Air Fryer Falafel: How Long To Cook?

Falafel is a Middle Eastern street food that is traditionally deep-fried. However, air-frying falafel is a healthier alternative that achieves a similar level of crispiness with less oil and easier cleanup. To make falafel in an air fryer, you'll need to soak dried chickpeas overnight, then blend them with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to form a thick paste. This mixture is then shaped into balls or discs and cooked in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

How to shape falafel for the air fryer

Shaping falafel for the air fryer is slightly different from shaping them for deep frying. Instead of shaping them into balls, it is better to form them into slightly flatter disks or patties. This is because the falafel will lay flat in the air fryer and won't roll around the air fryer basket. Flatter patties will also cook more evenly.

When shaping the falafel, use a falafel scoop, spoon, or your hands to portion the batter. If using a spoon, shape the batter into a ball or a flat disc. If you are shaping them by hand, it is helpful to have wet hands so that the mixture doesn't stick.

Once you have shaped the falafel, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the fridge to chill before cooking. This will make it easier to transfer them to the air fryer and help them hold their shape during cooking.

How to make the tahini sauce

Now, for the tahini sauce!

Ingredients:

You will need:

• 4 medium-to-large cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• A pinch of ground cumin
• 6 tablespoons of ice water, more as needed
• 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice, if you prefer)
• 3/4 cup of tahini paste
• 1 cup of fresh chopped parsley leaves, stems removed (optional)

Method:

• Combine the garlic and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the lemon juice with flavour.
• Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, pressing the garlic solids with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the garlic.
• Add the tahini, salt and cumin to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
• Add water, 2 tablespoons at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth. Continue until you have a perfectly creamy and smooth, light-coloured tahini sauce.
• If desired, thin with additional water for a more drizzle-like sauce. Adjust if necessary—if you’d like more tang, add more lemon, or for more overall flavour, add another pinch of salt.

Tips:

• If you're in a hurry, skip the garlic altogether and whisk in the lemon juice with the other ingredients in step 3.
• This tahini sauce keeps well in the fridge for about a week.
• The tahini may thicken over time; whisk in additional cold water as necessary to thin.
• For a well-blended green sauce, simply blend the tahini sauce and herbs together in a food processor or blender.

How to serve falafel

Falafel is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:

As a Snack

Falafel can be enjoyed straight out of the pack as a delicious and nutritious snack. For something more indulgent, serve it with a side of tahini sauce for dipping.

For Breakfast

Falafel can be a great breakfast option, too. Try falafel waffles with avocado salad and hummus, or go for a falafel bubble and squeak.

For Lunch

Falafel is perfect for a light lunch. You can serve it cold, straight from the pack, or try a falafel poke bowl or a falafel, cheese, and pesto toastie.

For Dinner

Falafel is a great option for a casual dinner. Try falafel stuffed peppers with muhammara sauce or a roasted aubergine and Middle Eastern falafel bake.

As Street Food

Falafel is a popular street food in the Middle East, often served inside a pita pocket with a traditional dip or sauce. This portable format allows people to enjoy their falafel on the go.

As Part of a Mezze

Falafel can be served as part of a mezze platter with other small dishes and dips like hummus and baba ghanoush.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

The classic way to serve falafel is in a wrap or sandwich, usually with pita bread. This format combines the portability of street food with the ability to include a variety of toppings and sauces. In addition to the falafel, you can add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, and pickles. Don't forget to drizzle some tahini sauce (or another sauce of your choice) on top!

How to store and reheat falafel

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is highly nutritious and versatile. It can be served as a street food snack, appetizer, or main course. While falafel is best enjoyed fresh, it can be reheated in several ways to preserve its signature crisp exterior and moist interior.

Storing Leftover Falafel:

Falafel should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, falafel can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn and soggy textures, cool the falafel completely before freezing, wrap each falafel individually in cling film, and place them in a zip-lock bag inside an airtight container.

Reheating Falafel in the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet, spaced apart to allow proper airflow. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier exterior, skip the foil and reheat for a shorter duration.

Reheating Falafel in the Air Fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 350-390°F (175-180°C). Arrange the falafel in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking. For a crispier exterior, lightly spray the falafel with oil before reheating.

Reheating Falafel in the Microwave:

Cover the falafel with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 10-60 seconds if needed. For a crispier exterior, broil or flash-fry the falafel after microwaving.

Reheating Falafel in a Skillet:

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the falafel, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 1-2 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly browned and heated through. For round falafel, keep moving them around the pan. For a crispier exterior, sprinkle water into the pan and cover for 30 seconds to create steam.

Popular substitutions and additions

Swap out the chickpeas

While chickpeas are the traditional falafel base, you can also use other beans, such as black or kidney beans. It is still recommended to use dry beans for the best texture.

Try different herbs

Experiment with herbs such as mint or dill for a different flavor. Parsley and cilantro are the most common herbs for falafel.

Try different spices

Start with the basics: cumin and coriander. Then, add or swap out with paprika, 7 spice, or chili powder to give them a different flavor.

Add vegetables

Shredded or grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes added to the falafel mixture provide extra flavor and make for a heartier chickpea bite.

Add cheese

Although cheese isn't a common addition, you can add a hard cheese like parmesan to still get a crispy air fryer falafel.

Frequently asked questions