Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the BEST Air Fryer Falafel, a crispy and wholesome treat that’s a breeze to make! Using soaked dried chickpeas and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs and warm spices, these golden nuggets of goodness bring the authentic taste of falafel right to your table. With a light and airy texture on the inside and a satisfying crunch on the outside, this recipe perfectly balances tradition with modern convenience.

By opting for the air fryer method, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of falafel without the need for deep frying. The result? A guilt-free indulgence that’s as tasty as it is wholesome. Whether you tuck them into a pita, scatter them over a salad, or serve them as part of a mezze platter, these falafels are sure to be a hit at any meal. Plus, with the option to freeze them before cooking, you can have a batch ready to air fry whenever cravings strike!

So, gather your ingredients, prep your patties, and let the air fryer work its magic to create these delectable falafels. With their classic flavors and modern twist, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your culinary game while keeping things light, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Say goodbye to store-bought falafel and hello to homemade perfection with the BEST Air Fryer Falafel!

Quick Benefits

• Retains Authentic Flavor: Traditional chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices create an authentic taste while the air fryer method keeps it light and healthy.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the perfect falafel texture without the need for deep frying, making it a quick and easy method that captures the bold flavors of the herbs and spices.
• Versatile and Convenient: Can be customized with different spices and herbs, frozen for future use, and reheated to crispy perfection, making it a versatile option for meal prep and busy days.
• Dietary Friendly: Protein-rich chickpeas and fresh herbs make it a protein-rich, vegan, and gluten-free option that fits many dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Traditional chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices create an authentic taste that will transport you to the streets of the Middle East.
• Crispy Perfection: Achieve the perfect falafel texture without the need for deep frying, thanks to the air fryer. The outside gets super crispy while the inside remains tender.
• Healthy Twist: Enjoy all the flavors of classic falafel without the heavy oil bath. This recipe keeps things light and healthy, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile: Whether you enjoy them in a pita, on a salad, with couscous, or as part of a mezze platter, these falafel are versatile and can be incorporated into various meals.
• Time-Saving: Make a big batch, freeze the extra, and enjoy them whenever you want. Perfect for busy days when you need a quick and delicious meal.
• Customizable: Experiment with different spices like turmeric or paprika, swap out herbs, or adjust the heat level with cayenne to suit your taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Freeze the cooked falafel for up to three months, and simply reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and crispy snack or meal addition.
• Healthy and Dietary-Friendly: Packed with plant-based protein, these falafel are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Serve these falafel on a platter with hummus, pickled veggies, and herbs for the perfect finger food option at any gathering.
• Satisfying and Delicious: With the combination of protein-rich chickpeas, fresh herbs, and bold spices, these falafel make for a satisfying and delicious meal that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

• Fresh cilantro leaves (3/4 cup).
• Small onion, quartered (1).
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon).
• Fresh dill (1/2 cup).
• Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons).
• Ground cumin (1 tablespoon).
• Fresh parsley leaves (1 cup).
• Dried chickpeas (2 cups).
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon).
• Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon, optional).
• Ground black pepper (1 tablespoon).
• Garlic cloves, peeled (7-8).
• Ground coriander (1 tablespoon).

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

For the crispiest and most authentic falafel, be sure to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked for at least 24 hours instead of canned ones. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Additionally, when forming the falafel patties, make sure to space them evenly in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process to prevent burning, and work in batches if needed for consistent results.

Feel free to customize the falafel flavors to your liking by experimenting with different spices like turmeric and paprika, or swapping out herbs such as dill for mint. Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper used. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still bake the falafel in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, but keep in mind that the air fryer will yield the crispiest results. These falafels are not only delicious but also versatile, fitting into various diets as a protein-rich, vegan, and gluten-free option.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Combine dried chickpeas and baking soda in water and soak for 18-24 hours.

Step 2: Step 02

Pulse chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices in a food processor until coarsely chopped.

Step 3: Step 03

Chill mixture for a minimum of 1 hour.

Step 4: Step 04

Combine baking powder and sesame seeds.

Step 5: Step 05

Form the mixture into 1/2-inch thick patties using damp hands.

Step 6: Step 06

Bake at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden brown (5-10 minutes per side).

Storage Tips

After making the delicious air fryer falafel, you can store any leftovers by freezing them uncooked. Simply place the uncooked falafel patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can cook the frozen falafel directly in the air fryer without thawing. Cook them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through. This method allows you to have homemade falafel on hand for up to three months, making it a convenient option for quick meals.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still store the cooked falafel in the freezer. Simply place the cooked falafel in a single layer on a tray or plate and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the frozen cooked falafel in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of the falafel even after freezing, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick snacks.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have dried chickpeas on hand, canned chickpeas can be used as a substitute. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using. While canned chickpeas won’t provide the exact same texture and flavor as dried chickpeas, they can still create tasty falafel.

For the fresh herbs, if you don’t have dill available, you can try using mint as a substitute. Mint will add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the falafel. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your personal preference. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can increase the amount of parsley or use a mix of parsley and mint for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making a falafel mezze platter for your next gathering. Arrange the air fryer falafel alongside some homemade hummus, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and pita bread. This colorful and flavorful spread will be a hit with your guests as they can mix and match different elements to create their perfect bite.

To elevate your falafel experience, consider making a Mediterranean-inspired meal by serving the crispy air fryer falafel with couscous, roasted vegetables, and a refreshing yogurt sauce. The combination of textures and flavors will delight your taste buds, and the falafel’s light and crispy exterior paired with the tender inside will be a true crowd-pleaser. This meal is not only visually appealing but also fits a variety of dietary preferences as it is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas for this falafel recipe?

It is recommended to use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for the best texture and flavor. Canned chickpeas may not provide the same authentic falafel consistency.

Can I substitute any herbs in this falafel recipe?

You can experiment with herb substitutions based on your preference. For example, you can try using mint instead of dill or adjusting the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Can I bake the falafel in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still bake the falafel in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. While the air fryer provides the best crisp results, baking is a suitable alternative.

How should I store and reheat leftover falafel?

You can freeze cooked falafel for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F air fryer or oven for about ten minutes to regain their crispy texture. This method is great for meal prep and saving time on busy days.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making the BEST Air Fryer Falafel! Your dedication to using dried chickpeas and soaking them overnight truly pays off in the authentic texture and flavor of these crispy golden bites. The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and a hint of sesame creates a delightful taste experience that’s sure to impress.

Whether you enjoy these falafels in a pita, on a salad, or as part of a mezze platter, their light and healthy profile makes them a versatile and satisfying option for any meal. Don’t forget that you can freeze any extra falafel for future quick and delicious meals, maintaining that perfect texture and taste even after reheating.

Embrace the fusion of traditional flavors with modern air fryer technology to create a dish that not only honors the classic taste of falafel but also adds a healthy twist. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy results without the need for deep frying. So go ahead, keep exploring different spice variations, serving options, and meal pairings to elevate your culinary adventures with the BEST Air Fryer Falafel.