Air Fryer Falafel
Description:
Air Fryer Falafel is a healthier and easier take on the classic deep-fried Middle Eastern chickpea balls. These falafels are made with a mixture of chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and spices, then air-fried to crispy perfection. The result is a golden-brown, crunchy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. Air frying offers a lighter version of traditional falafel, reducing the amount of oil needed while maintaining the savory, aromatic taste. Perfect for serving with pita bread, salads, or in a wrap with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for spraying)
- 2-4 tablespoons flour (depending on mixture consistency)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Calories (per serving):
- Each falafel ball has approximately 50-70 calories depending on the size. If you make 12 falafel balls, one serving (3-4 falafel) would be around 150-250 calories.
How to Cook:
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not a paste. If it’s too wet, add a little flour to help bind the mixture, along with the baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Form the Falafel Balls:
- After chilling, form the mixture into small balls or patties (about 1-2 tablespoons of mixture per ball).
- Air Fry the Falafel:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Arrange the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Serve the air fryer falafel warm with pita bread, tahini sauce, a fresh salad, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
History:
Falafel is a beloved dish that originated in the Middle East, likely in Egypt, where it was traditionally made with fava beans before chickpeas became more common. Over time, it spread throughout the Levant and the Arab world, becoming a staple street food. In its traditional form, falafel is deep-fried, but in recent years, healthier alternatives like air frying have become popular. Air fryer falafel offers the same great flavor and crunch but with far less oil, making it a lighter option for those looking to enjoy this classic dish in a healthier way. It’s also widely enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans due to its plant-based ingredients.
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful falafels with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a delicious Mediterranean meal!
