Description
This Easy Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Middle Eastern favorite. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these chickpea patties are bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. Using the air fryer drastically reduces oil without sacrificing flavor or texture, making them perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or plant-based main dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley, loosely packed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
- 1 jalapeño or green chili, seeded (optional, for heat)
Spices & Pantry
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
To Cook
- Olive oil spray (for coating falafel and air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel. This helps ensure crispiness when air frying.
- Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and (if using) jalapeño. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Spices and Flour: Add the cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and 2 tablespoons flour to the processor. Pulse again until well combined, but do not over-process—the mixture should still be slightly coarse.
- Test and Shape: Test the mixture by pinching a small amount; if it holds together, you’re ready. If not, add more flour (up to 1 more tablespoon) as needed. Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into balls or patties, about 1–1.5 inches in size.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Falafel: Arrange falafel balls in a single layer in the basket, leaving space around each. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Serve warm in pita bread, wraps, or over salads with your favorite dips like tahini sauce or hummus.
Notes
- Do not use canned chickpeas—they’re too soft and will make falafel mushy.
- The falafel mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen (uncooked) for up to 1 month.
- Adjust spices to taste for more or less heat.
- Serve with fresh vegetables and your favorite sauce for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 falafel balls
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg