Air Fryer Falafel
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside falafel balls made with chickpeas and aromatic herbs. Air-fried to golden perfection with minimal oil for a healthier take on this Middle Eastern classic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight), drained
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce (for serving)
- 4 pita bread (for serving)
Instructions
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1
Important: This recipe requires 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) that have been soaked in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Canned chickpeas will not work as they're too soft.
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2
Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry with paper towels.
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3
In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, 1 roughly chopped small onion, 4 cloves garlic cloves, 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp kosher salt.
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4
Pulse the mixture until it's finely minced but not pureed, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The texture should be like coarse sand.
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5
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 1/2 tsp baking powder and 2 tbsp chickpea flour or all-purpose flour. Mix well to combine.
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6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
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7
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
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8
Form the falafel mixture into about 16 small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
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9
Lightly brush or spray the falafel with 2 tbsp olive oil.
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10
Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Work in batches if needed.
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11
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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12
Serve hot with 1/2 cup tahini sauce (for serving) and 4 pita bread (for serving).