Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

$To make air fryer falafel, you need simple, fresh items. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a hearty base for the falafel. Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps them soften and blend well. Seasonings bring your falafel to life. The cumin and coriander give it warmth and depth. I like to add fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. They add brightness and flavor. Make sure you mix in salt and pepper to taste. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. Dipping sauces can elevate your falafel meal. Two popular options are tahini sauce or yogurt. Tahini sauce is creamy and nutty. Yogurt adds a cool, tart flavor. You can also mix yogurt with herbs for extra taste. Serve your falafel with these sauces for a tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by draining and rinsing your soaked chickpeas. Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for the best taste. This helps them soften and makes them easier to blend. A good soak will also help create a nice texture. If you skip soaking, your falafel may turn out too hard. Next, place the drained chickpeas in a food processor. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is crumbly. You want it to hold together but not be a paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. If it feels dry, add a tiny bit of water. Once done, scoop out the mix with a tablespoon. Form small balls or patties with your hands. Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Flip the falafel halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious air-fried falafel! To get the best texture for your falafel, start with dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight. This step makes them soft and easier to blend. When you mix the falafel, aim for a crumbly texture. It should hold together but not be mushy. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water. If it's too wet, add a bit of flour to help it firm up. Herbs and spices make falafel pop. Fresh parsley and cilantro give it a bright taste. Don’t skip the cumin and coriander; they add depth. Feel free to tweak the herbs. You can add mint or dill for a twist. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Mix and taste as you go! Sometimes, falafel can fall apart while cooking. If this happens, your mix might be too wet. Adding more chickpeas or a bit of flour can help. If your falafel is not crispy, make sure you oil them well before cooking. Check the air fryer temperature; it should be set to 375°F. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Pro Tips Soak Chickpeas Properly: Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight to achieve the right texture. This softens them for easy blending and helps create a crispy falafel. Don’t Overprocess: Pulse the mixture until it's crumbly, not pureed. This texture is crucial for the falafel to hold its shape while cooking. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the falafel. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden crispy exterior. Batch Cooking Tips: If making a large batch, keep the falafel warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining batches in the air fryer. {{image_2}} You can bake falafel, but air frying makes them crispier. In the air fryer, they cook evenly and use less oil. Baked falafel may taste softer and less crunchy. If you want a lighter dish, try baking. Just set the oven to 375°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway to cook them evenly. You can change the taste of falafel easily. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. If you love herbs, mix in dill or mint. Garlic lovers can add more cloves for a bold flavor. Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or sumac. Each twist gives a new life to the classic recipe. When serving, think about color and taste. Place falafel on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. This adds a nice touch. Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt for dipping. You can also add a side of pita bread and fresh veggies. Create a falafel wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a tasty meal. You can store leftover falafel in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. To reheat falafel, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes. To freeze falafel, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, air fry straight from the freezer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Canned chickpeas save time. Make sure to drain and rinse them well. This removes excess sodium. The texture may be softer, but they will still taste good. Soak dried chickpeas for at least 8 hours. I usually soak them overnight. This helps them soften for blending. Dried chickpeas will hold their shape better when cooked. Yes, falafel is healthier in the air fryer. It uses less oil than frying. Air frying keeps the falafel crispy and tasty. You still get a great flavor with fewer calories. Serve falafel with tahini sauce or yogurt for dipping. A fresh salad or pita bread also works well. Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a pop of flavor. Enjoy your meal! You learned how to make tasty air fryer falafel. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to get it right. You can change flavors and even store leftovers. Don't forget that air fryer falafel is quick, easy, and healthier than fried. When you try this recipe, I hope you enjoy every bite and share it with others. Now go and make your own delicious falafel!$

Delicious and crispy falafel made in an air fryer, perfect for a healthy snack or meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 small onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional tahini sauce or yogurt for dipping

Instructions

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly.
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Pulse until the mixture is crumbly but not pureed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
If the mixture is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to help it come together, but it should not be overly wet.
Scoop out the mixture using a tablespoon and form small balls or patties with your hands.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil on all sides, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the falafel are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt for dipping, and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Keyword air fryer, chickpeas, falafel, healthy, snack