Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 garlic cloves - 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup) Using the right measurement units makes a big difference. I recommend using cups and teaspoons for dry ingredients. A kitchen scale can help too, especially for precision. This ensures you get consistent results every time you make falafel. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding cayenne pepper. It gives a nice heat. You can also add spices like paprika or even some lemon zest for freshness. Fresh herbs are key. They can make your falafel burst with flavor. Each choice can help you create a unique twist on this classic dish. For the full recipe, refer to the main section of the article. Start with dried chickpeas. Place one cup in a bowl. Cover them with water. Let them soak overnight for at least eight hours. This step is key for soft falafel. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Use a food processor to mix chickpeas, one chopped onion, three garlic cloves, and half a cup each of parsley and cilantro. Add one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of coriander, one teaspoon of baking powder, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mix is coarse. Avoid making a paste. Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a bowl. Use your hands to form small balls, about one to two inches wide. If they feel soft, chill them in the fridge for thirty minutes. This helps them keep their shape. While your falafel balls chill, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the falafel cook evenly and get crispy. Lightly brush the falafel balls with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. Place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t crowded. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. They should be golden brown when done. Let the falafel cool for a few minutes after cooking. Serve them warm or at room temperature. I love to pair them with tahini or yogurt sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon. This adds a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To get your falafel extra crispy, follow these steps: - Soak the Chickpeas: Always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. This helps them blend better. - Avoid Over-Processing: Pulse the mixture in your food processor until it is coarse. A smooth mix will not hold its shape. - Add Baking Powder: This ingredient helps create a light texture. It gives your falafel that perfect crunch. - Oil Lightly: Brush or spray the falafel with olive oil. This step is key for browning and crispiness. - Do Not Overcrowd: Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to flow around them. Here are some common pitfalls: - Using Canned Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas do not work well. They make the mix too wet. - Skipping the Soak: Never skip soaking. It is vital for the right texture. - Overmixing: If you blend too long, the mix turns into a paste. This ruins the falafel's texture. - Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. It helps achieve that crispy goodness. To make your air frying experience seamless: - Preheat: Set your air fryer to 350°F before cooking. - Use Parchment Paper: Lining the basket can help with cleanup. It may also stop the falafel from sticking. - Flip Halfway: Turning the falafel halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly. - Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time. Every air fryer is different, so adjust as needed. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. These tips will guide you to create crispy, delicious air fryer falafel every time! {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free option, you're in luck! The main ingredients in falafel are chickpeas and herbs, both naturally gluten-free. You can ensure your falafel remains gluten-free by avoiding any flour-based binders. Stick to the recipe and use chickpeas as your base. You can also add ground flaxseed or chickpea flour to bind the mixture if needed. This mix will keep your falafel tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive diets. If you love heat, you can spice up your falafel easily. Add more cayenne pepper to the mix for a kick. You could also try adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. For an even spicier option, mix in harissa paste or sriracha. These will add depth and flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste, so it's not too overpowering! Dipping sauces can elevate your falafel experience. A simple tahini sauce pairs nicely. To make it, mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until smooth. Another option is a vegan yogurt sauce. Combine dairy-free yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and herbs like dill or mint. This will balance the falafel’s spices. Try these sauces to make your crispy air fryer falafel even more delicious. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed steps above! After enjoying your crispy air fryer falafel, store any leftovers in a sealed container. Make sure the falafel is completely cool before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your falafel while keeping them crispy, use the air fryer again. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for about 5 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to save falafel for later, freezing is easy. Arrange the cooled falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can store them for up to three months. When ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer. You’ll enjoy that fresh, crispy taste again! Cooking crispy air fryer falafel takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) first. Once hot, place the falafel in a single layer. Flip them halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just remember to drain and rinse them well. Canned chickpeas save time but may change the texture a bit. For the best results, use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. They hold together better and give a nice crunch. Serve falafel warm on a platter. Pair them with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce for dipping. Add extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for freshness. You can also wrap them in pita with veggies. This makes for a tasty meal or snack. Yes, air fryer falafels are healthier. They use less oil than frying. This means fewer calories and less fat. You still get that crispy texture without the extra grease. Using the air fryer makes it easy to enjoy this delicious snack guilt-free. In this post, we covered how to make crispy air fryer falafel from start to finish. You learned about key ingredients, accurate measurements, and optional spices for flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for extra crispiness, and common mistakes to avoid. You also explored variations like gluten-free options and vegan dips. Finally, I discussed storage and reheating to keep your falafel tasty. Try making this dish and enjoy the crunch!$

Make delicious Crispy Air Fryer Falafel at home with this easy recipe! Using simple ingredients like soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, you can create golden, crunchy falafel that are perfect for any meal. Discover the step-by-step instructions to achieve that perfect crispy texture while keeping it healthy. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with these tasty bites!

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)

Instructions

Soak the Chickpeas: The night before, place the dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse texture is formed, being careful not to over-process into a paste.

Form the Falafel Balls: Transfer the mixture into a bowl and use your hands to form small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter). If needed, you can refrigerate these for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape better.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Coat the Falafel: Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with olive oil to encourage browning. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.

Cook the Falafel: Air fry the falafel for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve: Once done, remove the falafel and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel on a platter with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish!