Falafel In The Air Fryer: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Yes, you can fry falafel in an air fryer! Falafel is a Middle Eastern street food, traditionally made with a mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, formed into balls or disks and deep-fried. However, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can still achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior. The process is mostly the same, except you skip the step of deep-frying the falafel in oil. Instead, you place the falafel in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature of around 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to make falafel in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, and cilantro)
• Onion (yellow, white, sweet, or red)
• Garlic
• Spices (cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper)
• Baking powder
• Olive oil
• Flour (optional)

Method

• Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of water for 18-24 hours. The chickpeas should be covered by at least 2-3 inches of water.
• Drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but not mushy.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Remove the mixture from the fridge and stir in the baking powder.
• Form the mixture into balls or slightly flattened discs/patties.
• Lightly brush the falafels with olive oil.
• Place the falafels in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the falafels for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Falafels can be served as an appetizer with a side of tahini sauce, in a pita sandwich with fresh veggies, or as part of a mezze platter.
• For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the falafels in the oven at 350-375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• To make the falafels ahead of time, you can store the uncooked mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1 month.

The best ingredients for falafel

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from a blend of chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. The mixture is then formed into balls or patties and deep-fried, air-fried, or baked. Here are some of the best ingredients to use for delicious, authentic falafel:

Chickpeas or Fava Beans

The base of any good falafel is dried chickpeas or fava beans. It is important to use dried legumes rather than canned as the latter will make the falafel too soft and mushy. The dried chickpeas or fava beans should be soaked in water for at least 18-24 hours before use. This helps to soften them and ensure the falafel holds together during cooking.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are essential for adding flavour and colour to your falafel. The most commonly used herbs are parsley, cilantro (coriander), and dill. However, you can also experiment with mint, chives, or other herbs to add your own unique twist.

Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic provide a delicious savoury base note to the falafel. Yellow, white, or red onions can be used, and it is recommended to use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavour.

Spices

Spices are what give falafel their characteristic warmth and depth of flavour. Cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper are commonly used, but you can also add cardamom, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Baking Powder

Adding a small amount of baking powder to the falafel mixture will give the falafel a lighter, fluffier texture. This is especially important if you are baking or air-frying the falafel as it helps them stay airy and crispy.

Olive Oil

A generous drizzle of olive oil is essential, especially if you are baking or air-frying your falafel. It helps the falafel to crisp up and turn golden during cooking.

Sesame Seeds

Although optional, sesame seeds add a delicious nutty flavour to the falafel.

Flour

If your falafel mixture is too wet, you can add a small amount of flour to help bind it together. Chickpea flour is the most authentic choice, but you can also use all-purpose, gluten-free, or almond flour.

Tahini Sauce

Falafel is traditionally served with a tahini sauce for dipping. This creamy, garlicky sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy falafel.

How to shape falafel for the air fryer

Falafel is a Middle Eastern staple food, traditionally made from a mixture of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, formed into balls or patties, and deep-fried. However, you can also cook falafel in an air fryer, which is healthier and requires less clean-up.

When shaping falafel for the air fryer, it is recommended to form the mixture into slightly flatter disks or patties, as this shape allows them to lay flat in the air fryer basket and prevents them from rolling around. Flatter patties also cook more evenly in the air fryer. Be sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as the falafel needs space to turn airy and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.

• Start with your falafel mixture, which typically includes chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. You can make this mixture from scratch or use canned chickpeas for a quicker option.
• Use a scoop or spoon to divide the falafel mixture into equal portions.
• Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball.
• Flatten the balls slightly to form disks or patties. Do not flatten them too much, as this can make them dense. The ideal thickness is about 1/2 inch.
• If desired, wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands while shaping the falafel.
• Place the shaped falafel on a baking sheet or plate.
• Chill the falafel in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight. Chilling helps the falafel hold their shape and makes them easier to work with.
• Once chilled, you can proceed to air-frying according to your recipe instructions.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly shaped falafel that are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

How long to cook falafel in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook falafel in an air fryer! Here's a guide on how long to cook falafel in the air fryer.

Preparation

First, soak the dried chickpeas in water for 18 to 24 hours. Then, drain the chickpeas and use a paper towel to pat them dry. Next, add the chickpeas and remaining ingredients to a food processor and process until well combined. Now, chill the mixture in the fridge for about an hour or overnight. After that, form the falafel mixture into balls or slightly flattened discs/patties.

Cooking

Brush the falafel discs with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the falafel for 15 minutes, flipping them over after about 5-10 minutes. The falafel is ready when it is crispy and golden brown on the outside. You may need to cook the falafel in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Serving

Falafel can be served as an appetizer with a side of tahini sauce for dipping, or in a pita sandwich with fresh vegetables and pickles. They can also be served as part of a mezze platter or on top of a salad.

How to store and reheat falafel

Storing falafel

Falafel can be stored before or after cooking. To store uncooked falafel, shape the dough into the desired shapes on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer for about half an hour. Then, transfer the falafel to a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer. Cooked falafel should be cooled to room temperature before being placed on a cookie sheet and frozen. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer. Falafel can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating falafel

Falafel can be reheated in a variety of ways, including in the oven, air fryer, microwave, or skillet.

Oven

Falafel can be reheated in a conventional oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the falafel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and warm for 5-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air fryer

Place the falafel in the air fryer basket and heat at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Microwave

Place the falafel in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Skillet

Heat a heavy skillet or frying pan on medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and fry the falafel for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through.

Tips for reheating falafel

• Reheat falafel for as short a time as possible to prevent burning and drying out.
• Use as little oil as possible when reheating in a skillet or frying pan to avoid soggy falafel.
• If reheating in the oven, use a moist towel or vessel of water to prevent the falafel from drying out.

Frequently asked questions