Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: By using an air fryer, you achieve the crispiness of traditional falafel with significantly less oil.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan: Suitable for various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These falafels can be made ahead and stored, making them convenient for quick meals.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them in pita bread, salads, wraps, or as a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked chickpeas)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
- Cooking spray
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Soak the Chickpeas: Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 3 inches. Soak for 18-24 hours. Drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, ground coriander, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse meal consistency. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes.
- Shape the Falafel: Using an ice cream scooper or your hands, form the mixture into balls or patties. If the mixture is sticky, lightly oil your hands or the scooper.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the falafel balls and the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 falafel balls, serving 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (excluding soaking and chilling time).
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus soaking and chilling time).
Variations
- Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh dill or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Incorporate spices like turmeric, paprika, or cardamom to enhance the taste.
- Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Place falafel on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
What type of chickpeas should I use for this recipe?
Use dried chickpeas that have been soaked for 18-24 hours. Canned or cooked chickpeas are not suitable as they can make the falafel mushy and prone to falling apart.
Can I bake the falafel instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the falafel. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How can I prevent the falafel from falling apart?
Ensure the chickpeas are well-drained and the mixture is processed to a coarse meal consistency. Chilling the mixture before shaping also helps it hold together during cooking.
Is it necessary to add baking powder to the mixture?
Adding baking powder is optional. It can make the falafel slightly lighter and airier, but the recipe works well without it.
Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. This makes it convenient for meal prepping.
What can I serve with falafel?
Falafel pairs well with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, salads, pickled vegetables, and yogurt-based sauces.
Can I freeze uncooked falafel?
Yes, shape the falafel and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I achieve the perfect texture for falafel?
Processing the mixture to a coarse meal and not over-blending is key. Also, ensure the chickpeas are adequately soaked and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
Traditional falafel is made with chickpeas or fava beans. Substituting with other beans may alter the texture and flavor, and is not recommended for
Air Fryer Falafel recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 falafel balls (4 servings)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a healthier version of a Middle Eastern classic with this Air Fryer Falafel recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with herbs and spices, it’s perfect for pitas, salads, or as a vegan and gluten-free snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Soak the Chickpeas: Soak dried chickpeas in water for 18-24 hours. Drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine soaked chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, spices, and baking powder (if using). Pulse until coarse. Chill for 45-60 minutes.
- Shape the Falafel: Form mixture into balls or patties using oiled hands or a scoop.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray falafel and basket lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Notes
- Ensure chickpeas are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Chilling the mixture helps it hold together during cooking.
- Baking powder is optional but can make the falafel lighter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frye
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
