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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and measure all ingredients as listed. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, roughly chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to achieve a crispy outer crust.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil to promote browning and crispness during air frying.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
