Air Fryer Chickpea Falafel

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these air fryer falafel offer all the flavor of the traditional street food but with much less oil. I love how they fit into meal prep perfectly and how they are just as satisfying stuffed into pita as eaten on their own. If you enjoy classic Mediterranean tastes but want something light, these easy falafels will become your new go-to.

I first turned to these falafel when my kids started asking for their favorite takeout at home. It amazed me that using an air fryer kept them just as indulgent but much healthier and less messy.

Ingredients

• Dried chickpeas: Give the best firm yet creamy texture and help bind the falafel Choose firm whole dried chickpeas from a fresh batch
• Garlic cloves: Boost deep savory flavor and add a mild bite Pick firm, plump cloves
• Small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and keeps the mixture moist Go for a fresh pretty onion free of soft spots
• Parsley leaves: Packs herby brightness and essential color Use large-leafed fresh parsley for the most flavor
• Cilantro leaves: Offer classic Mediterranean fragrance Pick fresh, green cilantro without wilt
• Ground coriander: Brings warmth and earthy undertone Opt for a fragrant fresh-ground option
• Ground cumin: Traditional spice that gives depth and earthiness Fresher cumin powder will give stronger aroma
• Sea salt: Enhances all flavors Use fine grain for even seasoning
• Black pepper: Adds warmth without overpowering the mixture Use freshly cracked for a bigger punch
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper: Adds a customizable subtle heat Start with a pinch and adjust to your preference
• Baking powder: Adds lightness for extra tender falafel This is optional but worth it if you prefer airy texture
• Cooking spray: Helps achieve a crispy crust with no deep frying Opt for an oil spray without propellants

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Chickpeas:

Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with lots of water The water should rise several inches above the beans Let them soak for 18 to 24 hours so they become fully plump and hydrated Drain and gently pat dry so the mixture is not wet

Prepare the Falafel Mixture:

Add chickpeas plus garlic onion parsley cilantro coriander cumin salt pepper and red pepper or cayenne to a food processor If your machine is small do this in batches Pulse for about 20 seconds then scrape down the sides Continue blending until you have a well combined but still slightly coarse mixture

Chill the Mixture:

Leave the processed mixture in the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 45 to 60 minutes Chilling helps the flavors develop and the mixture hold shape

Shape the Falafel:

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out the chilled mixture Roll gently between your hands to form balls or flatten gently for patties if you prefer Repeat until all the mixture is shaped

Prep and Air Fry:

Spray each falafel lightly with cooking spray and also mist the air fryer basket Heat your air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Arrange falafel in a single layer without crowding Cook for fifteen minutes flipping them after ten minutes for even browning Falafel should be deep golden and crisp outside

Serve:

Enjoy the falafel right from the air fryer Stuff into fresh pita and top with creamy tahini lettuce tomato and cucumbers for a classic meal

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My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the fresh parsley It makes the falafel taste bright and fresh and adds a gorgeous green fleck to every bite When we have family dinners these always disappear in minutes because everyone loves piling them into warm pita

How to Store Falafel

Once cooled store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For best results reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness You can also freeze uncooked falafel balls for up to a month Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to a freezer bag

Ingredient Swaps

If you need to skip cilantro simply use more parsley for a milder herb note For extra binding add a spoon of chickpea flour if your mixture feels loose If you prefer more spice add a pinch of your favorite chili powder or extra black pepper

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Serving Suggestions

Serve falafel inside fluffy pita with a drizzle of tahini and lots of crunchy veggies For a lighter meal toss them over a big salad You can also crumble falafel into grain bowls or wrap in lettuce leaves for a low carb option

Falafel in Food Culture

Falafel is celebrated from Egypt to Israel as an everyday street food and a nourishing part of vegetarian fare It is traditionally fried which makes the air fryer version especially appealing to those who want the flavor without the extra oil

Recipe Questions

→ Why must I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Dried chickpeas keep the falafel mixture firm, preventing sogginess or disintegration. Canned chickpeas introduce excess moisture, making it difficult to form crisp balls.

→ How do I get falafel crisp in the air fryer?

Lightly spray the falafel and air fryer basket with oil, arrange balls with space between them, and cook at 375°F until golden, flipping halfway for an even texture.

→ Can I bake falafel instead of air frying?

Yes, shape into patties for oven baking. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once, and mist with oil for a crisper shell.

→ What herbs are best for falafel?

Fresh parsley and cilantro add vibrant color and fresh flavor to falafel. You may adjust the proportions or include mint for a unique twist.

→ How should I serve falafel?

Enjoy falafel in pita with salad fixings and tahini, layered over grains, or as a protein-packed salad topper. Serve hot for best texture.

→ Can I freeze uncooked falafel?

Yes, shape the mixture, freeze on a tray, then store in a container for up to a month. Air fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to cook time.