Air Fryer Falafel
Authentic Middle Eastern chickpea fritters made healthier in the air fryer with no deep frying required. These oil-free falafels are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh herbs and aromatic spices. Perfect for stuffing in pita bread, serving over salads, or enjoying as a protein-rich snack with tahini sauce.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly. Make sure they're completely drained as excess water will make the mixture too wet for proper binding.
- In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until they form a coarse meal texture. Avoid over-processing into a paste - you want some texture remaining for the best falafel consistency.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined and finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add chickpea flour. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when squeezed. If too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water; if too wet, add more chickpea flour.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, shape the mixture into 12-14 small balls using your hands or a small scoop.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place falafels in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other for even browning.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, gently turning them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on all sides when done.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with tahini sauce, hummus, or stuffed in pita bread with fresh vegetables.
Notes
🔹 Always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight - canned chickpeas will make the falafel fall apart.
🔹 The mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.
🔹 For extra flavor, add 1 tsp of za'atar or sumac to the mixture.
🔹 Freeze cooked falafels for up to 3 months - reheat in air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 2gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3mg
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