Go Back
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 garlic cloves, peeled - 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, lightly packed - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, lightly packed - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup) To measure dried chickpeas, use a standard measuring cup. One cup of dried chickpeas will yield about two to three cups when soaked and cooked. If you can’t find fresh herbs, you can use dried ones. Use one-third of the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh. Falafel is rich in protein and fiber. A typical serving provides around 150 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber. It is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for many diets. Start by soaking the dried chickpeas. Place one cup in a big bowl. Cover them with cold water. Make sure the water is several inches above the chickpeas. Let them soak for at least eight hours or overnight. This makes them soft and ready to blend. Soaking helps create a great texture for the falafel. Next, drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a food processor, add the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and cayenne if you like heat. Pulse the mix until it’s coarse and crumbly. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste. You want a nice texture that holds together well. Now it's time to shape the falafel. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Use your hands to form small balls. Aim for one to two inches in size. Keep them uniform to ensure even cooking. If the mix feels too soft, chill the balls in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and keeps their shape. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for crispy falafel. Brush or spray the falafel balls with olive oil. This helps them become golden brown and crispy. Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them; leave space for air to flow. Cook the falafel for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should have a nice golden color when done. These steps will give you the perfect crispy air fryer falafel. Enjoy your cooking journey! To get a crispy falafel, oil is key. A light coat of olive oil helps the outside turn golden and crunchy. Use a brush or spray for even coverage. Space matters too. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Leave room for air to circulate. This airflow is what gives your falafel that perfect crunch. One common mistake is over-processing the ingredients. Blend just enough to get a coarse mix. If you turn it into a paste, your falafel will not hold shape or get crispy. Another pitfall is moisture. If your mixture is too wet, the falafel won’t crisp up. Drain chickpeas well after soaking. You can also blot the mixture with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Falafel pairs well with many dips and sides. Try serving it with tahini sauce for a creamy touch. Hummus is another great option that complements the flavors well. You can also add fresh veggies on the side. Slices of cucumber or tomatoes brighten the dish. Don’t forget to serve warm pita bread for a complete meal! {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your falafel. Adding spices makes it fun and unique. Try mixing in: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. - 1 teaspoon curry powder for a warm twist. - 1 tablespoon tahini for a nutty taste. These simple swaps add depth to your falafel. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. If you want to try something new, use different beans. You can swap chickpeas with: - 1 cup of dried black beans for a rich color. - 1 cup of lentils for a softer texture. - 1 cup of fava beans for a traditional taste. Each bean offers a different flavor. This way, you can create a falafel that fits your mood. You don’t have to use an air fryer for falafel. You can bake or fry them too. Here’s how: - Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place falafel on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This method is healthy but may not be as crispy. - Frying: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry falafel for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This gives a golden crust but adds more fat. Each method has its charm. Choose what suits your kitchen style. To keep your crispy air fryer falafel fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of paper towel at the bottom. This helps absorb moisture and keeps the falafel crispy. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the falafel. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep them crispy, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crunchy texture. You can also use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Just make sure to heat them on a baking sheet. Cooked falafel can last in the fridge for about four days. If frozen, they can last for three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Enjoy your falafel while they are fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas! Canned chickpeas save time and effort. Here are some tips for using them: - Rinse and drain: Always rinse the canned chickpeas well. This helps remove excess salt and preservatives. - Dry them: Pat the chickpeas dry with a towel. Less moisture leads to crispier falafel. - Adjust the spices: Canned chickpeas can taste milder. You might need to add more spices to boost flavor. Falafel pairs well with many sides and dips. Here are some great suggestions: - Tahini sauce: This classic dip adds a nutty flavor. - Yogurt sauce: A cool yogurt sauce with herbs complements the spices. - Pita bread: Stuff the falafel into warm pita for a satisfying meal. - Salad: A fresh salad with tomatoes and cucumber adds crunch. Watch for these signs of perfect falafel: - Color: They should be golden brown on the outside. - Crispiness: The outside should feel firm and crispy. - Internal texture: A fluffy and tender inside indicates they are cooked well. Yes, air-fried falafel is healthier than deep-fried. Here are the health benefits: - Less oil: Air frying uses much less oil, cutting down on fat. - Lower calories: With less oil, the calorie count drops. - Crispiness: You still get that great crispy texture without frying. For the complete falafel recipe, including step-by-step instructions and tips, refer to the above sections. In this post, we explored how to make falafel from scratch. We covered essential ingredients, measuring tips, and nutritional facts. You learned step-by-step instructions, from soaking chickpeas to cooking them in an air fryer. We also discussed tips for the best texture and what to avoid. Finally, we shared how to customize your falafel with variations and storage tips. With this knowledge, you can create delicious, crispy falafel that fits your dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving your tasty creations!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Delight your taste buds with these crispy air fryer falafel! Packed with fresh herbs and spices, this healthy recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create golden-brown falafel using soaked chickpeas, garlic, and fragrant cumin. Perfect as a snack or a meal, these falafels are a must-try.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, lightly packed

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, lightly packed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

Instructions
 

Soak the Chickpeas: The evening prior to cooking, place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Allow them to soak for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight until they swell and soften.

    Prepare the Mixture: After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas with the chopped onion, garlic cloves, parsley leaves, cilantro leaves, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse, crumbly texture, making sure not to over-process into a paste.

      Form the Falafel Balls: Transfer the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes; this will help them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for crisping the falafel.

          Coat the Falafel: Lightly brush or spray the formed falafel balls with olive oil. This step is vital as it promotes a golden-brown crust. Arrange the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave space between them to allow even air circulation.

            Cook the Falafel: Air fry the falafel for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them carefully halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when finished.

              Serve: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Present the crispy falafel on a decorative platter alongside a small bowl of tahini sauce or yogurt sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra sprigs of parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to uplift flavors and add a vibrant touch!