Best 6 Air Fryer Falafel Recipes

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Air fryer falafel is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional falafel, offering a crispy outer texture and a tender interior. Made with chickpeas or fava beans and a blend of herbs and spices, this vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a party appetizer that will impress your guests, air fryer falafel is the perfect choice.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Air Fryer Falafel image

Falafel made in the air fryer is crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. Stuff them in a pita packed with veggies and tahini sauce for an easy, quick meal!

Provided by Nick Evans

Categories     Sandwich     Air Fryer     Make-ahead     Quick and Easy

Time 24m

Number Of Ingredients 25

For the tahini sauce:
1/2 cup tahini (I like Joyva )
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 lemon, juice only
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup hot water
For the falafel:
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 large shallot, chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 lemon, juice only
1 teaspoon salt
Spray olive oil, for cooking
For serving:
6 pita breads
Fresh lettuce
1 large tomato, sliced thin
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1 cucumber, sliced thin

Steps:

  • Serve the falafel: Serve the falafel in warm pita (I like to microwave my pita first for 15 seconds). Serve with tahini yogurt sauce and any toppings you like! Leftover falafel will store great in the fridge for 5 to 6 days or you can freeze the falafel for longer storage. Reheat falafel in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 553 kcal, Carbohydrate 76 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 9 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1003 mg, Sugar 8 g, Fat 21 g, ServingSize 25 to 30 falafel, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

HEALTHY AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Healthy Air Fryer Falafel image

Traditionally deep fried, falafel is ideal to make in an air fryer. Rather than the usual balls, these are shaped into thick patties so they are easier to flip during cooking. The egg white and chickpea flour help bind the herbs and chickpeas, and the baking powder keeps the falafel from getting too dense. For the best consistency, be sure not to overprocess your mix; it should be chunkier rather than smooth. And keep in mind that since these are air fried, they will not get the same dark crust as traditional falafel.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 13h

Yield 6 servings (18 falafel)

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 ounces dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours, or one 15-ounce can chickpeas
1 cup fresh parsley leaves with stems, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves with stems
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
3 cloves garlic
2 scallions, white and green parts roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lemon, juiced
1 large egg white
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Olive oil cooking spray, for your hands and the falafel
1/2 cup tahini
Pinch of paprika
1 clove garlic, grated
1 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 whole-wheat pitas
1 heart romaine, coarsely chopped
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
Harissa or other hot sauce, for drizzling, optional

Steps:

  • For the falafel: Drain the chickpeas well and spread them out on a towel-lined baking sheet to dry completely.
  • Pulse the parsley, cilantro, mint, garlic and scallions in a food processor until roughly chopped and combined. Add the chickpeas, flour, cumin, coriander, cayenne, lemon juice, egg white, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper and pulse until the mixture is a well-combined coarse meal but not smooth or mushy. Refrigerate 15 minutes, then stir in the baking powder.
  • Spray your hands with olive oil cooking spray. Scoop the chickpea mixture into 18 balls (about 2 tablespoons each), flattening the balls slightly with your hands to create thick patties. Spray both sides of the patties with olive oil spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket of a 6-quart air fryer, in batches if necessary, and cook at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes (see Cook's Note).
  • For the tahini sauce: Whisk together the tahini, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of black pepper and 1/3 cup water. Adjust with additional water, if needed, for desired consistently.
  • For serving: Cook the pitas in the air fryer at 300 degrees F until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Slice each pita in half and gently open up the pockets.
  • Fill the pita halves with 3 falafel balls each, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, tahini sauce and a drizzle of harissa, if using.

AIR FRYER FALAFEL



Air Fryer Falafel image

Once you've soaked your chickpeas, you can use a food processor and an air fryer to quickly bake these spicy falafel patties. Serve with your favorite garnishes and sauce.

Provided by Buckwheat Queen

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan     Side Dishes

Time P1DT1h40m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup dry garbanzo beans
1 ½ cups fresh cilantro, stems removed
¾ cup fresh flat-leafed parsley, stems removed
1 small red onion, quartered
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons chickpea flour
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Soak chickpeas in a large amount of cool water for 24 hours. Rub the soaked chickpeas with your fingers to help loosen and remove skins. Rinse and drain well. Spread chickpeas on a large clean dish towel to dry.
  • Blend chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, and garlic in a food processor until a rough paste forms. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add chickpea flour, coriander, cumin, sriracha, salt, and pepper and mix well. Cover bowl and let mixture rest for 1 hour.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Add baking powder and baking soda to the chickpea mixture. Mix using your hands until just combined. Form 15 equal-sized balls and press slightly to form patties. Spray falafel patties with cooking spray.
  • Place 7 falafel patties in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer cooked falafel to a plate and repeat with remaining 8 falafel, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.7 calories, Carbohydrate 9.9 g, Fat 1.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 97.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

AIR FRYER FALAFEL RECIPE BY TASTY



Air Fryer Falafel Recipe by Tasty image

Our falafel is full of flavor and super crispy, thanks to the air fryer! Packed with shallot, herbs, and spices, it's as delicious stuffed in a pita with hummus and vegetables as it is on top of a salad or grain bowl.

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large shallot, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
pita
hummu
tomato, chopped
cucumber, chopped
red onion, chopped

Steps:

  • In a food processor, pulse together the chickpeas, shallot, garlic, parsley, cilantro, scallions, salt, cumin, and paprika to combine. Add the flour and baking powder and pulse until just combined and smooth.
  • Use a 1-inch ice cream scoop to scoop out falafel balls onto a cutting board or plate.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  • Working in batches, arrange the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 7 minutes. Flip the falafel over and continue cooking for another 7 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Repeat with the remaining falafel.
  • Serve the falafel with pita, hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 5 grams

AIR-FRYER FALAFEL



Air-Fryer Falafel image

Falafel are a popular street food in the Middle East. The crispy fried chickpea fritters are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds. These air-fryer falafel are gluten free on top of it all. Parsley can be added or used instead of mint. -Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, India

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 16 pieces.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup dried garbanzo beans
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
5 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, optional
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cover beans with water. Stir in baking soda. Cover and let stand overnight. Drain beans; rinse and pat dry., In a food processor, pulse cilantro and mint until finely chopped. Add beans, garlic, salt, pepper if desired, coriander and chili powder. Pulse until blended and texture of coarse meal. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. , Preheat air fryer to 375°. Stir in sesame seeds and baking powder. Shape into sixteen 2-in. balls. Arrange 8 balls in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 762mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 16g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

AIR FRIED FALAFEL



Air Fried Falafel image

This vegetarian air fried falafel is super easy to prepare and full of flavor thanks to fresh herbs.

Provided by Glenn6870

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Main Dishes     Beans and Peas     Falafel Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 small yellow onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup roughly chopped parsley
⅓ cup chopped scallions
⅓ cup roughly chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
olive oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Dry chickpeas on paper towels. Place onions and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add parsley, scallions, cilantro, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes. Process until blended, 30 to 60 seconds, then add the chickpeas and pulse 2 to 3 times until just blended, but not pureed. Sprinkle in flour and baking powder, scrape the sides of the bowl down with a spatula, and pulse 2 to 3 times.
  • Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, 2 to 3 hours.
  • Form the falafel mixture into 12 balls; if mixture is too sticky add some flour to your hands and your work surface.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray falafel with cooking spray.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown, about 14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.3 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 466 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

Tips:

  • Use dried chickpeas: Soaking and cooking the chickpeas yourself will give you the best results. Canned chickpeas can be used in a pinch, but they may not be as flavorful.
  • Season the chickpeas well: The chickpeas are the base of the falafel, so it's important to season them well. Use a combination of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika.
  • Don't overmix the falafel mixture: Overmixing the mixture will make the falafel tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use a food processor to grind the chickpeas: This will give you a smooth, even mixture. You can also use a blender, but be careful not to overmix the mixture.
  • Chill the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying: This will help the falafel hold its shape better.
  • Use a non-stick cooking spray to grease the air fryer basket: This will prevent the falafel from sticking.
  • Cook the falafel in a single layer: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the falafel will not cook evenly.
  • Flip the falafel halfway through cooking: This will ensure that the falafel cooks evenly.
  • Serve the falafel hot with your favorite dipping sauce: Tahini sauce is a classic choice, but you can also use hummus, tzatziki sauce, or any other sauce you like.

Conclusion:

Air fryer falafel is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried falafel. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect air fryer falafel every time. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, give air fryer falafel a try!

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