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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft uniform spherical portions using gentle hand pressure, creating compact falafel balls that maintain structural integrity and promise a delightful crispy exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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