Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
This Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a healthy, crispy, and flavorful alternative to traditional deep-fried falafel. Made from soaked dried chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and spices, these falafel balls are air-fried to perfection for a guilt-free meal or snack that pairs wonderfully with pita, tahini, and fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 18-24 hours soaking plus 45-60 minutes chilling
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 19 hours including soaking and chilling
- Yield: Approximately 25 falafel balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
- 5 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup parsley leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
For Air Frying
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water, ensuring there is at least 3 inches (7 cm) of water above the chickpeas. Soak them for 18-24 hours until they expand and soften. Drain completely and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Falafel Mixture: Transfer the soaked chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, ground coriander, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder (if using) to a food processor. Pulse in 20-second increments, scraping down the sides as needed until the mixture is well combined but not mushy.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the falafel mixture in the food processor bowl for 45-60 minutes to let the flavors meld and to make shaping easier.
- Shape Falafel Balls: Using an ice cream scooper or your hands, form the mixture into balls or patties of the desired size. Keep the falafel balls uniform to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the falafel balls with cooking spray and also spray the basket of the air fryer to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 375 ºF (190 ºC).
- Air Fry Falafel: Place the falafel balls in the basket in a single layer, avoid overcrowding. Cook for 15 minutes total, flipping them halfway at 10 minutes, until they are crisp and golden brown on the outside. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the falafel hot, either on their own or assembled in pita bread with toppings like tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Enjoy immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight is essential for the right texture and to avoid using canned chickpeas, which are too soft.
- The baking powder is optional but helps make the falafel lighter and fluffier.
- If mixture is too loose or wet, refrigerate longer or add a tablespoon of chickpea flour to help bind.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush or spray oil on falafel before air frying.
- Falafel can be frozen cooked or uncooked; thaw before reheating or frying.
Find it online: https://miracooking.com/air-fryer-falafel-recipe/
