Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

$To make crispy air fryer falafel, gather the following ingredients: - Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), thoroughly drained and rinsed - Vegetables: 1 small onion, roughly chopped - Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped - Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped - Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Spices: 1 teaspoon ground coriander - Spices: Salt and pepper to taste - Leavening Agents: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Leavening Agents: 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - Oils and Flour: 2 tablespoons olive oil - Oils and Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chickpeas provide protein and texture. Onions and garlic add depth of flavor. Fresh herbs bring brightness, while spices like cumin and coriander give warmth and earthiness. Baking powder and baking soda help the falafel rise, making them light and crisp. Olive oil adds richness, and flour helps bind everything together. This mix ensures your falafel will be flavorful and easy to make. Start by gathering your ingredients. Take the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Place them in your food processor. Pulse the mix until it’s coarse. Be careful not to make it a paste. You want some texture to keep it interesting. Next, add your spices. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and coriander. Then, toss in the baking powder and baking soda. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse the mixture again until the spices blend in well. This step adds warmth and depth to your falafel. Now, it’s time to shape your falafel. Scrape down the sides of the food processor. Add the olive oil and flour to the mix, then pulse until just combined. The mixture should hold its shape when you press it together. If it feels too sticky, you can add a bit more flour. Form the mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wet your hands lightly to help shape them without sticking. To get your falafel crispy, lightly brush or spray them with olive oil before air frying. This small step adds a lovely crunch. It also enhances the flavor, making each bite more delicious. Air fry the falafel in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. Flip the falafel halfway through cooking for even browning. This method helps create that perfect crispy outside. Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color. The falafel should be crispy on the outside. If they look good, they are ready to come out of the air fryer. Enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful taste! {{image_4}} If you want a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour. This works great in place of all-purpose flour. It keeps the falafel light and crispy. Plus, it adds a nice nutty taste. Just swap the flour in the recipe, and you’re set! You can make your falafel even more exciting! Try adding different herbs. Fresh mint or dill can give a fresh twist. These herbs add brightness and complexity. Just chop them finely and mix them in with your other ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you! Want to boost the nutrition? Consider adding finely chopped nuts or seeds. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are great choices. They add texture and healthy fats. Just mix them into the falafel mixture before shaping. This little change can make a big difference! You can store leftover falafel in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure the container is sealed well to keep them from drying out. To reheat, use the air fryer. This keeps the falafel crispy. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Check them often to make sure they do not burn. You can freeze uncooked falafel balls for later use. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. When you are ready to eat, air fry them directly from frozen. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 375°F, and enjoy a quick meal! Simply use a potato masher or fork to mash chickpeas and mix ingredients by hand. Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas. Then, mash them until they are mostly smooth but still a bit chunky. Chop your onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro finely. Mix everything in a bowl. This method takes a little more effort but still gives you tasty falafel. Yes, you can bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy. To bake, form the falafel balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake them in the oven, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Recommended sides include tahini sauce, tzatziki, pita bread, and fresh veggies. Tahini sauce adds a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs well with falafel. Tzatziki offers a cool, refreshing taste. Pita bread is great for wrapping the falafel, and fresh veggies like cucumber or tomatoes add a nice crunch. These sides make your meal more complete and delicious. You now know how to make delicious falafel using simple ingredients. We covered each step, from preparing the mixture to air frying for that perfect crisp. Remember, using fresh herbs and spices makes a huge difference in taste. You can switch up flavors and even store leftovers easily. Try it with different dips or sides for a fun meal. Enjoy your cooking and experiment with this tasty dish!$

Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic with these crispy air fryer falafel! Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and flavorful spices, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a healthy snack or meal, serve them with tahini sauce or tzatziki for an extra flavor boost. Click through to discover how to make this tasty dish and impress your friends and family!

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin for warmth

1 teaspoon ground coriander for earthiness

1/2 teaspoon baking powder for a light texture

1/2 teaspoon baking soda for extra rise

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil for richness

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free alternative)

Instructions

Begin by combining the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse texture, ensuring it remains well combined without becoming a paste.

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, and baking soda. Season with salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture a few more times to evenly distribute the spices throughout.

Scrape down the sides of the food processor. Add the olive oil and flour, pulsing until just combined. The mixture should be able to hold its shape when pressed together and should not be too sticky.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking as you prepare the falafel.

While the air fryer is heating up, take small portions of the falafel mixture and form them into balls or patties, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. If desired, wet your hands lightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Place the formed falafel balls into a bowl, and lightly brush or spray them with olive oil to enhance their crispiness during cooking.

Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches if necessary.

Air fry the falafel for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when finished.

Once they are deliciously crispy and cooked through, carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve these crispy falafels with a side of creamy tahini sauce or zesty tzatziki for dipping. Add a vibrant touch by garnishing with fresh cucumber slices and additional herbs, beautifully arranged on a colorful serving plate.