Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Falafel is simple to use, with basic ingredients needed! Once you make the air fryer version of falafel, you’re going to forget that deep frying these falafel balls was ever even an option.

Using canned chickpeas makes for a crazy authentic falafel recipe that is loaded with great taste. Pair that with the fresh herbs, and you’ll love the flavor of making your own homemade falafel recipe. Meal prep has never been so simple! 

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

I love air frying this healthy falafel recipe is that it’s versatile in how you can eat it. With a crunchy texture, you can add it to a small bowl and enjoy with cauliflower rice, or make a falafel sandwich using pita bread. However you want to enjoy this easy air fryer recipe is totally up to you! 

You can easily make some homemade hummus to go along with this delicious crispy falafel to really add another fun layer and flavor. You can serve it with tzatziki sauce or even just a side of fresh veggies. 

If you are looking for delicious foods to serve with this falafel, try these air fryer potato wedges, air fryer mushrooms, air fryer tomatoes, or air fryer cauliflower steaks.

WHAT IS FALAFEL

Falafel is a mixture of chickpeas and seasonings, ground together in a food processor, then, it’s shaped into a ball or patty. Although they are usually deep fried, making air fryer falafel still gives you a crisp falafel without the oil from deep frying.

Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.

FALAFEL INGREDIENTS

• Dried chickpeas-(dry garbanzo beans)
• Minced garlic cloves
• Onion, chopped
• Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• Ground Cumin
• Coriander
• Baking Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Chili powder-for extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Ground black pepper

If you don’t drain the chickpeas well, the mixture won’t stick together to form a ball. Just add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and that make them hold their shape.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
The day before you make this recipe, in a medium size bowl, soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight. (For at least 12-24 hours.) Fill the bowl with plenty of water to completely cover the chickpeas.

STEP 2
The next day, drain the soaked chickpeas from the water and gently pat them dry. Add the dry chickpeas, along with other ingredients, to a food processor bowl. Pulse to combine the ingredients until well combined. (Scrape the sides of the with a rubber spatula to make sure all ingredients combine. Be careful to not over process or it will become pasty.)

STEP 4
Use a medium portion scoop to scoop the falafel mixture. Shape falafel into balls or discs with your hands if necessary. Place each ball or patty on a baking sheet with parchment paper as you make them. Once all of the mixture has been used, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill to firm for 1-2 hours. 

STEP 5
Once they are chilled and firm, spritz each falafel with olive oil spray, as well as coating the basket with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper. 

STEP 6
Place the falafels in the air fryer basket. Leave a bit of space in between each ball, and do not stack or overfill. Air fry falafel at 380 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce, over a salad, with warm pita bread, or in a pita pocket, over a rice bowl, or with your favorite dipping sauce. Season with additional salt & pepper to taste.

I make this recipe in my Cosori Air Fryer Oven. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cook time may need to be adjusted 1-2 additional minutes.

VARIATIONS

Add a little lemon juice – For a burst of citrus flavor to your canned chickpeas, lemon juice is a quick fix. 

Add diced green onion or red onion – Even though this isn’t the traditional way to make this Middle East recipe, I love the flavor they add! For the best results, dice the onions small and then mix right into the rest of the ingredients. 

Make them spicy – Adding a little bit of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh dill, cilantro, or cayenne pepper to the falafel batter is a great way to add some heat! Just be sure that everyone eating them loves spice! 

Keep it easy- Use a store bought falafel mix or check the freezer section at your local grocery store for frozen uncooked falafel balls when you don’t have time to make these from scratch. 

EXPERT TIPS

• Do not substitute canned chickpeas for dried chickpeas. They will add extra moisture to the mixture and can leave the center of the falafel with a soggy texture.
• Soaking the chickpeas in water and then grinding them in the food processor, will help the mixture hold the shape, and will make falafel crispy with a crunchy texture, without having to use a deep fryer cooking method. 
• If they are too watery, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the mixture before rolling.

STORING AND REHEATING

• Make sure that you store leftover falafels in an airtight container and keep that container inside the fridge for 3-4 days. If you have multiple leftovers, place paper towels between the layers so that they don’t stick together. 
• If freezing, first air fry them, then wait until they are cooled to room temperature and then keep them in a freezer storage bag for up to three months. When ready eat, let them thaw, and then use air fryer to reheat.  
• To reheat leftovers, place them in the air fryer, and air fry at 380 degrees F for 3-5 minutes until center is hot. 

FAQS 

MORE AIR FRYER DINNER RECIPES

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Air Fryer Flank Steak

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Air Fryer Cube Steak

Dinner

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

Air Fryer Falafel is simple to make, without needing to deep fry with oil. They are so light and fluffy inside, and full of flavor!

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