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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.

30 minMediumServes 4225 cal/serving

Middle EasternAppetizerAir FryerVegetarianVeganLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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

  1. 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.

  2. 2

    Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry with paper towels.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 6

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

  7. 7

    Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).

  8. 8

    Form the falafel mixture into about 16 small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  9. 9

    Lightly brush or spray the falafel with 2 tbsp olive oil.

  10. 10

    Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Work in batches if needed.

  11. 11

    Air fry for 12-15 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside.

  12. 12

    Serve hot with 1/2 cup tahini sauce (for serving) and 4 pita bread (for serving).

Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Falafel gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 4 pita bread (for serving). Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Air Fryer Falafel keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Falafel?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

Serve it with

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