Falafel is a beloved dish that brings together crispy texture and rich flavor. This plant-based favorite offers a satisfying bite, making it perfect for meals or snacks. Making falafel in an air fryer not only cuts down on excess oil but also retains all the deliciousness you crave. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or simply looking to try something new, air fryer falafel is sure to delight your taste buds.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Falafel
Air fryer falafel stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. You achieve the same golden crispiness but with significantly less oil, making it easier to enjoy without the guilt. The air fryer allows the chickpeas to mix beautifully with herbs and spices, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Additionally, the cooking process is quick and simple. You can prepare, shape, and cook the falafel in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings. Lastly, air fryer falafel is incredibly versatile. You can add different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Falafel
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat
- Optional: flour for binding, if mixture is too wet
Directions
- Place the drained chickpeas in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped but not pureed.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined but still chunky.
- If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour to help bind it.
- Use your hands to form small patties or balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make around 12-15 pieces.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil to aid in crisping.
- Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching each other.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Falafel
Air fryer falafel can star in various dishes or stand alone as an incredible snack. You can serve these crispy bites in a warm pita, adding fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for crunch. A creamy tahini sauce drizzled over the top takes the flavors to a whole new level. Alternatively, you can place the falafel on a bed of fresh greens, along with a dollop of tzatziki or yogurt sauce for a refreshingly light meal. For a colorful and vibrant platter, pair them with a variety of dips, such as hummus or baba ganoush. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped nuts over the top, adding a nutty crunch to the dish. On special occasions, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for a fun party bite that everyone will enjoy. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying air fryer falafel in different presentations.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Falafel
To ensure your air fryer falafel turns out perfectly crispy and delicious, consider these expert tips. First, don’t skip the step of draining and rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly. Excess liquid can lead to a mushy texture. Second, when mixing your ingredients, don’t overprocess the chickpeas; a coarse texture adds to the final crunchiness. If your mixture feels too wet, adding flour can help bind it together, but use it sparingly to avoid drying out the falafel. Preheating the air fryer is crucial, as it helps achieve that crispy outer layer. Aim for the right cooking temperature and time, flipping the falafel halfway through for even cooking. If you want to batch cook, which is often necessary for larger gatherings, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you cook the rest. Lastly, experiment with spices and herbs to find your perfect combination, making your falafel uniquely yours.
How to Store Air Fryer Falafel
If you have leftover air fryer falafel, you can store them easily for later enjoyment. Allow the falafel to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator, and they should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to make them last longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat frozen falafel, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, and they’ll be just as crispy as when they were freshly made.
Variations of Air Fryer Falafel
Air fryer falafel is a canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your taste. One popular variation is to spice up the traditional blend with added ingredients like grated zucchini or carrots for moisture and a nutritional boost. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try incorporating jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mixture. For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a burst of flavor. You can also experiment with various herbs. Swap parsley and cilantro for mint or dill to vary the fresh herb profile. For those who prefer a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour as a binder. Additionally, you might enjoy different serving sauces and accompaniments, such as switching tahini for a spicy harissa sauce or a non-dairy yogurt alternative. These variations create endless possibilities, ensuring your falafel experience remains exciting every time.
FAQ about Air Fryer Falafel
You might wonder about common questions regarding air fryer falafel. One frequently asked question is, "Can I make falafel without a food processor?" While a food processor simplifies mixing, you can mash the chickpeas by hand and finely chop the other ingredients. The key is to ensure even consistency. Another typical question is, "How do I know when the falafel is done?" They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure, using a food thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can help. Additionally, folks often ask, "Can I make this dish ahead of time?" Yes! You can prepare the falafel mixture, store it in the fridge, and shape them right before cooking. This makes it easier for meal prep. Lastly, people might wonder, "What can I serve with falafel?" As mentioned earlier, fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and grains like couscous or quinoa pair well with falafel, creating a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
Air Fryer Falafel
Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed Can also use dried chickpeas soaked overnight.
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For brushing or spraying falafel before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
- 1 tablespoon flour Optional for binding if mixture is too wet.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the drained chickpeas in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped but not pureed.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined but still chunky.
- If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour to help bind it.
- Use your hands to form small patties or balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make around 12-15 pieces.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil to aid in crisping.
- Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching each other.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
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