Best 8 Air Fryer Falafel Recipes

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Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is a delightful combination of herbs, spices, and chickpeas or fava beans. These crispy and flavorful fritters can be enjoyed as a main course, appetizer, or snack. In this article, we'll provide you with three irresistible air fryer falafel recipes that cater to different dietary preferences.

Our first recipe is the classic falafel, made with a blend of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. We'll guide you through the process of creating a flavorful falafel mixture, shaping it into perfect balls, and air-frying them until golden brown.

Next, we have a unique and delicious baked falafel recipe. This healthier version uses a combination of chickpeas and sweet potatoes, resulting in a soft and moist interior with a crispy exterior. We'll show you how to perfectly bake these falafel balls in your air fryer for a healthier and equally satisfying treat.

Lastly, we'll introduce you to a vegan falafel recipe that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Made with a combination of lentils, quinoa, and vegetables, these falafel balls are packed with protein and flavor. We'll provide detailed instructions on how to prepare the mixture, shape it, and air-fry it to perfection.

Whether you're a fan of traditional falafel, prefer a healthier baked version, or follow a vegan diet, these air fryer falafel recipes have something for everyone. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey and experience the delightful flavors of falafel in the comfort of your own home!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Air Fryer Falafel image

Falafel is a popular street food eaten throughout the Middle East. It is inexpensive and super high in protein. Falafels are deep-fried patties made from smashed chickpeas, herbs, and spices. This healthy Air Fryer Falafel recipe is so crispy you will not believe that it is not deep-fried!

Provided by Ashley Ward

Categories     Appetizer     Main Course

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 can Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup Fresh parsley
1/4 cup Cilantro
2 clove Garlic
1 Large shallot (chopped)
3 tbsp All-purpose flour
2 tbsp Sesame seeds
2 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 Lemon (juice only)
1 tsp Salt
Spray olive oil (for cooking)
1/2 cup Tahini
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 Lemon (juice only)
2 tbsp Olive oil
1/2 cup Hot water

Steps:

  • In a food processor, add the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallot, flour, sesame seeds, cumin, paprika, lemon, and salt.
  • Blend until it comes together in a rough paste. It shouldn't be completely smooth.
  • Place the mixture in a bowl and keep it in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • Once the mixture is chilled, form the falafel into 12 balls.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with some nonstick olive oil.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 F.
  • Place the falafel balls into the air fryer basket. Spritz the falafel balls with olive oil spray.
  • Air fry the falafel for 15 minutes, turning halfway through until lightly browned.
  • Once cooked, serve the crispy Air Fryer Falafels with salad top with hummus or tahini sauce.
  • In a medium bowl, add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water together and whisk until they create a luscious, smooth sauce.
  • When you first add the water and lemon juice to the tahini, it will thicken up.
  • Continue whisking for a minute or so. Add some water to make it thinner when required.
  • Slowly add the water and continue whisking until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • f you prefer a brighter sauce, add more lemon. If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey. And if the flavor is too sharp, mellow it with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon olive oil.

BEST AIR FRYER FALAFEL (EASY TIPS!)



BEST Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) image

Here's my easy, foolproof air fryer falafel recipe. It begins with my classic falafel mixture, made from scratch following my earlier tutorial for how to make falafel). For crunchy falafels, use soaked dry chickpeas instead of cooked or canned chickpeas. To cook them in the airfyer, it's best to form the mixture into lightly packed patties so they lay flat in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to crowd the basket. As air fryers do vary, I like to cook the falafel patties in 5 minute increments until the patties are cooked through to a crispy golden brown.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Appetizer     Entree     Side Dish     Snack

Time P1D

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups dried chickpeas, (Do NOT use canned or cooked chickpeas)
½ tsp baking soda
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, (stems removed)
¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves, (stems removed)
½ cup fresh dill, (stems removed)
1 small onion, (quartered)
7-8 garlic cloves, (peeled)
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

  • Soak the chickpeas. (One day ahead of time.) Soak your dried chickpeas in a large bowl of water with the baking soda (the water must cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches). Set aside for 18 to 24 hours until the chickpeas have softened and plumped up. Drain well.
  • Make the falafel dough or mixture. Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor in 40-second increments until everything is well blended and you have a mixture that is similar in texture to coarse cornmeal.
  • Refrigerate the mixture. Transfer the mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to overnight).
  • Add baking powder and mix. Before air frying, add the baking powder and toasted sesame seeds to the falafel "dough" and stir with a spoon.
  • Form falafel patties. Scoop a couple tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture into your palms and form into disks or patties (about ½-inch thickness). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties so they don't stick too much. Do not pack the patties too much, so they don't turn out too dense.
  • Arrange the falafel patties in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush one side of the falafel patties with olive oil. Add them to the basket (oiled side down), and brush the top of the patties with olive oil as well. Don't crowd the basket, allow the patties enough room so they become crisp as they cook. (Work in batches as needed).
  • Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and air fry the falafel. Air fry the patties at 400 degrees F one side for 5 minutes, then check if they have gained some color. If not, close the basket and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until the ones side has turned nice and golden brown to your liking. Turn the patties and air fry on the other side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 71.6 kcal, Carbohydrate 11.7 g, Protein 3.7 g, Fat 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 47.7 mg, Fiber 3.4 g, Sugar 2 g, UnsaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

HEALTHY AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Healthy Air Fryer Falafel image

Traditionally deep fried, falafel is ideal to make in an air fryer. Rather than the usual balls, these are shaped into thick patties so they are easier to flip during cooking. The egg white and chickpea flour help bind the herbs and chickpeas, and the baking powder keeps the falafel from getting too dense. For the best consistency, be sure not to overprocess your mix; it should be chunkier rather than smooth. And keep in mind that since these are air fried, they will not get the same dark crust as traditional falafel.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 13h

Yield 6 servings (18 falafel)

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 ounces dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours, or one 15-ounce can chickpeas
1 cup fresh parsley leaves with stems, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with stems
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
3 cloves garlic
2 scallions, white and green parts roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lemon, juiced
1 large egg white
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Olive oil cooking spray, for your hands and the falafel
1/2 cup tahini
Pinch of paprika
1 clove garlic, grated
1 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 whole-wheat pitas
1 heart romaine, coarsely chopped
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
Harissa or other hot sauce, for drizzling, optional

Steps:

  • For the falafel: Drain the chickpeas well and spread them out on a towel-lined baking sheet to dry completely.
  • Pulse the parsley, cilantro, mint, garlic and scallions in a food processor until roughly chopped and combined. Add the chickpeas, flour, cumin, coriander, cayenne, lemon juice, egg white, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper and pulse until the mixture is a well-combined coarse meal but not smooth or mushy. Refrigerate 15 minutes, then stir in the baking powder.
  • Spray your hands with olive oil cooking spray. Scoop the chickpea mixture into 18 balls (about 2 tablespoons each), flattening the balls slightly with your hands to create thick patties. Spray both sides of the patties with olive oil spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket of a 6-quart air fryer, in batches if necessary, and cook at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes (see Cook's Note).
  • For the tahini sauce: Whisk together the tahini, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of black pepper and 1/3 cup water. Adjust with additional water, if needed, for desired consistently.
  • For serving: Cook the pitas in the air fryer at 300 degrees F until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Slice each pita in half and gently open up the pockets.
  • Fill the pita halves with 3 falafel balls each, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, tahini sauce and a drizzle of harissa, if using.

AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Air Fryer Falafel image

Once you've soaked your chickpeas, you can use a food processor and an air fryer to quickly bake these spicy falafel patties. Serve with your favorite garnishes and sauce.

Provided by Buckwheat Queen

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan     Side Dishes

Time P1DT1h40m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup dry garbanzo beans
1 ½ cups fresh cilantro, stems removed
¾ cup fresh flat-leafed parsley, stems removed
1 small red onion, quartered
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons chickpea flour
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Soak chickpeas in a large amount of cool water for 24 hours. Rub the soaked chickpeas with your fingers to help loosen and remove skins. Rinse and drain well. Spread chickpeas on a large clean dish towel to dry.
  • Blend chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, and garlic in a food processor until a rough paste forms. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add chickpea flour, coriander, cumin, sriracha, salt, and pepper and mix well. Cover bowl and let mixture rest for 1 hour.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Add baking powder and baking soda to the chickpea mixture. Mix using your hands until just combined. Form 15 equal-sized balls and press slightly to form patties. Spray falafel patties with cooking spray.
  • Place 7 falafel patties in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer cooked falafel to a plate and repeat with remaining 8 falafel, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.7 calories, Carbohydrate 9.9 g, Fat 1.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 97.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

AIR-FRYER FALAFEL



Air-Fryer Falafel image

Falafel are a popular street food in the Middle East. The crispy fried chickpea fritters are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds. These air-fryer falafel are gluten free on top of it all. Parsley can be added or used instead of mint. -Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, India

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 16 pieces.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup dried garbanzo beans
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
5 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, optional
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cover beans with water. Stir in baking soda. Cover and let stand overnight. Drain beans; rinse and pat dry., In a food processor, pulse cilantro and mint until finely chopped. Add beans, garlic, salt, pepper if desired, coriander and chili powder. Pulse until blended and texture of coarse meal. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. , Preheat air fryer to 375°. Stir in sesame seeds and baking powder. Shape into sixteen 2-in. balls. Arrange 8 balls in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 762mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 16g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

AIR FRIED FALAFEL



Air Fried Falafel image

This vegetarian air fried falafel is super easy to prepare and full of flavor thanks to fresh herbs.

Provided by Glenn6870

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Main Dishes     Beans and Peas     Falafel Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 small yellow onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup roughly chopped parsley
⅓ cup chopped scallions
⅓ cup roughly chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
olive oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Dry chickpeas on paper towels. Place onions and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add parsley, scallions, cilantro, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes. Process until blended, 30 to 60 seconds, then add the chickpeas and pulse 2 to 3 times until just blended, but not pureed. Sprinkle in flour and baking powder, scrape the sides of the bowl down with a spatula, and pulse 2 to 3 times.
  • Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, 2 to 3 hours.
  • Form the falafel mixture into 12 balls; if mixture is too sticky add some flour to your hands and your work surface.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray falafel with cooking spray.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown, about 14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.3 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 466 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

AIR FRYER FALAFEL (GLUTEN FREE)



Air Fryer Falafel (Gluten Free) image

No need to soak dry chickpeas overnight for this quick recipe, which is gluten free and lower carb if you substitute ground almonds or almond flour for wheat flour, as I do. All you need is an air fryer to make delicious, crispy, healthier falafel.

Provided by GingerSpice

Categories     Falafel

Time 1h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons almond flour
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon coarse salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch ground nutmeg
sesame oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Pour chickpeas into the basket of a large air fryer. Cook at 220 degrees F (104 degrees C) until mostly dry, about 15 minutes. Check after 10 minutes of cooking; all liquid should be evaporated and chickpeas should still be squishy, not toasted or hardened. Turn air fryer off.
  • Transfer chickpeas to a food processor. Add onion, cilantro, parsley, almond flour, garlic, cumin, cayenne, baking powder, salt, pepper, baking soda, and nutmeg. Process on medium-high speed until a chunky paste forms.
  • Refrigerate mixture to let flavors develop and to enable more drying, at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
  • Form mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place in the air fryer basket and spray with sesame oil spray; be careful, falafel will be delicate.
  • Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) and cook for 10 minutes. Coat with more sesame oil if desired, increase temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook until outsides are toasted, about 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175.7 calories, Carbohydrate 29.9 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 7.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 718.6 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

AIR FRYER FALAFEL RECIPE BY TASTY



Air Fryer Falafel Recipe by Tasty image

Our falafel is full of flavor and super crispy, thanks to the air fryer! Packed with shallot, herbs, and spices, it's as delicious stuffed in a pita with hummus and vegetables as it is on top of a salad or grain bowl.

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large shallot, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
pita
hummu
tomato, chopped
cucumber, chopped
red onion, chopped

Steps:

  • In a food processor, pulse together the chickpeas, shallot, garlic, parsley, cilantro, scallions, salt, cumin, and paprika to combine. Add the flour and baking powder and pulse until just combined and smooth.
  • Use a 1-inch ice cream scoop to scoop out falafel balls onto a cutting board or plate.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  • Working in batches, arrange the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 7 minutes. Flip the falafel over and continue cooking for another 7 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Repeat with the remaining falafel.
  • Serve the falafel with pita, hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 5 grams

Tips:

  • Soak the chickpeas: Soaking the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking helps to soften them and reduce their cooking time. This also makes them easier to digest.
  • Use a food processor: A food processor is the best way to get a smooth and even falafel mixture. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender, but be sure to blend the ingredients in batches.
  • Add plenty of herbs and spices: Falafel is a great way to use up fresh herbs and spices. Some common additions include parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and paprika. You can also add a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Don't overmix the falafel mixture: Overmixing the falafel mixture will make the falafel tough. Just mix the ingredients until they are combined.
  • Shape the falafel into balls: The easiest way to shape the falafel into balls is to use a cookie scoop. If you don't have a cookie scoop, you can use your hands, but be sure to wet your hands first to prevent the mixture from sticking.
  • Cook the falafel until it is golden brown: The falafel should be cooked until it is golden brown on all sides. This will take about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer.

Conclusion:

Falafel is a delicious and healthy snack or meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Air fryer falafel is a healthier alternative to traditional falafel, as it is cooked with less oil. This recipe is easy to follow and makes perfect falafel every time. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack or meal, give air fryer falafel a try. You won't be disappointed!

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