Air Fryer Falafel

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp ground coriander - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour) - Cooking spray or olive oil spray I love using dried chickpeas for falafel. They give a better texture than canned ones. Soak them overnight in water. This step is key! After soaking, drain and rinse them well. This helps remove any dirt or dust. Next, chop your onion and garlic. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. I also use parsley and cilantro for a bright flavor. These herbs add color and taste to the falafel. Spices are vital for flavor. Ground cumin and coriander give warmth and depth. Baking soda helps the falafel rise and stay light. The salt and black pepper add just the right kick. For binding, I mix in flour. You can use all-purpose flour or chickpea flour. It helps hold everything together. Finally, I use cooking spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make these tasty snacks! Start by soaking the chickpeas in water overnight. This helps them soften. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas well. It’s important to ensure they are dry. Wet chickpeas can make the mixture too mushy. In a food processor, put the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add the spices: cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground but still has texture. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as you blend. This keeps everything well mixed. Next, transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the flour until it blends well. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour. You want it to hold its shape when formed. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. Aim for 12 to 15 falafels. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps them cook evenly. Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They should not touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook the falafel for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. After cooking, let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your crispy air fryer falafel! For further details, see the Full Recipe. To get the right texture, check the mixture after blending. If it feels too wet, it won't hold shape. You can fix this by adding flour. Start with one tablespoon at a time until it feels just right. The mix should be sticky but not gooey. Want to boost the taste? Try adding extra spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. A bit of lemon zest can brighten the falafel too. If you like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce works great. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. This can lead to uneven cooking. Place falafel balls in a single layer, leaving space around each. When using different air fryer models, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed. For example, if they look golden but feel soft, give them a couple more minutes. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your falafel. Adding Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme can brighten the taste. You can also mix in spices like paprika or sumac for extra depth. Want more color and nutrients? Try adding vegetables like spinach or grated carrot. These changes create a unique twist on the classic falafel. If you want to switch things up, consider using black beans instead of chickpeas. Black beans give a different taste and texture. Lentils are another great option. They cook faster and add a soft, creamy texture. Both choices keep your falafel tasty and nutritious. Falafel is versatile and pairs well with many sauces. Try tahini for a nutty flavor or tzatziki for a cool touch. You can serve falafel in wraps with fresh veggies or salads for a complete meal. It also makes a great appetizer at parties. The options are endless! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To keep your leftover falafel fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the container right away. This keeps moisture out and helps the falafel stay tasty. You can store them for up to four days. If you want to save falafel for longer, freezing works great. First, let the falafel cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a tray. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the falafel into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your falafel again, reheating is key. The best way to reheat falafel is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps the falafel stay crispy instead of soggy. You can also use an oven for reheating. Place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for around 10 minutes. Check them often to avoid overcooking. Falafel stays fresh in the fridge for about four days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any mold, or if they smell off, it’s best to toss them. When falafel ages, they lose their crispy texture. They may also become dry. If that happens, you can still reheat them, but they might not taste as good as fresh. Always trust your senses when deciding if food is still good! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. They save time and are easy to find. Pros of using canned chickpeas: - Already cooked, so no soaking is needed. - Convenient and quick to prepare. Cons of using canned chickpeas: - They may be softer, which can change the texture. - Canned chickpeas can have added salt or preservatives. If you choose canned chickpeas, rinse them well. This helps reduce sodium and improves flavor. Air frying uses hot air to cook food, while frying uses oil. Air frying is healthier. Health benefits of air frying: - Uses less oil, reducing fat and calories. - Creates crispy food without the mess of oil. - Preserves nutrients better than deep frying. Air frying makes it easy to enjoy crispy falafel without guilt. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. The inside should be warm and soft. Tips for checking doneness: - Use a fork to break one open; it should not be doughy. - Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness. Trust your senses. If it smells great and looks golden, it’s ready! Yes, falafel can be made gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Suggestions for gluten-free flour options: - Chickpea flour is a great choice. - Almond flour can add a nutty flavor. - Oat flour works well too, just ensure it’s gluten-free certified. Experiment with these options to find the taste you love! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. In this article, we explored making falafel in an air fryer. We covered the key ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You learned the steps for mixing and shaping the falafel. We also shared tips for perfecting texture and flavor. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Falafel is flexible; tweak it to match your tastes. Enjoy making this healthy, tasty dish!$

Discover the ultimate snack with our Air Fryer Falafel recipe! Enjoy crispy, flavorful bites made from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas and fresh herbs. This healthy take on a classic dish is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Perfect for meal prep or a quick snack, you'll love how simple it is to whip up a batch. Dive into the full recipe and transform your snack game today! Click through to explore step-by-step instructions for this tasty treat!

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

Prepare Chickpeas: After soaking the chickpeas overnight, drain and rinse them well. Make sure they are fully dry before proceeding.

Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but still has some texture. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Add Flour: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the flour until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour until it can hold its shape.

Form Falafel Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball). You should have around 12 to 15 falafels.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry Falafel: Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Remove the falafels from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel with a side of tahini sauce or hummus, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and alongside fresh pita or a salad for a colorful and appealing dish.