Making air fryer falafel is a simple, smart, and healthy way to enjoy a classic Middle Eastern dish with a modern twist. Traditionally deep-fried, falafel is loved for its golden, crispy exterior and flavorful, tender interior. However, deep frying often means excessive oil and added calories. The air fryer transforms this iconic recipe, delivering all the crunch and flavor you crave without the grease.
By using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture with minimal oil, making it a guilt-free alternative. This method is not only healthier but also more convenient—no need for large pots of hot oil or dealing with messy cleanup. Whether you’re preparing a nutritious snack, a quick and satisfying meal, or an appetizer to impress your guests, air fryer falafel fits the bill. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to creamy dips and warm pita bread.
This article will take you step-by-step through the process of making delicious, crispy falafel in your air fryer. You’ll learn about the key ingredients that give falafel its distinct taste, tips for perfecting the texture, and creative ways to serve it. With the right approach and simple preparation, you can whip up homemade falafel that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version—all from the comfort of your kitchen. Check out our full list of Quick Weeknight Lunch Ideas for more easy recipes!
Why Choose Air Fryer Falafel?
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy falafel without the grease and hassle of traditional frying, air fryer falafel is the perfect solution. This modern twist on a beloved Middle Eastern classic offers numerous benefits, making it a favorite for home cooks and health-conscious eaters alike.
Healthier Alternative
Air frying requires little to no oil, drastically reducing the fat content compared to deep frying. With air fryer falafel, you can indulge in the crispy texture and rich flavors you love while maintaining a balanced diet. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy this protein-packed snack.
Quick and Convenient
Air fryers are celebrated for their efficiency, and falafel is no exception. The cooking process is faster than traditional frying, and there’s no need to heat large amounts of oil or manage messy cleanup. It’s a time-saver that still delivers outstanding results.
Crispy and Delicious
One of the best things about air fryer falafel is its ability to achieve the perfect texture. The hot circulating air creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Every bite is as satisfying as the deep-fried version.
Easily Customizable
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or experimenting with spices, air fryer falafel adapts to your needs. Swap flour for chickpea flour, adjust seasonings, or add extra herbs to suit your taste.
Air fryer falafel combines health, convenience, and flavor—an unbeatable trio! Discover other vegan-friendly air fryer recipes. Discover other vegan-friendly air fryer recipes.
Ingredients
To get started on your air fryer falafel journey, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch that serves 4:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned chickpeas | 2 cups (drained and rinsed) |
| Fresh parsley | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Onion | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Flour (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
These ingredients are the foundation of your air fryer falafel. The chickpeas provide the base, while the fresh herbs and spices bring the flavor. The optional flour helps bind the mixture, ensuring the falafel holds together during cooking. For more recipes please click here
Pro Tip: For a variation in flavor, you can add spices like paprika or chili powder to give your falafel a unique twist.
How to Make Air Fryer Falafel (Step-by-Step)
Making air fryer falafel is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any special skills. By following these steps, you’ll have delicious, crispy falafel in no time.
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas thoroughly. Make sure there’s no excess liquid, as this could affect the texture of your falafel. Once that’s done, chop the parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic into small pieces. Fresh ingredients will give your falafel the best flavor.
2. Blend the Falafel Mixture
Place the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse everything until the mixture is coarsely blended. You want a crumbly texture, not a smooth paste. If the mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour to help it hold together.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the chickpeas by hand using a potato masher or a fork. Just make sure the mixture is well combined and doesn’t fall apart.
3. Shape the Falafel
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into falafel balls or patties. You can make the falafel as large or as small as you like, but medium-sized balls (about 1 1/2 inches) work best for even cooking. Lightly press the mixture together and roll into balls. If you’re looking for a crispier texture, you can flatten the balls into small patties.
4. Air Fry the Falafel
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. It’s essential to leave some space between the falafel pieces to allow air to circulate and cook them evenly. Depending on the size of your falafel and the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you want them extra crispy, you can cook them for a few more minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Falafel
To ensure your air fryer falafel turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:
- Let the Mixture Rest: After blending the ingredients, refrigerate the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to shape.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip this step. Preheating ensures the falafel cook quickly and evenly, creating that crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The key to crispy falafel is allowing hot air to circulate. Make sure the falafel are not touching each other in the air fryer basket.
- Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking, flip the falafel halfway through the cooking process.
How to Serve air fryer falafel
One of the best things about falafel is its versatility. You can serve it in various ways depending on your cravings and dietary preferences.
- In a Pita or Wrap: The most classic way to enjoy falafel is to stuff it in a pita or wrap. Add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce, then drizzle with tahini or hummus for extra flavor.
- On a Salad: Serve your falafel on top of a fresh salad with a tangy dressing. You can add olives, feta cheese, or even roasted vegetables for more variety.
- As an Appetizer: Air fryer falafel also makes for a great appetizer or party snack. Serve with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t you use canned chickpeas for falafel?
Canned chickpeas are too soft and have a higher moisture content, which can cause the falafel mixture to be overly wet and fall apart during cooking. Dried chickpeas that have been soaked but not cooked provide the ideal texture and firmness for falafel.
How long to heat falafel in an air fryer?
To reheat falafel in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes. This will warm them through and restore their crispy texture without drying them out.
Why did my falafel disintegrate in the fryer?
If your falafel falls apart, it’s likely due to the mixture being too wet or lacking a proper binding agent like flour. Be sure to drain your chickpeas well and consider adding more flour to the mixture for stability.
What can I not cook in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, they’re not ideal for cooking items with a wet batter (e.g., tempura) or very delicate foods like leafy greens, as these can become soggy or fly around due to the circulating air.
Can I make air fryer falafel in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and cook. Alternatively, form the falafel and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze air fryer falafel?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, store falafel in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F to enjoy.
How do I make air fryer falafel without chickpeas?
You can substitute chickpeas with beans like black beans or lentils. While the flavor and texture will vary slightly, these alternatives still create a tasty falafel-like dish.
Can I make air fryer falafel gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour. This ensures your falafel stays crispy and delicious while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Making air fryer falafel is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The air fryer produces the perfect crispy texture without all the oil, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick and nutritious meal. Whether you enjoy it in a wrap, on a salad, or as an appetizer, air fryer falafel is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ready to get started? Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to a batch of homemade falafel that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends, and feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings and sauces!