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- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in plenty of water - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option) - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Olive oil spray to enhance crispiness For crispy air fryer falafel, you need dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight helps. This makes them soft enough to blend. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add great flavor. You also need onion and garlic for a tasty base. The spices bring warmth and depth. Ground cumin and ground coriander are key. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. These will elevate the dish. Binders help hold everything together. You can use all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version. Baking powder makes your falafel fluffy. Finally, use olive oil spray for that crispy outer layer. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your cooking! Soaking the dried chickpeas is key. Start by placing them in a bowl. Cover them with plenty of water and let them soak overnight. This helps soften the chickpeas and gives them the right texture. After soaking, drain the chickpeas well. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt. Make sure they feel tender but not mushy. This is crucial for a great falafel. Next, it’s time to blend! In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Also, throw in ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it combines well but still has some chunks. This gives falafel a nice bite. Avoid over-blending; you want texture, not mush. Now, let’s shape our falafel. With wet hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties. Aim for golf ball size. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. This step is important for even cooking. To cook, lightly spray each falafel with olive oil spray. This helps them get crispy. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. Air fry them for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. When they turn golden brown, they are ready! Enjoy them warm for the best flavor. To get the best falafel, avoid over-blending the mix. You want some chunks of chickpeas. This gives the falafel a nice bite. When shaping the balls, use wet hands. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Want a twist? Add spices like paprika or cayenne. A pinch of nutmeg also adds warmth. For serving, pair falafel with tahini sauce or fresh veggies. A side of pickled radishes boosts flavor too. If your falafel falls apart, don’t worry! Just add a little more flour. Start with a teaspoon and mix well. If you find the texture too wet, more flour will help it hold together. {{image_4}} You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. This switch keeps the falafel light and crispy. If you want to add more protein, try blending in some quinoa. For a vegan approach, ensure any sauces you serve are also vegan-friendly. You can use tahini or hummus that fits your dietary needs. To spice things up, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also mix in spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs such as dill or mint can bring a new taste. Experimenting with these ingredients will make each batch unique. These crispy falafels pair well with tahini sauce or hummus. You can use them in wraps with fresh veggies. If you prefer, serve them over a salad for a healthy meal. Adding sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish. Don’t forget to explore the full recipe to see how to make the perfect falafel! To keep your crispy air fryer falafel fresh, store them in an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works well. Line the bottom with paper towels to soak up extra moisture. This will help maintain their crunch. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating falafel, you want to keep them crispy. The best method is to use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cook the falafel for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture. You can also use a conventional oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. If you want to save falafel for later, you can freeze them. Place the uncooked falafel balls on a tray. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. To cook from frozen, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes. No need to thaw! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. However, they will change the texture. Start by rinsing and draining them well. Since canned chickpeas are softer, reduce the blending time. Aim for a chunky mix, not a smooth paste. You may need less flour to hold the mixture. Adjust the amount to get the right consistency. Look for a golden brown color. The falafel should be crispy on the outside. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean. The inside should feel firm yet moist. If you have a food thermometer, check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Falafel pairs well with many tasty sides. Try serving it with tahini sauce or hummus for dipping. Fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes add crunch. Wrap falafel in pita bread with lettuce and pickles for a fun meal. You can also make a salad with greens, olives, and feta cheese. For a twist, serve it over rice or quinoa. Check out the Full Recipe for more serving ideas. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious air fryer falafel from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, like chickpeas and fresh herbs, and discussed each step of the cooking process in detail. I shared tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, plus ways to customize your falafel. Remember, cooking is all about practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. Enjoy making your falafel and sharing it with others!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Discover the secret to delicious and crispy air fryer falafel with our easy recipe! Made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, these flavorful bites are not only healthy but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for a quick snack or a light meal, you’ll love how easy it is to achieve that perfect crunch. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in plenty of water

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

Olive oil spray to enhance crispiness

Instructions
 

Prepare Chickpeas: After soaking, drain and thoroughly rinse the chickpeas. Ensure they are tender but not mushy, as this will help maintain the falafel's texture.

    Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is well blended but retains some chunkiness for a delightful bite.

      Add Flour: Transfer the blended chickpea mixture to a large bowl. Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet and does not hold together, gradually add more flour, one teaspoon at a time.

        Form Balls: With wet hands (to prevent sticking), shape the mixture into small balls or patties, roughly the size of golf balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper or a clean surface.

          Preheat Air Fryer: Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

            Air Fry Falafel: Lightly spray each falafel with olive oil spray to encourage a crisp outer layer. Carefully place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

              Serve Hot: Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. They are best enjoyed warm.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy falafel on a platter beside a small bowl of tahini sauce or hummus. Garnish with fresh, sliced cucumbers and vibrant cherry tomatoes to add color and freshness to your serving display. Enjoy!