Air Fryer Falafel

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour) - Cooking spray or olive oil spray You can swap chickpeas for canned beans. Just use one can, drained and rinsed. If you don’t like cilantro, try using more parsley instead. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour in place of all-purpose flour. You can also add spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. Each serving of falafel offers about: - Calories: 180 - Protein: 8g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fat: 6g - Fiber: 6g These numbers can vary with substitutions. Be sure to check your specific ingredients if you track nutrition. These falafels are a great snack or meal option, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. They satisfy cravings while being healthy. Enjoy making them your own! To start, soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight. This step softens the beans and enhances the flavor. After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas well. It is vital to dry them completely on a towel. Wet chickpeas can lead to soggy falafel. Next, place the dried chickpeas in a food processor. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mix for about 10-15 seconds. You want it finely ground but not mushy. Scrape the sides occasionally to ensure everything blends evenly. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of flour to the mix. Stir until it combines well; if it's too wet, add more flour. With slightly damp hands, shape the mixture into small balls. Aim for the size of a golf ball. You should get 12 to 15 falafel pieces. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key for even cooking. Arrange the falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch each other, as air needs to flow around them. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. For a full recipe, check the earlier section. To get crispy falafel, start with dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight. This step hydrates them for better texture. Drain and dry thoroughly before blending. If the mixture feels wet, add more flour. Shape the balls firmly. A little pressure helps them hold together. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks them evenly, giving a nice crunch. Preheat the air fryer for about five minutes. This step aids in achieving that golden color. Cook the falafel for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Avoid using canned chickpeas; they make falafel soggy. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This limits air flow and makes them less crispy. Skip the oil spray, and you risk dry falafel. Always check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown exterior. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your falafel. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. For a herby twist, try adding fresh mint or dill. These herbs bring a bright flavor. Experiment and find what you love best! If you need a gluten-free falafel, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour. This simple swap keeps the taste delicious while making it safe for anyone avoiding gluten. You can also skip the flour altogether if you want a lighter version. Just be sure to shape your falafel carefully since they might be a bit more fragile. Falafel pairs well with many dips. Hummus is a classic choice, but tzatziki adds a nice coolness. You can also try tahini sauce for a nutty flavor. Serve your falafel with warm pita bread and fresh veggies for a tasty meal. A side salad with cucumber and tomato works great too. For the full recipe, check the main article. Store leftover falafel in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to four days. Place a paper towel inside the container. It absorbs excess moisture and helps maintain crispness. To reheat falafel, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method makes them crispy again. You can also use the oven at the same temperature for 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You can freeze uncooked falafel for later use. Shape the balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They last for up to three months. When ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the air fryer. If you prefer cooked falafel, you can freeze them too, but they may lose some crunch. Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. They save time and are convenient. However, they may make your falafel softer. To get the right texture, drain and rinse them well. Pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This helps keep your falafel crispy. The falafel recipe is already vegan! It uses chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Just ensure you use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour if you prefer. This keeps the dish plant-based and delicious. Air fryer falafel tastes great with many dips. Here are a few to try: - Tahini sauce - Hummus - Tzatziki - Yogurt sauce These dips add flavor and creaminess. You’ll know your falafel is done when it is golden brown and crispy. The outside should feel firm to the touch. If you cut one open, it should be warm and soft inside. Cooking time is usually 12-15 minutes. The best air fryer for falafel has good air circulation. Look for one with an adjustable temperature and timer. A basket-style air fryer works well for even cooking, too. Popular brands include Philips and Ninja. Always choose one that fits your kitchen needs. You can find the full recipe for crispy air fryer falafel to start your cooking adventure! Making air fryer falafel is simple and fun. You start with chickpeas. Soak them overnight to soften. This step is key for a great texture. Drain and rinse them well before using. Next, blend the chickpeas with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices. I love using ground cumin and coriander for deep flavor. Pulse the mix until it’s finely ground but still has some chunk. This gives the falafel a nice bite. Once blended, transfer the mix to a bowl. Gradually add flour. Mix until it holds together. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. You want to easily form small balls or patties. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized pieces. You’ll get about 12 to 15 falafel. This size is perfect for cooking and eating. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Place the falafel in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Your goal is golden-brown, crispy falafel. Once done, let them cool for a minute. Serve with tahini sauce or hummus for a tasty dip. Enjoy with warm pita or a fresh salad. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered everything you need for tasty falafel. We explored ingredients and tips to ensure crispy results. I shared how to prepare, mix, shape, and cook your falafel in an air fryer. Plus, you learned smart storage and reheating methods. Variations and serving ideas add fun to your meal. Now, you can make great falafel at home. Enjoy trying different flavors and dips. Happy cooking!$

Discover the joy of making air fryer falafel, a crunchy and flavorful snack that's both healthy and easy to prepare! Packed with spices and plant-based goodness, these tasty bites are perfect for any occasion. In this blog post, you'll find simple steps, tips for achieving perfect crispiness, and serving ideas that will impress everyone.

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

Prepare Chickpeas: After soaking the chickpeas overnight, drain them and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Allow them to dry completely on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before using. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground yet retains some texture—about 10-15 seconds. Be sure to scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure even blending.

Add Flour: Transfer the falafel mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the flour gradually, mixing until everything is well incorporated. If the mixture feels too sticky or wet, add a little more flour until it can easily form into balls without losing its shape.

Form Falafel Balls: With slightly damp hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, each approximately the size of a golf ball. You should yield between 12 to 15 falafel pieces, depending on your size preference.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking.

Air Fry Falafel: Arrange the falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel with cooking spray or olive oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve: Carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving to avoid burning your fingers.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an enticing presentation, serve the crispy falafel on a platter with a drizzle of tahini sauce or a bowl of hummus for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Pair with warm pita bread or a side salad to create a colorful and appealing meal. Enjoy!