Oh my goodness, let me tell you, air fryer falafel is an absolute game-changer! If you’ve ever had those deep-fried, greasy versions, you’ll be amazed at how crispy and flavorful these can be without the oil bath. I remember the first time I made falafel at home; I was so excited to recreate that Middle Eastern street food vibe but without the mess of frying. Using the air fryer not only cuts down on calories, but it also saves time—less fuss, more flavor! Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these little balls of deliciousness. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as party snacks! Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients List
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup flour
How to Prepare Air Fryer Falafel
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making those crispy air fryer falafels! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share them with you!). First, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your falafel gets that perfect golden brown crust!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a food processor, toss in your drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Blend it all together until it’s coarsely mixed—don’t overdo it; you still want some texture in there to bite into!
- Now, add in the olive oil and flour. This is the magic touch that helps everything stick together. Blend again until the mixture holds together nicely. If it feels too crumbly, you can add just a splash of water, but be careful not to make it too wet!
- Next, it’s time to form the falafel! Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls or patties—whatever you prefer! I usually like them to be about the size of a golf ball. This size cooks perfectly and gives you that delightful crunch.
- Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness!
- Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through for that golden-brown perfection. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t get too dark.
- Once they’re done, serve them warm, and get ready for the compliments!
And there you have it—a delicious batch of air fryer falafel that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside! You’re going to love how easy this is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Healthier alternative to deep-fried falafel: The air fryer gives you that crispy texture you crave without all the extra oil, making it a guilt-free option.
- Flavorful and satisfying: Packed with spices and fresh herbs, these falafels are bursting with flavor and will leave you feeling full and happy.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy them in pita bread, with tahini sauce, or atop a fresh salad—there’s no wrong way to savor these little bites of joy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer falafel turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step—this is essential for achieving that crispy exterior. If your mixture feels too dry, a little splash of water can help, but be cautious! You want just the right balance; too much moisture can lead to soggy falafel.
Also, remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving each falafel some space allows for even cooking and that delightful crunch we all love. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time; air fryers can vary, so check for that beautiful golden color. If you follow these tips, I promise you’ll have falafel that’s not just good, but absolutely amazing!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful air fryer falafels—perfect for keeping track of your healthy choices! Each serving, which is about two falafels, contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy these nutritious bites guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions
Alright, let’s talk about how to serve these delicious air fryer falafels! One of my absolute favorite ways is to stuff them into warm pita bread with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! You can also add some fresh veggies—think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers—to really amp up the freshness.
If you’re in the mood for a salad, just toss those falafels on a bed of mixed greens with a dollop of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice. Trust me, it’s a meal you won’t forget! And for those snacky moments, serve them alongside hummus or a spicy dipping sauce to keep things exciting. The options are truly endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite way to enjoy these gems!
FAQ Section
Can I make these falafels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour or almond flour. They’ll still be delicious and hold together nicely!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any falafel left (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next meal!
What’s the best way to reheat falafel?
For the best results, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore that amazing crispiness. You can also use a regular oven if you don’t have an air fryer available.
Can I freeze these falafels?
Yes, you can! Just form the patties and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Are these falafels suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! They’re perfect for meal prep. Just make a big batch at the beginning of the week, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick, healthy meal ready whenever you need it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover air fryer falafel (which is a rare occurrence, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. First, let the falafel cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready for your next craving!
When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the air fryer again to bring back that perfect crispiness. Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, and they’ll regain that delightful crunch. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also use a conventional oven—place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. Enjoy your tasty leftovers just like they were fresh out of the fryer!
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Air Fryer Falafel: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Guilt-Free Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer falafel made with chickpeas and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Blend until coarsely mixed.
- Add olive oil and flour to the mixture. Blend until the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serve with tahini sauce or in pita bread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 falafels
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer falafel, vegan falafel, healthy falafel