Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that’s ready in a flash? These homemade air fryer falafel are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an ideal air fryer dinner recipe for any night of the week. You’ll love how simple it is to create this flavorful Middle Eastern classic right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Canned Chickpeas: For convenience. You can use dried chickpeas soaked overnight, but adjust cooking time.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro are essential for flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatic base.
- Flour: Binds the falafel. Use all-purpose or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly dried
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Tools Needed: Food processor, air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients in Food Processor
Add the rinsed and dried chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, flour, baking powder, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and optional cayenne pepper to your food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture. Avoid over-processing to prevent a paste-like consistency.
2. Form the Falafel Patties
Scoop about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball or flatten slightly into a small patty. Place the formed falafel on a plate. Repeat until you have used all the mixture, typically yielding about 12-15 falafel.
3. Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, ensuring even cooking for your air fryer dinner recipes.
4. Air Fry the Falafel
Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly brush the tops of the falafel with a little extra olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve Immediately
Once cooked, carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer. Serve your homemade air fryer falafel warm with your favorite sauces, like tahini or a fresh yogurt dip, and enjoy this fantastic air fryer dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or mint.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Roll the falafel in sesame seeds before air frying for an extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover air fryer falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, soak dried chickpeas overnight and then boil them until tender before using. Ensure they are very well-drained.
- Why are my falafel falling apart?
Ensure your chickpeas are very dry before processing. Adding a little extra flour (1-2 teaspoons) can also help bind the mixture.
- Can you freeze uncooked falafel?
Yes, form the falafel and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What should you serve with air fryer falafel?
Falafel is excellent in pita bread with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, hummus, or a simple salad.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour, this recipe becomes naturally gluten-free.
- How do you prevent falafel from being dry?
Don’t overcook them in the air fryer. Brushing with a little olive oil before cooking also helps keep them moist and crispy.