Air Fryer Falafel

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Falafel is one of Lebanon’s most iconic street foods, and this air fryer version of falafel is much easier and made without any oil. It’s a crispy, dark brown chickpea fritter with a soft and airy interior with a beautiful vibrant green color. The falafel batter is made with chickpeas, herbs, and aromatics, making it a breeze to prepare. This air fryer method skips the traditional deep frying, making it one step easier.

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If you’ve ever made my authentic falafel recipe, you would know I have two big rules for making the best falafel: first, you have to use dried uncooked chickpeas, and second, you have to deep fry the falafel. Well, I’m breaking one of those rules today for a less authentic version by air frying falafel. And that’s because I wanted a reason to eat more falafel without the hassle of deep-frying and using a large amount of oil.

Why you’ll love this falafel recipe

• Crispy without deep frying. I was honestly skeptical of air frying falafel, but I tested a couple of temperatures and times to get the best crispy edges while keeping the texture on the inside moist and airy.
• Authentic flavor. Because I grew up watching my parents make falafel from scratch so often and eating a lot of falafel sandwiches, I’ve perfected the falafel batter with the right mixture of fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s the best batter ever!

• Vegan-friendly recipe. Falafel is traditionally a vegan recipe with a chickpea base seasoned and formed into delicious little bites. 
• Enjoyed in many ways. This recipe is so good because you can eat these falafels in many ways! They’re perfect for dipping in tahini sauce as an appetizer or stuffing them into bread with yummy toppings for a sandwich. Plus, you can mix and match different herbs and seasonings to make them just the way you like!

Homemade falafel ingredients

• Chickpeas: Use dry chickpeas, not canned. Canned chickpeas are too soft and will not bind together correctly.
• Onion: Yellow onions have the best flavor for falafels, but any large onion will do.  Don’t substitute onion powder because the fresh onions add texture, a touch of moisture, and extra flavor to the patties.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is used in falafel recipes to help the chickpea mixture rise and become light and fluffy.
• Fresh herbs and garlic: This recipe is just chickpeas with herbs, and a few other ingredients, so fresh is the way to go. 
• Seasonings: cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, black pepper

How to make falafels in the air fryer

Prepare to make some delicious falafels by soaking the chickpeas overnight and drying them well before making the batter. Quartering the onion can make blending easier. Don’t worry, this recipe is a breeze, and if the batter isn’t sticking together, you can always adjust it as needed.

Make the falafel batter

1. Place the soaked and dried chickpeas and salt in the bowl of a food processor. 
2. After pulsing the chickpeas into fine crumbles, add the cilantro, parsley, onion, salt, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. 
3. Blend until the mixture turns into a thick green paste, scraping down the sides as needed. Remove the blade from the bowl, then cover and refrigerate to let the batter set.
4. Remove the falafel batter from the fridge. Sprinkle the baking powder over the top, then gently fold it throughout. 
5. Use a falafel scoop or spoon to portion the batter If using a spoon, shape the batter into a ball or flat disc.
6. Place them on a parchment line baking sheet for easy transfer to the air fryer.

How to air fry falafel

• Place some of the shaped falafels in the air fryer basket, leaving enough room between each piece.
• Cook until crisp and browned on the outside.

Tips for making the best air fried falafels

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight. While 12 hours will do the trick, giving a full day will ensure they are soft and blend easily into a batter, resulting in a better texture after cooking. 
2. Chill before cooking. Letting falafel batter rest in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into patties or balls. This also helps the falafel to hold its shape during cooking.
3. Preheat your air fryer. Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking is important to make sure it’s hot enough and ready to cook your falafels evenly.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Remember to give your falafels some breathing room in the air fryer basket so they cook up evenly and get nice and crispy all around!
5. Flip halfway through. Air fryer recipes often recommend shaking or flipping the basket during cooking to ensure even browning of the food. To avoid damaging the fragile falafels, it’s best to flip them carefully with a fork or tongs.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Swap out the chickpeas. While chickpeas are the traditional falafel base, but you can also use other beans, such as black or kidney beans. I still recommend using dry beans for the best texture.
• Try different herbs. Parsley and cilantro are the most common herbs for falafel, but you can experiment with other herbs, like mint or dill, for a different flavor.
• Try different spices. Start with the basics, cumin, and coriander, and add or swap out with paprika, 7 spice, or chili powder to give them a different flavor.
• Add vegetables. Shredded or grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to the falafel mixture add extra flavor and make for a heartier chickpea bite.
• Add cheese. Cheese isn’t a common addition, but who can resist? Use a hard cheese like parmesan to ensure you still get a crispy air fryer falafel.

How to serve falafel

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Falafels can be stuffed in pita bread, wraps, tortillas, and fresh veggies, pickles, and sauces for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Salads: Add to salads to provide a plant-based protein source and a crunchy texture. You can also use falafel in a vegetarian or vegan salad as a meat substitute.
• Bowls: You can use falafels as a base for a bowl, which can include rice or quinoa, veggies, and sauces. 
• Appetizers: Falafels make great appetizers that can be served with various dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or tahini sauce.
• Side dish: Serve as a side dish alongside roasted veggies, quinoa, or rice.

How to store & reheat falafel

To store your air fryer falafels, let them cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. 

To reheat the falafels, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again, or you can heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

How long will air fried falafel last in the fridge?

They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze falafels?

You can freeze both cooked and uncooked falafels. Let them cool, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. For uncooked falafels, shape them into patties or balls. Store in a freezer-safe container for 2 months. Follow the recipe to reheat, adding a few extra minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Air fryer falafels are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried falafels. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can ensure that your falafels turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time. So why not try this recipe and enjoy a tasty and nutritious snack or meal?

More Lebanese air fryer recipes:

• Chicken Shawarma Salad
• Kibbeh
• Beef Shawarma
• Shawarma Pita Pizza
• Chicken Shish Tawook
• Zaatar Manakeesh
• Ful Medames
• Lebanese Mujadara
• Vegan Cauliflower Pita Sandwiches

If you try this feel good Air Fryer Falafel recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

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Review

Air Fryer Falafel

Enjoy crispy, golden-brown Air Fryer Falafel and skip the hassle of deep frying. It’s healthier and easier than ever.

4.9 from 49 votes

Author Yumna Jawad

Servings 12 servings

Course Entree

Calories 131

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Soaking and resting time 13 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 pound dry chickpeas uncooked
• ▢ 1 tablespoon salt
• ▢ 1 cup fresh cilantro
• ▢ ½ cup fresh parsley
• ▢ 1 large onion roughly chopped
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves
• ▢ 2 teaspoons cumin
• ▢ 2 teaspoons coriander
• ▢ ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ Olive oil spray
• ▢ Tahini sauce for serving
• ▢ Lettuce for serving
• ▢ Tomato sliced for serving

Instructions

• Cover the chickpeas with water in a large bowl. Set aside at room temperature to soak for at least 12 and up to 24 hours. They will end up doubling in size.
• Drain the chickpeas. Rinse and dry them as thoroughly as possible.
• Place the chickpeas and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to create fine crumbles. Add the cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Blend until the mixture turns into a thick green paste, scraping down the sides as needed. Remove the blade from the bowl, then cover the bowl of the food processor and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the batter set.
• Remove the falafel batter from the fridge. Sprinkle the baking powder over the top, then gently fold it throughout.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop (or your hands), scoop, firmly pack, and roll about 1 ½ tablespoons of batter into a round ball and add it to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Heat the air fryer to 400ºF. Arrange about 12 falafel balls in the air fryer basket, spray the falafel balls with cooking spray, and cook for 10 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Repeat with the remaining falafel balls to make about 36.
• Transfer the falafel to a serving platter and serve tahini sauce for dipping.

Equipment

• Falafel Scoop Maker
• Mixing Bowl Set
• Food Processor
• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Notes

To store your air fryer falafels, let them cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. 

To reheat the falafels, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again, or you can heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

You can freeze both cooked and uncooked falafels. Let them cool, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. For uncooked falafels, shape them into patties or balls. Store in a freezer-safe container for 2 months. Follow the recipe to reheat, adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 629mg, Potassium: 347mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 353IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 70mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Cuisine Lebanese

Course: Entree