Description
At its core, air fryer falafel is a modernized, lighter adaptation of the iconic Middle Eastern deep-fried patty. Standard recipes combine ground legumes, aromatic garlic, fresh garden herbs, and warm earth-toned spices. Rather than dropping formed balls into a vat of bubbling fat, cook them inside a rapid-air circulation basket. A light spray of healthy olive oil helps the heat transfer efficiently. Fast-moving hot air cooks the exterior rapidly, creating a firm, textured crust. Concurrently, the aromatic center steams gently until tender.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- ½ medium onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas:
Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover generously with water. Soak for 12–18 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly. Do not use canned chickpeas, as they contain too much moisture. - Make the falafel mixture:
Add the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground and holds together when pressed. Do not puree it into a smooth paste. - Add the remaining ingredients:
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in baking powder, lemon juice, and enough flour to make the mixture easy to shape. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This helps the falafel hold their shape. - Shape:
Form the mixture into small balls or slightly flattened patties, about 3–4 cm wide. - Air fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the falafel with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. - Cook:
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside. - Serve:
Serve hot with tahini sauce, hummus, pita bread, salad, pickles, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
For the best results, use dried chickpeas soaked overnight rather than canned chickpeas. Serve the falafel immediately while crispy with tahini sauce, hummus, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Air Frying
- Calories: 4–5 falafel
Keywords: Air Fried Falafel, Healthy Air Fryer Falafel, Crispy Homemade Falafel, Baked Air Fryer Falafel