Let me tell you, making easy air fryer falafel is one of those culinary joys that never fails to impress! Seriously, it’s like magic how you can whip up these crispy little bites in no time at all. I’ve always loved falafel, but traditional frying can be such a hassle, right? That’s why I fell head over heels for this air fryer version. It’s quick, it’s simple, and the results are just phenomenal!
Picture this: you’re craving that savory, herby flavor of falafel, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is your answer! In just about 27 minutes, you can have a plate full of golden-brown falafel ready to dip in creamy tahini sauce or pile into a warm pita. Trust me, it’s become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer falafels. I promise, it’s a super straightforward list! Just grab these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to falafel heaven:
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed) – The star of the show! These little gems pack so much flavor and protein.
- 1/4 cup onion (chopped) – Adds that sweet and savory punch to the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Because, honestly, who can resist garlic?
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) – This brings in that fresh, herby goodness.
- 1/4 cup flour – Helps bind everything together. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute this with chickpea flour!
- 1 teaspoon cumin – A must for that earthy flavor we all love in falafel.
- 1 teaspoon coriander – Adds a lovely citrusy note that brightens it all up.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip it!
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper – A little kick to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This is for brushing or spraying the falafel before they hit the air fryer for that perfect crisp!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making your air fryer falafel! I’ll walk you through each step, so you can create these mouthwatering bites with confidence. Ready? Let’s go!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for achieving that lovely golden-brown color and crispy texture. Just give it about 5 minutes to warm up while you prep the rest!
Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to mix up our flavorful filling! In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse it all together until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture—think slightly chunky rather than a smooth paste. You want those little bits of goodness to shine through!
Form the Falafel
Now comes the fun part—shaping your falafel! Grab a spoon and scoop out the mixture, then use your hands to form small balls or patties. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for even cooking in the air fryer. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing no matter what!
Cook the Falafel
Time to cook! Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Brush or spray them lightly with olive oil for that delicious crunch. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and crispy on the outside!
Serve Warm
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them warm. I absolutely love pairing them with creamy tahini sauce or a dollop of yogurt. You can also toss them in a warm pita with fresh veggies for a delightful meal. Trust me, you’re going to want to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! It’s super easy to make this easy air fryer falafel recipe gluten-free. Just swap out all-purpose flour for chickpea flour or any other gluten-free flour you prefer. It works wonderfully and keeps that delightful falafel texture intact!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy. You’ll love how they hold up!
Can I freeze the falafel?
You bet! Freezing falafel is a great option if you want to enjoy them later. Just shape the falafel and place them on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Freeze them for about an hour until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them right into the air fryer and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these falafels in just about 27 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil and fewer calories, so you can enjoy your falafel guilt-free!
- Flavor Packed: With the combination of spices and fresh herbs, each bite is bursting with delicious flavor that’s totally satisfying.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a main dish, in a wrap, or as a tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless!
- Vegan and Nutrient-Dense: This recipe is not only plant-based, but it’s also loaded with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or add-ins, like jalapeños for a kick or roasted red peppers for a sweet twist!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your easy air fryer falafel recipe turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Don’t Overprocess: When you’re combining the ingredients in the food processor, be careful not to overdo it. You want a mixture that’s well combined with some texture, not a smooth paste. This gives your falafel that delightful bite!
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, let the falafel mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking and enhances the flavors!
- Keep Them Uniform: Try to keep the size of your falafel consistent when shaping. This ensures even cooking, so you don’t end up with some crispy and some soggy. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light brush or spray of olive oil is crucial for that crispy exterior you’re after. It’s the secret to achieving that golden-brown perfection without deep frying!
- Check the Temperature: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your falafel as they cook. If they’re not browning as quickly as you’d like, feel free to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your falafel by adding spices like paprika or cayenne for heat, or mix in some grated zucchini for extra veggies. The flavor possibilities are endless!
- Let Them Cool Slightly: After cooking, let your falafel sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most amazing air fryer falafel. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these little falafel bites! Each serving is not only delicious but also brings a wholesome mix of nutrients to your plate. Here’s the breakdown based on a typical serving size of 2 falafel:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how nutritious and satisfying your air fryer falafel can be! With a good amount of protein and fiber, they make for a filling meal or snack. Enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made your scrumptious air fryer falafel, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers (if there are any—fingers crossed!). Proper storage will ensure they stay tasty for your next meal or snack!
To store your falafel, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent any sogginess.
If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Shape your falafel and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—just toss them directly into the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. How easy is that?
As for reheating, if you’ve stored them in the fridge, just pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. You’ll love how they regain that delightful crunch!
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your easy air fryer falafel whenever the craving strikes. Happy munching!
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Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe: 27 Minutes to Crispy Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and quick air fryer falafel recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until mixture is combined but not smooth.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Brush or spray falafel with olive oil.
- Place falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 falafel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy air fryer falafel recipe
