The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe at Home

Crispy, golden falafel transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a delightful Mediterranean adventure.

Packed with herbs and spices, these air fryer gems promise a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version.

Chickpeas blend seamlessly with fresh parsley, cumin, and garlic to create irresistible little flavor bombs.

Crunchy exterior meets soft, tender interior in this foolproof recipe that anyone can master.

No complicated techniques or special skills needed, just simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these falafel will become your new go-to comfort food.

You won’t believe how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality falafel straight to your dinner table.

What Sets Air Fryer Falafel Apart

• Effortless Preparation: Whip up delicious falafel without complex cooking skills, using a food processor to blend ingredients quickly and easily.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying delivers crispy, golden falafel with significantly less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, making it a lighter and more nutritious option.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for vegetarian and plant-based diets, these falafel can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or stuffed in pitas with fresh veggies for a complete meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a go-to for busy families looking for a tasty, protein-packed dinner that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Falafel

Main Ingredients:

Chickpeas: Hearty legume that forms the base of traditional falafel.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide bright and aromatic flavor.
• Cumin, Coriander: Warm spices that give authentic Middle Eastern character.
• Cayenne, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.

• Baking Powder, Flour: Help bind the mixture and create light, crispy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth to the falafel.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden and crispy exterior.
• Water: Assists in forming cohesive dough if mixture is too dry.

Falafel in the Air Fryer – Instructions

Step 1: Pulverize Chickpea Mixture

Toss soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices into a food processor. Blend ingredients until they create a coarse, crumbly texture that looks like rough sand. The goal is breaking down everything into small, consistent pieces without turning it into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Create Dough Consistency

• Baking powder
• Flour

Pulse the processor to incorporate these ingredients. The mixture should start clumping together. If the dough feels too dry, splash a tiny bit of water to help everything stick.

Step 3: Craft Falafel Shapes

Roll the mixture into compact balls using your palms. Each falafel should be roughly the size of a golf ball. Pack them firmly so they maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Warm up the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly mist the falafel balls with olive oil spray. This helps them develop a gorgeous golden exterior and prevents sticking.

Step 5: Cook Until Crispy

Arrange falafel in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’re done when the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and feels crisp to the touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer hot falafel to a serving plate. Pair with tahini sauce, stuff inside warm pita bread, or serve alongside fresh chopped salad. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Helpful Hints for Air Fryer Falafel

• Soak Chickpeas Thoroughly: Ensure chickpeas are soaked overnight for at least 12-24 hours to achieve the perfect texture and help them blend smoothly in the food processor.
• Master the Moisture Balance: Add water sparingly to the mixture, just enough to help the dough bind without becoming too wet, which could prevent crispy results in the air fryer.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Lightly spray or brush olive oil on the air fryer basket and falafel to ensure a crisp exterior and easy removal without breaking.
• Adjust Spice Levels Carefully: Modify cayenne and black pepper quantities to suit your heat tolerance while maintaining the authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer or cut open a falafel to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and thoroughly cooked results.

Air Fryer Falafel: How To Store And Reheat

• Store cooled falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place falafel in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange falafel in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy. Shake the basket halfway for even warming.
• Spread falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, turning once to restore crispiness.

What Matches Air Fryer Falafel

• Pair with Zesty Tzatziki: Cool, creamy Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill perfectly balances the crispy, spiced falafel, creating a refreshing contrast in every bite.
• Transform with Mediterranean Salad: Combine fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley dressed in lemon-olive oil vinaigrette to complement the falafel's rich, earthy flavors and add vibrant texture.
• Boost with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the falafel's dense texture and enhance its herbal, spicy undertones with a bright, clean finish.
• Elevate with Israeli Pickles: Tangy, crunchy fermented pickles provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate and adds exciting complexity to the Middle Eastern dish.

Spices and Herbs for Air Fryer Falafel

• Gluten-Free Falafel: Replace wheat flour with chickpea flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Baked Mediterranean Alternative: Skip the air fryer and bake falafel at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Add quinoa or hemp seeds to the mixture for extra protein and nutritional value, maintaining the traditional falafel flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Serve falafel inside large butter lettuce leaves instead of pita, reducing carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying and flavorful.

FAQs

• Do I need to soak the chickpeas before making falafel?

Yes, soak dried chickpeas overnight or for at least 12 hours. This softens them and helps create the right texture. Never use canned chickpeas as they will make the falafel too mushy.

• What if my falafel falls apart while cooking?

Add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. Make sure the mixture is not too wet and that you’ve pulsed the ingredients well in the food processor to create a cohesive dough.

• Can I make falafel ahead of time?

You can prepare the falafel mixture and shape the balls up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and cook just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

• Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?

While an air fryer gives the best crispy result, you can also bake falafel in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, or deep fry them in oil for a traditional preparation.

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden air fryer falafel brings Middle Eastern street food magic straight to home kitchens with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Herb-packed chickpea balls deliver authentic taste while offering a healthier twist you can easily enjoy with warm pita and zesty tahini sauce.

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Ingredients

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Protein Base:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Spices and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Transform soaked chickpeas and aromatic herbs into a vibrant mixture by pulsing in a food processor until achieving a coarse, textured consistency that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
2. Incorporate baking powder and flour into the herb-infused chickpea blend, carefully processing until the ingredients transform into a cohesive, moldable dough. Adjust moisture with minimal water if the mixture appears too dry.
3. Craft uniform spherical portions using gentle hand pressure, creating compact falafel balls that maintain structural integrity and promise a delightful crispy exterior.
4. Prepare the air fryer by heating to 375°F, creating an optimal environment for achieving golden-brown perfection. Delicately mist falafel with olive oil to enhance crispness and promote even browning.
5. Strategically arrange falafel in the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate spacing for circulating heat. Rotate midway through cooking to guarantee uniform crunchiness and develop a robust, appetizing color.
6. Upon completion, allow falafel to rest momentarily, then serve immediately alongside traditional accompaniments like tahini sauce, fresh pita, crisp vegetables, and optional garnishes that complement the herb-rich profile.

Notes

• Ensure chickpeas are completely dried after soaking to prevent soggy falafel texture.
• Use dried herbs sparingly as fresh herbs provide more vibrant, authentic flavor profiles.
• Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help falafel hold together better during cooking.
• Avoid overmixing ingredients to maintain a chunky, traditional Middle Eastern falafel consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg