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Perfectly crispy without deep frying!|Kids loved these healthy falafels!|Best homemade falafel ever made!|Meal prep winner for busy weeks!|Restaurant quality in my kitchen!|Tahini sauce pairs beautifully together!|Making double batch next time!
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Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer falafel recipe at home! This healthy Middle Eastern recipe creates crispy, golden falafel balls packed with herbs and spices. Perfect weeknight dinner that's ready in minutes with minimal oil.
Prep
20 mins
Cook
12 mins
Serve
4
Kcal
220
Carbs: 28g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 8g
220
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g fresh parsley, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh cilantro, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, roughly chopped (150g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground coriander</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cayenne pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp plain flour (30g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray for air fryer</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by draining your soaked chickpeas completely and patting them dry with kitchen paper - this is crucial for achieving the right texture, mate. Any excess moisture will make your falafel soggy, so take your time with this step and make sure they're properly dried.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the dried chickpeas to your food processor and pulse 10-12 times until they're broken down but still chunky - you want a coarse, grainy texture rather than a smooth paste. Don't overprocess here; we're looking for texture that holds together but isn't mushy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to the food processor with the chickpeas. Pulse another 8-10 times until everything is well combined and finely chopped, but you can still see distinct pieces of herbs - this gives your falafel that beautiful green flecked appearance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Transfer the mixture to your mixing bowl and add the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, flour, and baking powder. Mix everything together with your hands for about 2 minutes until well combined - the mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be wet or sticky.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and mix it through thoroughly. The mixture should now hold its shape when formed into balls. If it's too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time; if too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 16 evenly-sized balls, about the size of a walnut. Roll each ball gently between your palms to create a smooth surface - this helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. While it's heating, lightly spray your falafel balls with cooking spray on all sides - this helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other - work in batches if necessary. Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully shake the basket and flip each falafel using tongs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Cook for another 6 minutes until the falafel are deep golden brown and crispy all over. They should sound hollow when tapped and feel firm to the touch. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the interior to set properly.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas for air fryer falafel?
No, canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will create mushy falafel that falls apart. Always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight and thoroughly dried for the best crispy texture in your air fryer.
How do I prevent falafel from falling apart in the air fryer?
Ensure your chickpeas are completely dry, don't over-process the mixture, and let it rest for 10 minutes before shaping. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be wet or sticky.
What temperature should I cook falafel in an air fryer?
Cook falafel at 356°F (180°C) for 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes first and don't overcrowd the basket to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Can I freeze homemade falafel before air frying?
Yes! Shape the falafel balls and freeze them on a tray for 2 hours, then store in freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time at the same temperature.
How long do air fryer falafel stay fresh and crispy?
Store cooked falafel in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes. They'll taste almost as good as freshly made!
The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.