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Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Falafel

Craving crispy, golden falafel without the mess of deep frying? This Air Fryer Falafel recipe delivers perfectly cooked, delightfully tender falafel right from your kitchen, making it your go-to for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
0 minutes
Servings: 6 falafel
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight and drained (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 0.5 medium onion roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon)
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Air Fryer

Method
 

  1. If using dried chickpeas, ensure they have been soaked overnight and thoroughly drained. For a quicker method, you can use two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed very well. Do not cook the chickpeas before proceeding; we want them to be firm.
    1.5 cups dried chickpeas
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not yet a paste. You want some texture still remaining.
    1.5 cups dried chickpeas, 0.5 cup fresh parsley, 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, 0.5 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic cloves
  3. Add the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander, 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  4. Pulse the food processor again until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture starts to come together. It should be moist enough to form patties but not overly wet. If it seems too wet, you can add another tablespoon of flour. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice at a time until it binds.
  5. Lightly dampen your hands with water. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the falafel mixture and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten the ball into a disc or a small patty shape, about ½ inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the formed falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
    1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  8. Lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil.
    1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  9. Air fry for 8-10 minutes.
  10. Carefully flip the falafel over. Lightly brush or spray the other side with olive oil.
    1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  11. Continue to air fry for another 6-8 minutes, or until the falafel are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and heated through. Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your falafel.
  12. Remove the Air Fryer Falafel from the basket and serve immediately.

Notes

To reheat, place the falafel back into your preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
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