Description
This Air Fryer Falafel recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite by using an air fryer instead of deep frying. The falafel is packed with fragrant toasted spices, fresh herbs, and chickpeas, resulting in crispy, golden brown patties with a moist interior. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or in sandwiches, these falafels are easy to make and full of vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Main Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, lightly packed
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Binding Agents
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Toast spices: Place the cumin, coriander, and cardamom in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly and toast the spices until fragrant, about 1 minute then transfer them to a large food processor.
- Dry chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas well. Place them between two layers of paper towel and dry thoroughly. Remove any loose skins as much as possible to improve texture, then add the chickpeas to the food processor.
- Process ingredients: Add the chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and cayenne pepper to the food processor with the toasted spices and chickpeas. Pulse until the mixture breaks down into a coarse paste with a few small lumps remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Chill mixture: Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and stir in chickpea flour and baking powder until fully combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Shape falafel: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per falafel, form 10 balls and then gently press each ball into a patty just under 1/2-inch thick.
- Air fry falafel: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the falafel patties in a single layer, leaving space between each. You may need to cook in two batches. Spray the tops of the falafel lightly with oil spray. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned. Flip them carefully with a spatula and cook for another 9 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and serve hot. They pair beautifully with tahini sauce, hummus, or tucked inside pita bread with fresh veggies.
Notes
- Removing loose chickpea skins is optional but helps achieve a smoother texture.
- Chilling the mixture is important for shaping and flavor development.
- Use an oil spray for lighter cooking and crispier results without excess oil.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook falafel in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Feel free to adjust spices to your taste, adding more cayenne for extra heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Falafel, Air Fryer Falafel, Vegan Snack, Middle Eastern Food, Healthy Falafel, Chickpea Recipe, Air Fryer Recipes
