Description
These Air Fryer Falafel are made with soaked dried chickpeas, fresh parsley and cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, and coriander, then air fried until crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas, not canned or cooked
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder, optional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover generously with water. Soak until the chickpeas have softened and expanded.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly, removing as much excess water as possible.
- Add the soaked chickpeas, chopped garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes or cayenne to a food processor. Add the baking powder if using.
- Pulse repeatedly until the mixture is finely chopped and cohesive but still slightly coarse. Scrape down the sides as needed and avoid processing it into a smooth paste.
- Check the mixture by pressing a small amount between your fingers. It should compress and hold together.
- Shape portions of the mixture into compact, evenly sized falafel patties or balls.
- Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the falafel in the basket with space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry until the falafel are browned and crisp on the outside, turning as needed according to your air fryer’s cooking pattern.
- Continue cooking until the exterior is firm and golden brown while the inside remains tender.
Notes
- Use dried chickpeas that have been soaked but not cooked. Canned chickpeas are not suitable for this recipe.
- Drain the chickpeas very well before processing to prevent an overly wet mixture.
- Keep the mixture slightly coarse rather than turning it into a smooth paste.
- Shape the falafel evenly so they cook at a similar rate.
- Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes, plus soaking time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20–24 falafel
- Calories: 260 per serving
Keywords: air fryer falafel, air fryer falafel recipe, falafel recipe, homemade falafel, crispy air fryer falafel