Description
This easy, foolproof air fryer falafel recipe uses soaked dry chickpeas and fresh herbs to create crispy, golden-brown falafel patties. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these falafels are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, offering a healthy Middle Eastern delight cooked conveniently in the air fryer for a crunchy exterior and tender inside.
Ingredients
Falafel Base
- 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)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas: One day ahead, soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl filled with water and ½ tsp baking soda. The water must cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Let them soak for 18 to 24 hours until softened and plumped. Drain thoroughly before use.
- Make the falafel mixture: Add the soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using) to a food processor fitted with a blade. Pulse in 40-second increments until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal in texture; avoid pureeing into a paste.
- Refrigerate the mixture: Transfer the falafel mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to let flavors meld and firm up the dough.
- Add baking powder and sesame seeds: Just before air frying, stir in the baking powder and toasted sesame seeds into the falafel mixture until evenly combined.
- Form falafel patties: With wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture and shape into flat patties about ½-inch thick. Do not pack the mixture too tightly to keep the texture light and crispy.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly brush one side of each falafel patty with olive oil and place them oiled side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to crowd them. Then brush the top (exposed) side with olive oil as well. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the falafel: Set the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the patties for 5 minutes, then check for color. If not yet golden brown, continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes. Flip each patty and air fry the other side until that side is also golden and crisp. Total time is about 13 to 15 minutes.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leaving enough space allows falafel patties to crisp evenly.
- Air fryer temperatures and times vary; cook in 5-minute increments to avoid overcooking.
- Falafel can be baked in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, but air frying yields better crispness.
- Store cooked falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer or oven.
- Freeze cooked falafel by flash freezing on a cookie sheet, then transferring to freezer bags; reheat in oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
