Let me tell you, if you’re looking for a game-changer in your appetizer lineup, my airfryer falafel is where it’s at! These little bites of joy are not just crispy and flavorful; they’re also super easy to whip up in no time. Trust me, my family goes wild for them. I love making these when I want something healthy yet satisfying, and the air fryer takes them to a whole new level of crunch without all the oil. Once you give them a try, I promise they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients List

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying)

How to Prepare Airfryer Falafel

First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is so important for that perfect crispiness!
While that’s heating up, grab your food processor. Toss in the chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and cilantro, along with the cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Pulse the mixture until it’s a coarse blend—don’t overdo it! You want some texture to your falafel.
Next, add the flour and mix it in until everything is just combined. This helps bind the mixture without making it too wet.
Now comes the fun part! Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. I usually aim for about the size of a golf ball, but you can make them whatever size you like!
Brush or spray the formed falafel with olive oil. This will help them get that delightful golden-brown color.
Carefully place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space to breathe!
Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re crispy and browned on the outside.
Once they’re done, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm. Trust me, they’re best right out of the fryer!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for my airfryer falafel, based on a serving size of three falafel:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, they show just how healthy and satisfying these little bites can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
Healthier than traditional frying, thanks to the air fryer.
Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices.
Vegan-friendly and full of wholesome ingredients.
Perfectly crispy outside, tender inside—just divine!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your airfryer falafel turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:

Moisture control: The mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!
Uniform size: Shape your falafel into even-sized balls or patties. This ensures they cook evenly and you don’t end up with some overcooked and some undercooked.
Space them out: When placing the falafel in the air fryer, give them some room to breathe. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than that glorious crispiness we want!
Oil it up: Don’t skip brushing or spraying them with olive oil before cooking. This is the secret to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior!
Flip halfway: Remember to flip them halfway through cooking! This helps ensure both sides get that lovely crunch.

Follow these tips, and I guarantee your falafel will be a hit! Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up your airfryer falafel! You can add some heat with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Want to boost the flavor? Try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can give a whole new vibe, and you could even sneak in grated zucchini or carrots for extra veggies! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my airfryer falafel, the options are just as delightful as the falafel themselves! I love pairing them with a creamy tahini sauce or a dollop of tangy yogurt—both add a perfect contrast to the crispy texture. A fresh salad with crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon really brightens up the dish. You can even serve them in pita pockets with your favorite veggies for a fun wrap. Trust me, these pairings make every bite even more delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep that crispy goodness, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. They’ll be just like fresh again!

FAQ Section

What if I don’t have chickpeas? Can I use another bean?
Absolutely! While chickpeas are traditional for falafel, you can use other beans like black beans or white beans. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but they can still be delicious!

How can I make airfryer falafel gluten-free?
No problem! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even chickpea flour. This will keep your falafel just as tasty without the gluten!

Can I freeze the falafel before cooking?
Yes, you can! Shape the falafel and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them straight into the air fryer without thawing, but you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to know when the falafel is done?
The falafel should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure, a quick internal temperature check should read around 165°F (74°C). But honestly, the smell alone will guide you!

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas beforehand. They’ll need to be soft enough to blend into a nice mixture. This can take some extra planning, but the flavor is totally worth it!

Airfryer Falafel: 8 Crispy Bites of Pure Joy

Author: Emma Schweitzer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and flavorful falafel made in an air fryer.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Pulse until a coarse mixture forms.
Add flour and mix until combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
Brush or spray the falafel with olive oil.
Place falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt.
Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 falafel
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: airfryer falafel