Air Fryer Falafel – The Almond Eater

May 29, 2023

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Making falafel has by no means been simpler because of this Air Fryer Falafel recipe! Made with canned chickpeas and loads of herbs and spices, it is flavorful, crispy on the surface and more healthy than conventional falafel.

falafel on a plate with hummus, tomatoes and cucumber

Everybody wants a go-to falafel recipe, and this Air Fryer Falafel is mine.

Clearly you understand by now that I am unable to get sufficient of my air fryer. I take advantage of it to make crispy rooster, chickpeas and naturally air fryer shrimp as nicely. Now, I can add falafel to that checklist!

Falafel is, in my view, extremely versatile, and a scrumptious plant-based protein that may be added to salad, a sandwich or perhaps a hummus bowl.

Recipe options

Made within the air fryer, so it does not require a ton of oil or precise frying, which makes it more healthy than conventional falafel.
Made with canned chickpeas as an alternative of dried chickpeas, so that you needn’t keep in mind to soak something forward of time.
Extremely flavorful and easy to arrange!

Components

Chickpeas – This recipe requires canned chickpeas, however make certain to empty and rinse them rather well, then pat them dry with just a few paper towels to the very best of your capability. Don’t be concerned if they are not utterly dry!

Alliums – Contemporary garlic and onion are a should for this recipe.

Herbs – Each cilantro and parsley are mandatory as a way to obtain the right taste; Ensure that to make use of recent herbs, not dried.

Spices – I opted to maintain issues easy and simply used floor coriander and cumin, together with salt and pepper.

Baking powder – This makes the falafel additional fluffy, and a bit bit goes a great distance.

Flour – Non-obligatory; solely use if the combination appears too moist.

Instructions

Step 1: Dry the chickpeas. Pour the canned chickpeas right into a high-quality mesh strainer, then rinse them rather well. Pour them onto a plate and use a paper towel to blot them dry as greatest you possibly can. Then, switch the chickpeas to your air fryer and air fry them at 350° for 3 minutes, which is able to assist dry them out much more.

Step 2: Make the falafel combination. Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to your meals processor and mix for 45 seconds. Add the chickpeas and pulse just a few occasions till mixed, then stir within the baking powder by hand.

2 images: onion, fresh parsley and spices in a food processor on the left and blended with whole chickpeas on the right

Step 3: Refrigerate. Take away the blade of your meals processor, then place foil over the bowl and refrigerate the combination for about 1 hour, which is able to make it simpler to work with.

Step 4: Kind the falafel. Step one is to guage if the falafel nonetheless appears too moist; in that case, add some all objective flour 1 tablespoon at a time till it is simpler to work with. Use your palms to kind the dough into balls a bit bigger than golf ball measurement.

Step 5: Air fry. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then add as many falafel as you possibly can with out them touching. Air fry at 400° for 8 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for 4-8 extra minutes till golden brown.

2 images: uncooked falafel in an air fryer on the left and cooked falafel on the right

Ideas & FAQs

The drier the chickpeas, the crispier the falafel will probably be.
Do not over-pulse the chickpeas with the opposite falafel substances; you need all the things to be mixed but additionally barely chunky. For those who over-mix, the feel will develop into soggy.

What pairs nicely with falafel?

Falafel is within the Mediterranean meals household, so assume: a rice bowl or hummus platter with recent veggies like beets, carrots, cucumber, and so on. You may as well made a primary salad with blended greens and prime it with the falafel. It is also scrumptious with:

Can I make a falafel pita sandwich?

Completely! Begin with pita bread, then add some hummus on the within, together with chopped cucumber, tomato, the falafel, and possibly even a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.

Can I bake the falafel within the oven as an alternative?

Yep! For those who do not wish to use your air fryer (or do not personal one), you may make baked falafel as an alternative. To take action, line a baking sheet with parchment paper then place the falafel on prime. Bake it at 400° for Quarter-hour, then flip it over and bake for 10-Quarter-hour till golden brown.

Storage

Fridge: Retailer cooked falafel in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. To reheat, place within the air fryer at 350° for 3 minutes or till warmed via.

Freezer: Watch for the falafel to chill, then place it right into a freezer-safe container, utilizing wax paper in between the rows so it does not stick.

Extra vegan recipes

For those who made this recipe, you’ll want to go away a remark and star score under. Thanks!