Description
Enjoy crispy air fryer falafel, a healthier take on a Mediterranean favorite. These falafels are made with dried chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, air-fried to golden perfection with a satisfying crunch. They are quick to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small yellow or white onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed and finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Olive oil spray (for air frying)
Instructions
- Drain soaked chickpeas thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Place chickpeas in a food processor with the chopped onion, garlic, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture 10 to 15 times for one second each until it resembles coarse wet sand. Some small chickpea pieces should remain visible for texture. Scrape down the sides of the food processor between pulses to ensure even processing.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Gently fold in the fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
- Slightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion the mixture. Form into compact balls or slightly flattened patties about 2 inches in diameter. Press firmly when shaping to ensure they hold together during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 3 minutes.
- Arrange the shaped falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving at least half an inch between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Lightly spritz the falafel with olive oil spray for enhanced browning.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping each piece carefully at the halfway point. The falafel should be deep golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow the falafel to rest in the air fryer basket for 1 to 2 minutes after cooking to firm up completely before serving.
Notes
- Soaking dried chickpeas is essential for the correct texture; avoid using canned chickpeas.
- If the mixture seems too dry to hold its shape, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a sprinkle of chickpea flour to absorb excess moisture.
- For best results, ensure chickpeas are well-drained and the mixture is not overprocessed into a paste.
- Consider chilling the shaped falafel for 15 minutes before cooking for improved structural integrity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3-4 falafel balls)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 15.5 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 5.2 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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