Crispy Air-Fryer Falafel: A Vegan Delight! 🌿✨ Enjoy this Middle Eastern classic made healthier in the air fryer!
OVERVIEW
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 20 falafel balls
- Calories: Approximately 50 kcal per falafel ball
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)
- Tahini sauce or hummus (for serving)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare Chickpeas: Pat dry the drained chickpeas with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly coarse. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times.
- Form Falafel Balls:
- Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the mixture.
- Roll the portions into balls and then gently flatten them slightly into patties. Place the formed falafel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry Falafel:
- Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the falafel are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the crispy air-fryer falafel with tahini sauce, hummus, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Optionally, serve them in pita pockets with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a delicious falafel sandwich.
- Enjoy: Enjoy these crispy and flavorful air-fryer falafel as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a meal!
- Storage: Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again before serving.