Description
Enjoy crispy, flavorful air fryer falafel, a classic Mediterranean dish made healthier by air frying. These falafel are crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, perfect as a snack or salad topping. This easy recipe uses chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, making it a guilt-free indulgence that fits seamlessly into a Mediterranean diet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Soak the dried chickpeas in ample water overnight to soften them, making them easier to blend.
- Prepare Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a food processor along with chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Blend: Pulse the mixture until coarse and well combined but not too smooth, maintaining some texture.
- Shape Falafel: Form the falafel mixture into small balls. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to ensure crispiness during cooking.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the falafel balls in the basket and cook for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway if necessary, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle with tahini sauce for a creamy, flavorful complement. Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or salad topper.
Notes
- Soaking chickpeas overnight is essential for proper texture and ease of blending.
- Do not over-process the mixture; keep some texture for a better falafel bite.
- Cooking spray helps achieve a crispy exterior without excess oil.
- Flip falafel halfway during air frying if your air fryer model requires it for even cooking.
- Serve with tahini, yogurt sauce, or fresh salad for a complete dish.
- Falafel can be made gluten-free as this recipe contains no wheat ingredients.
