Description
This Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a healthy, delicious twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite by using an air fryer instead of deep frying. Made from soaked dried chickpeas and fresh herbs, these falafels have a tender, flavorful interior and a crispy exterior. Perfect for serving in pita bread with tahini and fresh vegetables, they are vegan, gluten-free, and an excellent high-protein snack or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Falafel Mixture
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: The day before preparing the falafel, place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with at least 3 inches (7 cm) of water. Soak for 18-24 hours to soften. Drain completely and lightly pat dry with a paper towel if moist.
- Prepare Falafel Mixture: Transfer the soaked chickpeas, chopped garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, ground coriander, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder (if using) into a large food processor. Pulse for about 20 seconds, scrape down the sides, and pulse again until the mixture is combined but not mushy.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the falafel mixture in the processor bowl for 45-60 minutes or longer to help it firm up, making shaping easier.
- Shape Falafels: Using an ice cream scooper, portion the falafel mixture and shape each into balls or patties with your hands.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the falafel balls and the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Falafels: Air fry the falafel balls for 15 minutes total, flipping them after 10 minutes to ensure even crisping. Cook in batches if necessary. They should be crispy and nicely browned outside when done.
- Serve: Serve hot on their own or assembled in pita bread with tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers. Enjoy your healthier, crispy air fryer falafel!
Notes
- Using an air fryer instead of deep frying significantly reduces oil and calories while maintaining a crispy texture.
- This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and high in protein, making it a nutritious meal or snack.
- Keep the chickpeas well drained and slightly dry before processing to ensure the mixture binds properly.
- Adding baking powder is optional but helps create a lighter, fluffier falafel.
- Falafel mixture can be refrigerated for longer than an hour if preparing ahead, just cover tightly to prevent drying out.
- Serve with your favorite accompaniments like tahini, fresh veggies, or in pita bread for an authentic experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 falafel ball
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
