Crispy Air Fryer Falafels

If you’ve got a little patience for soaking chickpeas overnight, this falafel recipe is a breeze to whip up! The best part? These falafels are air-fried, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, but just as crispy and delicious.

I remember the first time I tried making falafels at home—I was so nervous they wouldn’t hold together or that they’d be too dry. But using the air fryer made them perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, it’s way less oily, so you can enjoy them guilt-free. If you’re more into pan-frying or deep-frying, this recipe will still work like a charm. To make the falafels, start by soaking chickpeas overnight and then blending them with herbs, spices, and a binding agent like flour or breadcrumbs. Then, form the mixture into small balls and place them in the air fryer for about 15 minutes. I was so impressed with how they turned out that I even tried making air fryer jam donut holes for dessert, and they were just as delicious and guilt-free. The air fryer has truly become my go-to kitchen appliance for healthier versions of my favorite fried foods.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• Small bunch of coriander
• Small bunch of parsley
• 1/2 red chili, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp gram (chickpea) flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Lots of black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

Let’s Make Some Falafels!

Step 1: Soak and Prep

First, soak the chickpeas overnight. When you’re ready to cook, drain and rinse them well. Then, blitz the chickpeas in a food processor until they’re broken down into small pieces. This step is crucial for getting the right texture in your falafels.

Step 2: Mix it Up

Add the chopped onion, coriander, parsley, chili, garlic, gram flour, spices, salt, and baking powder to the food processor. Pulse until everything is fully combined. If you have a little extra time, chill the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes—it makes rolling the falafel balls much easier!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Roll the mixture into balls and lightly brush or spray them with olive oil. Place them in your air fryer and cook at 180°C for 13-14 minutes, turning once halfway through. They should come out golden and crisp.

Table of Details:

Servings	Total Time	Cuisine	Type of Meal
Makes about 15	15 minutes (plus soaking time)	Middle Eastern	Appetizer or Snack

Notes:

• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add more chili for a spicier kick or extra garlic for a bolder flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these falafels with a side of hummus, in a pita with fresh veggies, or over a salad for a light meal.

These Crispy Air Fryer Falafels are a quick and healthy twist on the traditional recipe. By using an air fryer, you get all the crunch with much less oil. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these falafels are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, with a prep time that’s worth the wait after soaking the chickpeas overnight.

People Also Ask:

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

A: While you can use canned chickpeas, dried chickpeas soaked overnight give the best texture. Canned chickpeas might make the mixture too wet, so if you use them, consider adding extra flour.

Q: What can I serve with falafels?

A: Falafels are great served with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, fresh salads, or pickled veggies.

Q: How do I store leftover falafels?

A: Store any leftover falafels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness.

So, go ahead and save this recipe—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade falafels can be!