Air Fryer Falafel Chickpea (Print-Friendly Version)

Crispy, tender falafel with fresh herbs and chickpeas, made in the air fryer for a lighter twist.

# What You Need:

→ Falafel Mixture

01 - 400 g dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
02 - 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
05 - 0.5 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
06 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
08 - 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
09 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional)

→ For Cooking

12 - Cooking spray

# How to Make It:

01 - Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water by at least 7 cm. Soak for 18-24 hours. Drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Transfer chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder (if using) to a food processor. Pulse in intervals, scraping down sides as needed, until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined but not puréed.
03 - Refrigerate the falafel mixture in the food processor bowl for 45-60 minutes to help it firm up.
04 - Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 25 balls or small patties, flattening slightly if desired.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 190°C. Lightly spray both the falafel balls and air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
06 - Arrange falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for 15 minutes, turning the falafel halfway through, until crisp and golden brown on the outside.
07 - Serve hot as is or inside pita bread with tahini, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

# Important Notes:

01 - Always use dried chickpeas; canned or pre-cooked chickpeas will not yield the proper texture.
02 - A small amount of chickpea flour or cornstarch may be added if the mixture feels too wet.
03 - Baking powder creates a lighter result but is optional; add just before cooking.
04 - Falafel mixture can be shaped into patties for oven-baking if preferred.
05 - Uncooked falafel balls can be frozen for up to one month.

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