Name: Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 24 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups dried chickpeas (do NOT use canned or cooked chickpeas); ½ tsp baking soda; 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed; ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed; ½ cup fresh dill, stems removed; 1 small onion, quartered; 7-8 garlic cloves, peeled; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon coriander; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; Olive oil for brushing

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect combination of crispy outside and tender, flavorful inside, look no further than my Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe. This recipe transforms traditional falafel by using an air fryer to achieve an incredible crunch without deep frying, making it healthier and just as delicious. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’re just steps away from creating a falafel that’s bursting with fresh herbs and spices, sure to impress anyone at your table. Once you try this, you might never want to go back to the oven or stovetop falafel again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled to the top with round, light beige chickpeas, showing a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The chickpeas are piled unevenly with some spilling over the edge onto a white marbled surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partly submerged among the chickpeas. The background includes a white kitchen appliance slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from bringing vibrant flavor to building the perfect texture. These fresh herbs, spices, and the star ingredient, dried chickpeas, come together to create that iconic falafel taste. Here’s what you need to gather before you start your culinary adventure.

2 cups dried chickpeas: Soaking these in advance is key for crispy falafels, you simply cannot substitute canned chickpeas here.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps soften the chickpeas as they soak, speeding up the process and improving texture.
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the falafel mixture.
¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed: Infuses pleasantly fresh, citrusy accents for complexity.
½ cup fresh dill, stems removed: Offers a subtle anise-like freshness that distinguishes your falafel.
1 small onion, quartered: Gives depth and sweetness when blended into the mixture.
7-8 garlic cloves, peeled: Garlic powers up the savory aroma and flavor profile.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the spices.
1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Provides a mild kick and warming spice.
1 tablespoon cumin: Essential Middle Eastern spice that sharpens the overall taste.
1 tablespoon coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy earthiness to the blend.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Builds lightness in the patties just before cooking.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Infuses a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Start by soaking your dried chickpeas in plenty of water mixed with baking soda for 18 to 24 hours. This step is the secret behind that perfect crunch and tenderness — the chickpeas absorb water and plump up, softening without becoming mushy. Remember, never use canned chickpeas here; they just won’t deliver the same texture in your falafel.

Step 2: Blend the Falafel Mixture

Drain the chickpeas and add them to your food processor along with parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Pulse in 40-second bursts until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture similar to cornmeal. This consistency is essential to ensure your falafel holds together yet stays light and airy.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Transfer your falafel dough to a covered container and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for even more robust flavors. Chilling helps the herbs meld and allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape your patties.

Step 4: Add Baking Powder and Sesame Seeds

Just before cooking, stir in baking powder and toasted sesame seeds. The baking powder helps create lift in the patties during cooking, while the sesame seeds add a subtle, nutty flavor and texture contrast.

Step 5: Shape Your Falafel Patties

With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop a couple of tablespoons of mixture and form into flat patties about half an inch thick. Avoid packing them too tightly because airy falafel is key to that light bite everyone loves.

Step 6: Prepare to Air Fry

Brush one side of each patty with olive oil and place them oiled side down in the air fryer basket without crowding. Brush the tops as well to help them crisp up beautifully. Remember to leave enough space between patties so hot air can circulate evenly.

Step 7: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the falafel on one side for 5 minutes. Check their progress and if they’re not golden enough, continue cooking in 3 to 5-minute increments. Once perfect, flip and repeat so both sides develop that irresistible crunch. Depending on your air fryer, the total time should be around 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Serve Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe

Inside a black air fryer basket with square holes, there are eleven small, round falafel patties. Each patty has a golden brown and slightly rough texture with visible bits of white sesame seeds and green herbs spread evenly throughout. The patties have a crispy outer layer with some darker spots, indicating they are well cooked. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like mint and parsley make wonderful garnishes that brighten each bite, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of tahini sauce adds richness. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon to squeeze over the top — it brings everything alive with its fresh acidity.

Side Dishes

Falafel pairs beautifully with vibrant sides like crunchy cucumber-tomato salad, creamy hummus, or warm pita bread. You might also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy tabbouleh salad, making your meal colorful, texturally balanced, and totally satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff cooked falafel patties into mini pita pockets or wraps with your favorite sauces and veggies for an easy handheld meal. Or make a falafel grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a dollop of garlic yogurt dip for a wholesome, Instagram-worthy dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooked falafel keeps well in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days, although they lose some of their crispness over time. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating in the air fryer or oven will bring back some of that delightful crunch.

Freezing

Air fryer falafel freezes beautifully! Allow the patties to cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and you have a ready-to-go batch for busy days. Frozen falafel can last about 1 to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your frozen or refrigerated falafel in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes if chilled, or 15 minutes if frozen, flipping halfway through. This method crisps up the exterior again, making them taste freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

It’s tempting to use canned chickpeas for convenience, but they won’t provide the same crisp texture because they’re already hydrated and too soft. Using dried chickpeas soaked overnight is essential to achieve that authentic crunch in your Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe.

Is it possible to make falafel gluten-free?

Absolutely! One of the beauties of this recipe is that it’s naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t rely on wheat flour. Just be sure any toppings or accompaniments you choose also avoid gluten if you want to keep it that way.

Can I air fry falafel without oil?

While a light brushing of olive oil helps the falafel brown and crisp, you can try cooking them without oil in the air fryer, but the texture might be less golden and crunchy. A little oil makes a big difference without adding too many calories.

What if my falafel mixture is too wet or dry?

If your mixture is too wet and won’t hold together, add a handful of chickpea flour or breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. If it feels too dry, a tablespoon or two of water can help bind everything. The mixture should be moist but not sticky, forming easily into patties.

How do I avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket?

Overcrowding traps steam rather than letting hot air circulate for crispiness, so cook in batches if needed. Leave space between patties, and you’ll get that perfect golden crust every time in your Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Best Air Fryer Falafel (Easy Tips!) Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fast way to get crispy, flavorful falafel with less fuss and oil than traditional frying. It’s a keeper that’ll have you and your friends reaching for seconds again and again. So, grab those dried chickpeas and start soaking today—your taste buds will thank you for this delicious adventure!