Air Fryer Falafel

Ingredients and preparation

To create delicious air fryer falafel, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to form a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas – Soak these overnight in plenty of water. Canned chickpeas are not recommended as they can make the falafel too soft.
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the falafel before air frying)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the falafel mixture:

• Step 1: Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed. You want a coarse texture that holds together when pressed.
• Step 2: Add the cumin, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, baking powder, and flour to the chickpea mixture. Pulse a few more times to combine everything evenly.
• Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
• Step 4: After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge and form it into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too crumbly, you can add a little more flour or a teaspoon of water to help it bind.

Air frying instructions

Now that your falafel mixture is ready and shaped into balls or patties, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses significantly less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior.

• Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the falafel cooks evenly and develops a nice, golden-brown crust.
• Step 2: Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture without deep frying. Make sure to coat them evenly but not too heavily.
• Step 3: Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the falafel in batches.
• Step 4: Air fry the falafel for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The falafel should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. If you prefer a darker crust, you can add an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
• Step 5: Once cooked, carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serving suggestions and tips

Once your falafel is perfectly air-fried, it’s time to think about how to serve and enjoy them. Falafel is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, sauces, and accompaniments to create a delicious meal.

• Classic Pita Wrap: One of the most popular ways to serve falafel is in a warm pita bread. Stuff the pita with a few falafel balls, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Drizzle with tahini sauce or a dollop of hummus for a creamy, tangy finish. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
• Falafel Salad: For a lighter option, serve the falafel over a bed of mixed greens. Add your favorite salad toppings such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Dress the salad with a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette. This is a great way to enjoy falafel while keeping the meal low-carb.
• Falafel Bowl: Create a hearty falafel bowl by pairing the falafel with a base of grains like quinoa, couscous, or brown rice. Add roasted vegetables, pickled red cabbage, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki or baba ganoush. This option is perfect for meal prepping as it holds up well in the fridge for a few days.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve the falafel as part of a mezze platter, alongside other Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. Add some warm pita bread and a variety of olives for a complete and satisfying spread.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Falafel can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Try it in a whole wheat tortilla with avocado, spinach, and a smear of spicy harissa for a modern twist. Or, use it as a protein-packed filling in a baguette with pickled vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce.

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your falafel experience is top-notch:

• Storage: If you have leftover falafel, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: Falafel freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. After cooking, allow the falafel to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Customization: Feel free to customize the falafel mixture to suit your taste. You can add more herbs like dill or mint, or even incorporate some finely chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier falafel, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serving Sauce: While tahini sauce is a classic pairing, don’t hesitate to experiment with other sauces. A garlic yogurt sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy chimichurri can add a unique twist to your falafel.