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray each falafel ball with olive oil to help create a crispy and golden crust during the air frying process.
6. Air Fry: Place the falafel balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Check for Doneness: Verify that the falafel are cooked through by checking that they are firm and have a well-browned crust on both sides.
8. Serving: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool slightly for a couple of minutes before serving warm with your choice of accompaniments such as tahini sauce, pita bread, or salad.

Notes

• For gluten-free falafel, substitute regular flour with chickpea flour.
• If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour to help bind.
• You can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• The olive oil spray helps produce a crispy texture similar to traditional frying but with less oil.
• Ensure falafel are spaced out in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.

Keywords: falafel, air fryer, chickpeas, Middle Eastern, gluten-free, vegetarian, appetizer, healthy snack