Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love crispy, flavorful bites without the mess of deep frying, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe. These falafels come out perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender and moist inside, all without a drop of oil soaking in. I remember the first time I made them; I was amazed at how easy it was to get that authentic falafel crunch right from my air fryer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, regular falafel just won’t cut it anymore!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe. Most of these are pantry staples, but be sure to soak your dried chickpeas well—that’s my biggest tip for the perfect texture!

• Dried chickpeas: The star of the show. Avoid canned chickpeas here—they’re too soft and will make the mixture mushy.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch and balances perfectly with the herbs.
• Small onion: Adds that subtle sweetness and depth; I like using yellow onions.
• Parsley leaves: Fresh and bright, parsley gives a vibrant herby flavor every time.
• Cilantro leaves: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy note; if you’re not a cilantro fan, rosemary or dill can work too.
• Ground coriander: Warming spice that blends beautifully with cumin.
• Ground cumin: The earthy, nutty flavor is classic falafel seasoning that you can’t skip.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t be shy here.
• Black pepper: For just enough bite and warmth.
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick; adjust to your own heat preference.
• Baking powder (optional): This little trick can help make your falafel extra light and fluffy inside.
• Cooking spray: To ensure your falafels don’t stick and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Variations

I love how versatile this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe is —it’s a blank canvas where you can tweak flavors or accommodate diets without losing its soul. Play around with herbs, spices, or even add-ins to make it your own.

• Herb swaps: Sometimes I swap out cilantro for fresh mint or dill to give a fresher, lighter note that brightens the falafel.
• Spice levels: If you like it hotter, I double the cayenne and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky heat I adore.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure no cross-contamination if you’re super sensitive.
• Make mini falafels: For parties, I sometimes make smaller falafel bites—they cook even faster and are perfect finger food.

How to Make Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Step 1: Soak Your Chickpeas Overnight

This step is crucial and non-negotiable. Place 2 cups of dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water—at least 3 inches above the chickpeas. The soaking time should be between 18-24 hours. When I first rushed this part, the falafel texture suffered big time. So set a reminder; it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Blend the Mixture Just Right

Drain the soaked chickpeas well and pat dry gently with a towel to remove excess moisture. Add them into your food processor together with garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder if using. Process in bursts of about 20 seconds, scraping the sides occasionally. You’re aiming for a coarse, dough-like texture—not a puree. This takes a couple of rounds; I usually give it 3-4 pulses.

Step 3: Chill the Falafel Mixture

Transfer the mixture back to the fridge for about 45-60 minutes. Chilling firms things up, which helps the falafels hold their shape and crisp up better. Once, I skipped this and my falafel balls didn’t crisp right—lesson learned!

Step 4: Shape and Air Fry Your Falafel

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture. I like to lightly spray the falafel balls and the air fryer basket with cooking spray—it’s a game changer for that golden crust and no sticking. Air fry at 375 ºF (190 ºC) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through around 10 minutes. If your air fryer basket is small, just do batches. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully crisp and slightly browned.

How to Serve Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simple garnishes that complement falafel’s bold flavors—fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce always make me smile. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are fluffy pita bread, a fresh tabbouleh salad, and a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce (tzatziki style). You’ll find that these sides balance the spices and give a lovely variety of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served falafel on mini skewers alongside a trio of dips—tahini, harissa, and a lemony garlic yogurt dip. It’s such a hit and makes for an Instagram-worthy platter. Another favorite is a Mediterranean bowl with falafel on a bed of quinoa, roasted veggies, and a dollop of hummus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before storing, let them cool completely to avoid sogginess. They reheat surprisingly well and keep their shape.

Freezing

Falafel freeze wonderfully! I freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a few at a time to reheat quickly without worrying about soggy falafel.

Reheating

I always reheat leftover or frozen falafel in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350 ºF. This revives that crispy exterior perfectly—microwaves just don’t do justice here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe lets me enjoy a takeout favorite without the extra oil or cleanup. The bright herbs combined with warming spices, paired with that unbeatable crispy shell, always make my kitchen feel like a cozy Middle Eastern spot. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it—give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a new staple in your meal rotation!

Print