Air Fryer Falafel

$- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped Chickpeas are the star. They give falafel its base and creamy texture. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add bright flavors. Onion and garlic bring depth and aroma. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder for heat Spices are key to falafel's flavor. Cumin and coriander give it warmth. Baking powder helps the falafel rise in the air fryer. You can add chili powder for some heat if you like. - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon tahini Binding ingredients hold everything together. Flour keeps the falafel from falling apart. Tahini adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture. For the Full Recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps! - Rinse and drain the chickpeas. This step is key for the right texture. - Chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro into small pieces. Fresh herbs add great flavor. - In your food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, tahini, and optional chili powder. - Add salt and pepper to taste. - Pulse the mixture until it’s blended but still slightly chunky. Avoid making it too smooth; you want some texture. - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. - Form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches wide. Squeeze them tightly to keep their shape. - Brush or spray the falafel with olive oil. This step makes them crispy. - Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed. - Set the timer for 12-15 minutes. Flip the falafel halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. Enjoy your crispy air fryer falafel! To get that nice, fluffy texture in your falafel, avoid over-processing the mixture. You want it to be smooth but still have some chunks. This gives the falafel a great bite. After mixing, let the mixture rest for about 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to form into balls. Properly oil the falafel to get that crispy outside. Brush or spray the falafel with olive oil on all sides. This step is key! Cooking in batches is also important. If you crowd the air fryer, some falafel may not cook evenly. Air needs space to circulate for the best results. Falafel tastes great with many accompaniments. Serve it with warm pita bread and drizzle tahini sauce on top. You can also add fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes and cucumber for crunch. For a fun presentation, arrange the falafel on a colorful plate. Add veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a vibrant look. You can find the full recipe above to get started! {{image_2}} You can easily swap some ingredients for a different taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. It binds well and keeps the falafel crispy. You can also add spices like paprika or herbs like dill for a fun twist. Experiment with flavors to match your taste. While the air fryer makes falafel crispy, you can try other methods too. For oven-baked falafel, place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. If you prefer pan-fried falafel, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods yield delicious results. Serving falafel is where the fun begins! You can offer different sauces or dips. Tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, or even spicy sriracha work well. For wrapping, use pita bread for a classic touch. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Fill them with falafel, fresh veggies, and your choice of sauce for a tasty meal. Check out the Full Recipe to make your own air fryer falafel! To store leftover falafel, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. In the fridge, they last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked falafel. For uncooked falafel, form them into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. For cooked falafel, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a container or bag. They also last about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat frozen uncooked falafel, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For cooked falafel, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best crispiness, reheat falafel in your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crunchy. You can also use an oven. Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving falafel, as this makes them mushy. If you must use a microwave, heat them in short intervals. This will help keep some of their texture. Enjoy your falafel hot and crispy! Air fryer falafel is a crispy, flavorful snack made from chickpeas. The air frying technique uses hot air to cook food, making it crispy without deep frying. This method cuts down the oil needed, which keeps the dish lighter. You still get that golden-brown crunch. The air fryer works well here, giving falafel a nice texture without the mess of frying in oil. Yes, you can make falafel ahead of time! Prepare the falafel mix and shape it into balls. Lay them on a tray and freeze them. Once frozen, store the falafel in a bag. This way, you can cook small batches whenever you want a quick meal. Just air fry them straight from the freezer; add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method saves time and makes meal prepping easy. Falafels can be a healthy choice. They are rich in protein and fiber thanks to chickpeas. This helps keep you full longer. The fresh herbs, like parsley and cilantro, add vitamins and minerals, too. Using olive oil in the recipe gives healthy fats. Overall, air fryer falafel offers a nutritious option that fits well in many diets. This blog covered how to make delicious air fryer falafel. We started with key ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for the best texture, and serving ideas. You can also explore variations and smart storage methods for leftovers. In conclusion, making falafel at home is easy and fun! With these steps, you can enjoy them fresh and tasty any time. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking your perfect batch! Enjoy every bite.$

Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? Try making crispy air fryer falafel at home! This delicious recipe is easy to follow, using chickpeas, fresh herbs, and flavorful spices for a satisfying crunch without the extra oil. Perfect for meal prep or as a quick bite, these falafels are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a guilt-free treat that your family will love!

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon tahini

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder for heat

Optional for serving: pita bread, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, and cucumber

Instructions

In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, tahini, and optional chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.

Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture—avoid over-processing; it should resemble a coarse paste.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Form small balls or patties (about 1.5 inches in diameter) from the falafel mixture, squeezing them tightly to hold shape.

Brush or spray the formed falafel with olive oil, ensuring all sides are coated for a crispy finish.

Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, and your choice of fresh toppings like tomatoes and cucumber.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the falafel on a colorful plate, accompanied by fresh veggies and drizzle with tahini sauce for a vibrant and inviting look!