Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and totally packed with flavor. This vibrant Middle Eastern classic becomes even more irresistible thanks to the air fryer’s magic touch—less oil, less fuss, but all the rich, herbaceous taste you crave. With a speedy prep and big rewards, this is your ticket to a falafel night that brings friends and family running to the kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe lies in using just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs. Each ingredient matters, adding a distinctive taste, texture, or pop of color that makes falafel so special.

• Chickpeas (dried, soaked overnight): The foundation of any falafel, they bring the perfect nutty flavor and hearty texture.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herby note and gorgeous green flecks throughout the falafel.
• Fresh cilantro: Balances the parsley with its citrusy freshness for a deeper flavor profile.
• Onion: Gives subtle sweetness and a bit of bite to the falafel base.
• Garlic: Because you can never have too much garlicky goodness in your falafel!
• Cumin: Brings that signature warm, earthy, slightly smoky flavor.
• Coriander: Lends a floral and citrusy brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Baking powder: This secret weapon helps make the falafel airy and light in the air fryer.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that wake up every other flavor in the mix.
• Flour (or chickpea flour): Helps bind everything together so your falafel hold their shape.
• Olive oil spray: The key to achieving that iconic crispy exterior in the air fryer without deep frying.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Prep the Chickpeas

Start by soaking dried chickpeas in a bowl of cold water overnight—they’ll double in size and become tender enough to blend. Canned chickpeas create mushy falafel, so this step really matters for achieving the proper texture in your Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe.

Step 2: Blend Up the Batter

Drain the soaked chickpeas well, then add them to your food processor along with parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not puréed; it should still have some texture to ensure the final falafel are light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix and Shape

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and sprinkle in the baking powder and flour—this helps bind it all together so it holds up through cooking. Give it a quick mix, then let it rest for about 10 minutes, so the flavors can meld. With damp hands, shape the batter into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

While you’re shaping the falafel, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one so air can circulate. Spritz them generously with olive oil spray to help them brown and form a crispy crust.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook the falafel for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside is a deep golden brown and the kitchen smells irresistible. With the Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe, it’s simple to achieve falafel that bring all the satisfaction of deep frying—without the mess.

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Garnishes

Top your falafel with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a few pinches of sumac, or a cascade of fresh chopped herbs like parsley and cilantro. A drizzle of creamy tahini or garlicky yogurt sauce on top makes every bite extra dreamy.

Side Dishes

Create a platter with pillowy pita bread, cool cucumber-tomato salad, zesty pickled turnips, and olives. Hummus, baba ganoush, or even a simple tabbouleh salad are all perfect, classic sides for your Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond classic wraps and bowls—pile falafel into lettuce cups for a fresh twist, skewer them for party appetizers, or even crumble them over grain bowls for a hearty salad upgrade. The possibilities for serving your homemade falafel are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe leftovers (a big “if”!), stash cooled falafel in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste fresh and flavorful for up to four days.

Freezing

You can easily freeze the uncooked falafel mixture or the cooked falafel balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag so you can have falafel ready at a moment’s notice for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop falafel back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until hot and crisp, or warm them in the oven. This brings them right back to that just-cooked perfection, without drying them out or losing that fabulous crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

While it’s tempting, canned chickpeas make the mixture too wet and result in soggy falafel. For the best texture, stick to dried chickpeas soaked overnight as listed in the Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe.

What if my mixture is too crumbly?

If your batter won’t hold together, add an extra spoonful of flour or a splash of water. Resting the mixture for a few extra minutes also helps the flavors bind and hydrate properly.

Are these falafel gluten free?

The Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe can be made gluten free by using chickpea flour instead of wheat flour. Just double check the source of your baking powder and spices, too!

Can I make the mixture in advance?

Absolutely! The falafel mixture keeps well in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready, simply shape and air fry for super-fresh falafel whenever the craving hits.

Why did my falafel fall apart in the air fryer?

This usually happens if the mixture was over processed or too wet. Be sure to pulse rather than puree, and add just enough flour to bind without making the mixture dense.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a batch of the Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe that turns an ordinary night into a memorable homemade feast. Dive in, have fun with your topping and side combos, and enjoy the unbeatable satisfaction of fresh, hot, golden falafel—minus the deep fryer drama. Happy cooking!

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