Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe: Healthy & Delicious Vegan Snack in Minutes!
Looking for a delicious, healthy snack? Try this Air Fryer Falafel recipe! These crispy, golden-brown bites are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Using chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this recipe creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
Moreover, cooking falafel in an air fryer means you can enjoy all the crunch without the extra oil. In just 20 minutes, you can have a tasty, guilt-free treat that’s perfect for dipping or adding to salads.
Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a wholesome snack, these falafel balls are sure to please everyone. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey to falafel perfection!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Healthier Cooking Method: The air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making these falafels much lighter and lower in calories compared to traditional frying.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer achieves a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and moist. This perfect texture enhances the overall eating experience.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, along with spices like cumin and coriander, adds a burst of flavor that elevates the falafel. The combination of chickpeas and these ingredients creates a well-rounded taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and fast, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick snack.
- Versatile Serving Options: Air fryer falafels can be enjoyed in various ways—served with tahini sauce, tucked into pita bread, or tossed in salads. This versatility makes them a great addition to any meal.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas are a nutritious base that fits well into vegan and vegetarian diets. They provide sustained energy and promote a feeling of fullness.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Want more heat? Add some chili powder or cayenne. Prefer milder flavors? Keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
Key Ingredients
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The base of the falafel, chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. They provide a creamy texture when blended.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Cilantro): These herbs add vibrant flavor and freshness. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K, enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic contributes a robust flavor and aroma. It's known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and immune support.
- Onion: Onions provide sweetness and depth of flavor. They also offer vitamins B and C and are linked to various health benefits, including heart health.
- Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste. Cumin is thought to have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Coriander: Complementing cumin, coriander brings a citrusy note to the falafel. Coriander seeds are known for their antioxidant properties and may aid digestion.
- Flour (Chickpea Flour or All-Purpose Flour): A small amount of flour helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring the falafel holds its shape while cooking. Chickpea flour can add extra protein and fiber.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps make the falafel lighter and fluffier, creating a nice texture that contrasts with the crispy exterior.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor, salt and pepper help balance the dish and bring out the natural tastes of the other ingredients.
- Oil (for spraying): A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior in the air fryer without deep frying, making it a healthier option.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Soak the Chickpeas: For the best texture, soak dried chickpeas overnight. This helps them soften and blend smoothly. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well.
- Don’t Over-Blend: When processing the mixture, pulse just until combined. Over-blending can result in a mushy texture. You want some texture for the falafel.
- Chill the Mixture: After mixing, refrigerate the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into balls or patties.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform size and shape, use a cookie scoop to portion the falafel. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps achieve a crispy exterior. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for the recommended preheating time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Place the falafel in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Spray Lightly with Oil: A light spray of oil helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior. Use an oil sprayer for even coverage without using too much oil.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Start with the recommended time and check for doneness, adjusting as needed.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair the falafel with delicious dipping sauces like tahini, tzatziki, or a spicy yogurt sauce for added flavor.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
More Recipes To Check Out…
Looking for a delicious, healthy snack? Try this Air Fryer Falafel recipe! These crispy, golden-brown bites are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Using chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this recipe creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 1 cup Chickpeas (dried) (dried 1 cup soaked overnight or 1 can 15 oz drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Fresh parsley (packed, chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro (packed, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 2-3 tbsp Flour (chickpea flour or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
- Oil (for spraying, as needed)
- Prepare the Chickpeas
If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the soaked (or canned) chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed.
- Add the Flour and Baking Powder
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour and baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour as needed.
- Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
While the mixture is chilling, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the Falafel
After chilling, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Spray with Oil
Lightly spray the falafel balls with cooking oil for a crispy exterior.
- Air Fry the Falafel
Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve
Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, in pita bread, or on a salad.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- Calories from Fat 70kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.