Go Back
To make crispy air fryer falafel, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Optional: Pita bread and tahini for serving Each ingredient adds its own flavor. The soaked chickpeas are the base. They give the falafel its hearty texture. Onion and garlic bring a nice depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add brightness. The spices, cumin and coriander, give it warmth and an earthy taste. Baking powder helps the falafel puff up slightly when cooking. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite savory. Olive oil provides richness and helps achieve that crispy exterior. Lastly, lemon juice adds a refreshing zing. Don't forget the optional pita bread and tahini for serving! They pair perfectly with falafel and make for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by draining and rinsing the soaked chickpeas. Make sure they are well-drained. Excess water can make the mixture too wet. If the chickpeas are too wet, your falafel will not hold together. In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Then, mix in the cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse the mixture until it is coarse. It should hold together when pressed but not turn into a paste. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small balls or patties. Each one should be about 1.5 inches wide. Place them on a tray or plate as you work. This step is vital for getting that perfect falafel shape. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). It only takes about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture we all love. Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with a bit of olive oil. This helps them get nice and crispy while cooking. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect crunch. Arrange the falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Once done, remove the falafel from the air fryer. Serve them hot with pita bread, fresh salad, and tahini sauce. This pairing adds extra flavor and makes your meal complete. Enjoy your crispy falafel! To get that perfect crunch on your falafel, follow these steps: - Dry Chickpeas Well: After soaking, make sure to drain and rinse them well. Any extra water can make the mix soggy. - Use Olive Oil: Brush the falafel with olive oil before cooking. This helps them brown nicely. - Don’t Overcrowd: Place falafel in a single layer in the air fryer. Give them space to crisp up evenly. - Flip Halfway: Turn them halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get golden and crisp. If you have falafel left, you can store it easily: - Cool First: Let the falafel cool completely before storing. - Use Airtight Container: Place the cooled falafel in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. - Refrigerate: They can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for: - Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much water or oil to the mix. This leads to mushy falafel. - Not Blending Enough: Make sure the mixture holds together. If it's too crumbly, pulse it a bit more. - Skipping the Oil: Always brush the falafel with oil. Without it, they won’t crisp up as well. Pro Tips Soak Chickpeas Properly: Ensure the chickpeas are soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the right texture for falafel. Don’t Overprocess: Pulse the mixture until just combined. Overprocessing can lead to a paste instead of a textured mix. Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the falafel to prevent burning. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor and heat! {{image_2}} To make spicy falafel, add heat! Use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This brings a kick to the dish. You can also add a chopped fresh chili for a fresh, fiery taste. Adjust the spice level to match your taste buds. Mixing herbs and spices can change the flavor of your falafel. Try adding fresh mint for a fresh twist. You could also use dill, which gives a nice tang. For spices, consider smoked paprika or even a pinch of cinnamon. Each choice adds depth and character. Pair your falafel with tasty dips and sauces. Tahini sauce is classic. You can also use yogurt sauce or spicy harissa. These add creaminess and flavor. Serve with warm pita bread, which is perfect for wrapping the falafel. Fresh veggies like cucumber and tomato add crunch and freshness. To keep your falafel fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the falafel is completely cool before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy them again, just reheat. You can freeze falafel for later use. First, let the cooked falafel cool completely. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the falafel to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can cook them straight from the freezer. To reheat falafel, use your air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. They save time and are easy to find. Just rinse and drain them well. This will help reduce extra moisture. You may need to adjust the spices since canned chickpeas are softer. To make gluten-free falafel, stick to the basic recipe. All the main ingredients are gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread if you want a sandwich. Check any dips or sauces for gluten content. Serve air fryer falafel with pita bread, salad, or tahini sauce. You can add fresh veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes. This makes a great meal or snack. Falafel is done when it is golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through cooking. If they feel firm and have a crunchy outside, they are ready. Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shape and cook them when you're ready. This saves time on busy days. This blog post shared how to make tasty falafel. You learned about simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Making crispy falafel is easy with the right methods. You can store and freeze leftovers too. Always avoid common mistakes for the best results. With these recipes and ideas, you’ll impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking and try different flavors. Your falafel journey starts now!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Delicious and healthy falafel made in an air fryer for a crispy texture without deep frying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 optional Pita bread and tahini for serving

Instructions
 

  • Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Make sure they are well-drained as excess water can create a mushy mixture.
  • In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms; it should hold together when pressed but not be pureed.
  • Scoop out the mixture using a tablespoon and shape into small patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a plate or a tray.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with a little olive oil to help them crisp up while cooking.
  • Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  • Remove the falafel from the air fryer, and serve hot with pita bread, salad, and tahini sauce.

Notes

Serve with pita bread and tahini for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, falafel, healthy, vegetarian