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Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

A quick, healthy take on traditional falafel using canned chickpeas and your air fryer. Crispy, golden, and loaded with Middle Eastern flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Servings 20 Servings
Calories 45 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or small cookie scoop
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel:

  • 2 cups canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup fresh parsley leaves packed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves packed
  • ¼ cup onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

For Serving (Optional):

  • Pita bread or lettuce wraps
  • Tahini sauce or hummus
  • Sliced cucumbers tomatoes, and red onion
  • Fresh herbs mint, parsley

Instructions
 

Step 1: Pulse the Ingredients

  • Add chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne to a food processor. Pulse until mixture is coarse and crumbly.
  • Tip:
  • Avoid overblending—it should not be smooth.

Step 2: Mix in Flour and Baking Powder

  • Transfer to a bowl. Add flour, baking powder, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
  • Tip:
  • Add more flour if mixture is too wet to shape.

Step 3: Shape the Falafel

  • Scoop and roll mixture into balls or patties using damp hands.
  • Tip:
  • Chilling for 30 minutes helps the mix firm up.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Tip:
  • Preheating ensures even crisping.

Step 5: Air Fry the Falafel

  • Brush with oil and air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • Tip:
  • Work in batches for best results.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve with pita, sauces, and fresh toppings of your choice.
  • Tip:
  • Let them cool a few minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
Freeze uncooked falafel for later—no need to thaw before air frying.
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