Air Fryer Falafel: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is traditionally deep-fried. However, this recipe puts a healthier twist on the classic by using an air fryer instead. This method of cooking falafel is not only easier and less messy, but it also results in a tasty, protein-packed dish that is lower in fat.

Soak chickpeas for 18-24 hours

To make air fryer falafel, you'll need to start by soaking your chickpeas. Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water (the chickpeas should always be covered by at least 3 inches of water). Leave the chickpeas to soak for 18-24 hours. They will swell considerably in the water, so be sure to use enough water. After they have soaked, drain the chickpeas completely and use a paper towel to pat them dry if they are too wet.

Once your chickpeas are soaked, you can use a food processor and an air fryer to make your falafel. Note that you should not use canned chickpeas for this recipe, as they contain too much moisture and can turn your falafel mushy.

Dry chickpeas with paper towels

Drying chickpeas with paper towels is an important step in making falafel with the right texture. After soaking the chickpeas in water for 18-24 hours, they need to be drained and dried thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures that the chickpeas are not too wet before being processed and shaped into falafel balls or patties. The moisture content of the chickpeas affects the final texture of the falafel, and drying them with paper towels helps achieve the desired crispiness.

When drying chickpeas with paper towels, it is important to be gentle and absorb as much moisture as possible. Spread the chickpeas on a large, clean dish towel or paper towel and gently pat them dry. It is crucial to ensure that the chickpeas are not overcrowded on the towel, as this can hinder the drying process. If needed, use multiple towels or work in batches to ensure that each chickpea is thoroughly dried.

The drying process is crucial because it helps the falafel hold its shape during cooking. If the chickpeas are too wet, the falafel mixture may become mushy, making it difficult to form balls or patties. Additionally, excess moisture can affect the cooking time and the final texture of the falafel. By taking the time to dry the chickpeas properly, you can help ensure that your falafel turns out crispy and golden brown.

Once the chickpeas are dried, they can be transferred to a food processor along with other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and onions, to create the falafel mixture. This mixture will then be shaped into balls or patties, chilled, and cooked in the air fryer. By following these steps and paying attention to details like drying chickpeas with paper towels, you can achieve delicious, crispy falafel with a perfect texture.

Blend chickpeas, herbs, spices, and aromatics

To make falafel in an air fryer, you'll need to blend chickpeas with herbs, spices, and aromatics. This can be done using a food processor.

First, dry your chickpeas with paper towels. If using canned chickpeas, this is all the preparation you'll need. If using dried chickpeas, you'll need to soak them in a large bowl of water for 18 to 24 hours before drying them.

Next, add your aromatics to the food processor. This could include onion, garlic, and shallot. Then, add your herbs and spices. Coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, and parsley are all common additions. You could also include cilantro, dill, salt, and black pepper.

Finally, add your dried chickpeas to the food processor and blend the mixture. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can result in a hummus-like consistency.

Form mixture into balls or patties

Now that you've got your falafel mixture ready, it's time to form it into balls or patties. For this step, you can use a ice-cream scoop to measure out the mixture and then shape it into a ball with your hands. If you prefer, you can also shape it into a disk or patty. Repeat this process until you've used up all of the falafel mixture. If the mixture is sticking to your hands or the scoop, dust with a little flour. Set the shaped falafel on a plate as you go, but only form as many as will fit into your air fryer.

If you're making falafel balls, you can use a cookie scoop to form them. For falafel patties, scoop a couple of tablespoons of the falafel mixture into your palms and form it into a disk or patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Try to avoid packing the mixture too tightly, as this will make the falafel dense. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, wet them slightly.

Cook in air fryer at 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes

Now that you've prepared your falafel mixture, it's time to cook your falafel in the air fryer. Here are the steps to follow:

Cooking the Falafel:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Lightly spray or brush the falafel balls/discs with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.
• Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the falafel for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F. For discs, air fry for 8 minutes on each side. For balls, air fry for 5 minutes, then check if they have gained some colour. If not, cook for another 3-5 minutes, then flip and repeat.
• Once they are crispy and golden brown, your falafel are ready to be served!

Serving Suggestions:

Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Stuff them into a warm pita with tahini sauce, tzatziki, hummus, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and other veggies.
• Serve as an appetizer with a side of dips like tahini sauce, vegan tzatziki, hummus, or vegan mayo.
• Make a falafel sandwich or pita pocket with traditional salad vegetables and extras like keto coleslaw.
• Serve as part of a mezze platter with dips like baba ghanoush or hummus, and small bites like tomatoes with feta or roasted eggplant.
• Toss them on a bed of greens with tahini sauce as a salad dressing for a vegetarian salad option.
• Use as a bento box ingredient paired with other Mediterranean foods like olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions