Tillie Doyle
Falafel is a staple food in the Middle East and Egypt, traditionally made by deep-frying a mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. However, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep-frying, producing falafel that is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The cooking time for falafel in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispness, the size of the air fryer basket, and the number of falafel being cooked. Typically, falafel is cooked in an air fryer between 10 to 15 minutes, with a flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Cooking time | 8-15 minutes |
| Flip falafel | After 5-10 minutes |
| Cook in batches | Yes |
| Falafel shape | Balls or disks |
| Basket arrangement | Do not overcrowd the basket |
| Brushing/spraying | Olive oil |
| Soaking time | 18-24 hours |
| Refrigeration time | 45 minutes to 2 hours |
| Reheating | 2-3 minutes at 350°F |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect shape for your falafel
To get the perfect shape for your falafel, it is recommended that you form the falafel mixture into slightly flattened disks or patties, rather than balls. This is because the flat shape will prevent the falafel from rolling around in the air fryer basket, allowing them to cook evenly. The flattened shape also makes it easier to fit the falafel into pita bread.
To form the falafel into disks, you can use an ice cream scooper to measure out the mixture, and then shape it with your hands. If the mixture is sticking to the ice cream scoop, you can spray the scoop with a little olive oil. You should also lightly brush or spray the falafel disks with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure that the falafel cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
When placing the falafel disks into the air fryer basket, be careful not to overcrowd them. Leave some space around each disk so that they can turn airy and crispy as they cook. You may need to cook the falafel in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
If you want to prepare the falafel mixture in advance, you can store it in the fridge for about 45-60 minutes (or longer) before shaping it into disks. You can also freeze the uncooked falafel mixture for up to a month or longer. To freeze the mixture, shape the falafel into disks and place them on a large flat surface so they don't stick together. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
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The best temperature and time to cook falafel
The best temperature to cook falafel in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The falafel should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes in total, but this can be adjusted depending on the desired level of crispness. It is important to flip the falafel halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
When preparing the falafel mixture, it is recommended to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight or for at least 18-24 hours. Canned chickpeas can also be used, but they should be dry and a bit of flour should be added to the mixture. The falafel mixture should be refrigerated for at least one hour or up to 24 hours before cooking.
When shaping the falafel, it is best to form them into slightly flattened disks or patties, as this allows them to cook more evenly and prevents them from rolling around in the air fryer basket. The falafel should be arranged in the air fryer basket with some space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispness.
The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the falafel. It is important to keep an eye on the falafel during cooking to ensure they don't burn. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the desired level of crispness is achieved.
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How to prepare your air fryer for cooking falafel
Preparing your air fryer for cooking falafel is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your falafel turns out crispy and delicious. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, gather your ingredients and prepare the falafel mixture. The traditional falafel recipe calls for a combination of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. For the best results, it is recommended to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight or for at least 18-24 hours. This helps soften the chickpeas and improves the texture of the falafel. You can also add some baking soda to the water during soaking to further soften the chickpeas. After soaking, be sure to rinse and dry the chickpeas thoroughly before using them.
Once your chickpeas are ready, it's time to prepare the falafel mixture. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, herbs, spices, and other ingredients such as onion, garlic, and flour. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but be careful not to overprocess it. The chickpeas should be roughly chopped, not pureed. You can adjust the spices and herbs to your taste preferences, but common choices include parsley and cilantro, cumin, and coriander.
After mixing the ingredients, transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. This chilling step is important as it allows the flavours to meld together and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into patties or discs. You can also add a small amount of baking powder to the mixture at this stage, as it will give your falafel a fluffy texture.
Now it's time to shape your falafel. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture into equal-sized balls. Then, flatten them into discs or patties. This step is important when cooking falafel in an air fryer, as the flat shape prevents the falafel from rolling around in the air fryer basket and ensures even cooking. It's also a good idea to spray the falafel discs with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray at this stage to promote crisping during cooking.
Finally, prepare your air fryer by preheating it to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can now add the falafel discs to the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Leave some space between each piece to allow for even cooking and crisping.
By following these steps, your air fryer will be ready for cooking falafel, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy falafel straight from your air fryer!
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The best type of chickpeas to use for falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food, often served in pita bread with tahini, vegetables, and pickles. It is made from a mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, which are formed into balls or patties and deep-fried, air-fried, or baked.
When making falafel, it is important to use the right type of chickpeas to achieve the desired texture and flavor. The best option is to use dried chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) that have been soaked in water for 18 to 24 hours. Soaking the chickpeas helps to soften them and makes them easier to grind or process. It also ensures that the falafel mixture will hold together during cooking.
It is not recommended to use canned chickpeas for falafel as they can make the mixture too wet and cause it to disintegrate during frying. However, some recipes do suggest using canned chickpeas with the addition of flour or chickpea flour as a binder.
When preparing the chickpeas for falafel, it is important to rinse and drain them thoroughly after soaking. They should also be patted dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. The chickpeas can then be ground or processed with the other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and onions, to form a coarse mixture.
By using dried chickpeas that have been properly soaked and prepared, you can achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your falafel, whether you choose to cook them in an air fryer or through more traditional methods.
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Reheating and storing falafel
Falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. However, it will lose its crunch and become dry. To reheat refrigerated falafel, you can use an oven or an air fryer. For the oven, place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway. For the air fryer, heat the falafel at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.
Falafel can also be frozen and stored in an airtight container or sealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen falafel, you can use the same methods as for refrigerated falafel, but increase the heating time. For the oven, heat the falafel for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. For the air fryer, heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, or at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
If you have uncooked falafel mix, it is best to shape it into small balls or patties and freeze them. This way, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook falafel in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through after about 10 minutes.
For the best texture, it is recommended that you soak the chickpeas for 18-24 hours before cooking and that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, allowing the falafel room to turn crispy.
Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
