Air Fryer Falafel

$- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To make air fryer falafel, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The star ingredient is chickpeas. They provide protein and a hearty texture. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add a bright flavor. Onion and garlic give depth and aroma. Cumin and coriander are key spices. They bring warmth to each bite. Baking powder helps the falafel puff up a bit, making them light. Flour acts as a binder, ensuring they hold their shape. Olive oil adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy outside. Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. This will make your cooking process smooth. Each ingredient plays a role in creating delicious, crunchy falafel. When you use fresh and quality items, your falafel will taste even better. To start, grab your food processor. Add the drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic. Then, sprinkle in the ground cumin and ground coriander. Don’t forget the baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse this mixture until it is coarsely blended. You want it to be chunky, not a smooth paste. If needed, stop and scrape down the sides to mix it well. The right texture is key for great falafel. You want it to hold together but still have some bite. Next, transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Chill for about 30 minutes. This step is important. Refrigerating helps the flavors meld together. Plus, it makes the mixture easier to shape into balls or patties. Now, let’s get to air frying! First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, take the chilled mixture and form it into small balls. Golf ball size works well. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. This prevents sticking. Place the balls in a single layer, leaving space between each one. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness. When they are golden brown, they are ready! Carefully remove them and repeat with any leftover mixture. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful falafel! How does olive oil impact crispiness? Olive oil adds flavor and helps the falafel brown. It creates a nice crust when air frying. Use about two tablespoons for best results. What are the best practices for air frying? Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking. Place falafel in a single layer, leaving space between them. This allows hot air to flow around each piece. How can you add spices or herbs to taste? You can mix in extra herbs like mint or dill. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. What are some good dipping sauce suggestions? Tahini sauce pairs well with falafel. You can also try a yogurt dip or a spicy harissa sauce. These dips boost flavor and add variety. What happens if you overprocess the mixture? Overprocessing makes the falafel too mushy. Aim for a coarse blend, so they hold shape. Why is it important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket? If you overcrowd, the falafel won't cook evenly. This can lead to soggy spots. Air circulation is key for crispy results. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different beans. Black beans work great in falafel. They add a nice flavor and earthiness. You can also use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option. It binds well and keeps the falafel crispy. Want some heat? Add jalapeños to the mix. They bring a nice kick to your falafel. You can also incorporate roasted veggies. Carrots or bell peppers add sweetness and depth. Just chop them small before mixing. For plating, arrange the falafel on a vibrant platter. Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt dip on the side. Garnish with more parsley or cilantro for color. Pair your falafel with a fresh salad. It balances the dish and adds crunch. Enjoy your meal with warm pita bread for a satisfying combo! Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. To freeze falafel, place them in a single layer on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. You can store them for up to three months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Look for signs that your falafel have spoiled. If they smell sour or look dry, it’s best to throw them away. To extend freshness, you can freeze them right after making. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. Cook falafel for 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip them halfway for even cooking. The exact time may change based on the size of your falafel. Larger balls may need more time, while smaller ones cook faster. Aim for a golden brown color for the best crunch. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. First, soak them overnight in water. This softens them. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, boil them for about 30 minutes until tender. Let them cool before using them in your falafel mix. This method gives you a fresh taste. Falafel tastes great with many sauces. I recommend tahini sauce, which is creamy and nutty. Yogurt dips are another good choice; they add a cool touch. Try mixing yogurt with garlic and lemon for flavor. Hummus also pairs well, adding more chickpea goodness. Crumbling falafel often happens due to too much moisture. Make sure to drain the chickpeas well. If your mix is too wet, add a bit more flour. Another reason may be overprocessing. Blend just until combined, not smooth. This keeps falafel together while cooking. Absolutely! You can prepare the falafel mix a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can also shape the falafel and refrigerate them. This helps save time on busy days while keeping the flavors fresh. Reheat falafel in your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also microwave them, but they might lose some crunch. For best texture, stick with the air fryer. Making air fryer falafel is simple and enjoyable. We covered the key ingredients, like chickpeas and herbs, and walked through the steps to blend, chill, and cook the mixture. You learned tips to get that perfect crispy texture and how to avoid common mistakes. Variations can spice things up, too, with alternative ingredients or tasty sauces. Store your leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Overall, air fryer falafel is a healthy, fun dish that fits many diets. Enjoy making it your own!$

Discover the secret to delicious and crispy air fryer falafel that will impress your taste buds! Packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this recipe is not only easy to make but also gluten-free if you choose chickpea flour. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy meal, these crispy chickpea wonders are sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not puréed. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is mixed well.

Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and make the mixture easier to shape.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Once chilled, form the mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball).

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the falafel balls in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.

Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and repeat the process with any remaining mixture.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel warm, arranged on a platter with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt dip. Garnish with additional parsley or cilantro, and serve with fresh pita and a colorful salad for a complete meal.