Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer falafel offers a healthier twist on the classic Middle Eastern favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these chickpea patties are perfect as a snack or part of a meal. Ready in just over half an hour, they make a quick and satisfying option.

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 chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed, retaining some texture.
2. Step 2: Use your hands to 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 approximately 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. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Check that the falafel are firm and golden on both sides, indicating they are cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, spray the falafel halfway through cooking as well.
• Swap parsley and cilantro with fresh dill or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with tahini sauce, yogurt, or inside pita bread with your favorite toppings.
• Use chickpea flour to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also freeze cooked falafel for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Form the balls just before air frying to maintain their shape.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the falafel on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or pan-fry them in a little oil until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite using a healthy air frying method. Made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, these falafel balls are easy to prepare and perfect for a quick snack or a flavorful addition to your meal. Air frying significantly reduces the oil needed compared to deep frying, resulting in a lighter, yet equally delicious falafel with a satisfyingly crisp exterior and tender inside.

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather and measure all ingredients as listed. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, roughly chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed, maintaining some texture for a better falafel bite.
3. Form Mixture into Balls: Using your hands, shape the blended mixture into small balls or patties approximately the size of a golf ball to ensure even cooking.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to achieve a crispy outer crust.
5. Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil to promote browning and crispness during air frying.
6. Air Fry: Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each falafel ball over and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Check for Doneness: Ensure the falafel are cooked through by checking that they are firm and golden on both sides. If needed, cook a few minutes longer to reach desired crispiness.
8. Serving: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and to avoid burning your mouth.

Notes

• For gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with chickpea flour.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the mixture slightly longer, but avoid pureeing completely.
• Falafel can be served with tahini sauce, hummus, or wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Leftover falafel can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: falafel, air fryer falafel, chickpea falafel, healthy falafel, gluten free falafel, Middle Eastern snack, air frying recipes