Air fryer falafel is a healthier version of the classic dish, cooked until crispy without much oil. These tasty chickpea patties are flavorful and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. These are vegan and gluten-free.
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and formed into balls or patties. Traditionally, the falafel balls are deep-fried to make them crispy. However, you can bake them in the oven or the air fryer. In the air fryer, you can make falafel more quickly than oven-baked ones.
Chickpeas are one of the best protein sources for vegans and vegetarians. So, these chickpea balls are protein-rich and cooked with minimal oil. This makes the falafel a healthier snack or meal. These are vegan substitutes for meatballs.
Originating in Egypt, it is now a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The taste profile of falafel is savory and herbaceous, with a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. Falafel is often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. This is vegan and gluten-free.
Air Fryer Falafel Ingredients
Raw chickpeas: Soak in water for 8 - 10 hours. Use the chickpeas to make falafel. Canned chickpeas don't work for this recipe since they won't bind.
Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or any of them.
Chili: This is optional, but if you like spicy, add green chili like serrano pepper
Flavor: Onion and garlic
Seasoning: Ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt
Tahini: This enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if unavailable.
Lemon: Lemon juice balances the flavors.
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Don't add any water while blending. Scrape the walls in between and blend.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with cling wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Then, scoop the mixture out to make the balls.
Preheat the air fryer at 400 F for 3 minutes. Then, transfer the balls to the greased basket. Spray some oil on the falafel. Air fry them for 12 - 13 minutes at 400 F or until crispy and golden. Once done, remove them to a clean, dry plate and serve with tahini sauce or your favorite dip.
Serving Ideas
- Stuff in a pita or flatbread and make falafel wrap with hummus and tahini.
- Serve as a vegan appetizer with tahini or spicy sauce for a kick of heat.
- Make a falafel bowl and drizzle the dressing to make it a wholesome, protein-rich meal.
- Smash the falafel and add other salad veggies to make the falafel salad. Check out my Italian salad here.
Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Air Fryer Falafel
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Oil Spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups soaked chickpeas
- 1 small onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 serrano pepper or jalapeno
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup cilantro + parsley
- 2 tsp olive oil spray or brush
Seasoning
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp pink salt (or as taste)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Don't add any water while blending. Scrape the walls in between and blend.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with cling wrap.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour. Then, scoop the mixture out to make the balls.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400℉ for 3 minutes.
- Then, transfer the balls to the greased basket. Spray some oil on the falafel.
- Air fry them for 12 - 13 minutes at 400 F or until crispy and golden.
- Once done, remove them to a clean, dry plate and serve with tahini sauce or your favorite dip.
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