Alright, let’s talk about falafel—specifically, how to make Air Fryer Falafel at home without the mess of deep frying. If you’ve ever wanted to try an authentic falafel recipe but felt a little intimidated, don’t worry. I got you. This is an easy falafel recipe that’s crispy, packed with flavor, and totally doable—even on a busy weeknight.
Now, as a mom of three, I love a good air fry recipe. If I can toss something in the air fryer and walk away for a few minutes, that’s a win. And when it comes to air fryer chickpeas, they turn into the most delicious, golden brown bites of goodness. This air fryer falafel recipe homemade is proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to get that perfect crunch.
Whether you’re looking for a falafel easy recipe, a veggie falafel option, or a solid falafel meal prep idea, this one checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a falafel recipe vegan and falafel recipe vegetarian, so everyone at the table can enjoy. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good homemade falafel stuffed in warm pita with all the toppings?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make falafel in an air fryer, this is it. No fancy ingredients, no deep frying, just simple, crispy falafels that come together in no time. Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to grab:
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) or 1 can chickpeas, drained and dried
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (makes ‘em fluffy!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for crispiness)
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas (If Using Dried)
If you’re using dried chickpeas (which I totally recommend for the best texture), soak them overnight in a big bowl of water. Like big big—those little guys will double in size. Drain and dry them before using.
If you’re using canned chickpeas, just make sure to drain them really well and pat them dry. Otherwise, your falafel might turn out a little mushy.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Throw the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, and spices into a food processor. Pulse it a few times until the mixture looks like coarse sand. You don’t want it smooth—chunky bits are good!
Step 3: Add Flour & Baking Powder
Now, stir in the flour and baking powder. This helps everything stick together so you don’t end up with falafel crumbles all over your air fryer. If your mixture still feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds its shape.
Step 4: Shape & Chill
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into little balls or patties. If the kids are around, this is a great step to get them involved—just be ready for chickpea mixture on their hands, faces, and probably your floor.
Pop the falafel into the fridge for about 15–20 minutes to help them firm up. This keeps them from falling apart in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush the falafel with olive oil. (This step is optional, but it helps them get extra crispy.)
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No crowding! They need space to crisp up.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Now for the best part—eating!
Serve your falafel in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Or throw them on a salad. Or just eat them plain, standing at the kitchen counter while your kids tell you about their day. No judgment.
FAQs About Air Fryer Falafel
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, but dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight work best. Canned chickpeas can make the falafel a little soft and more likely to fall apart. If you do use canned, make sure to drain and dry them really well.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas before making falafel?
Nope! Soaking dried chickpeas overnight is enough. They’ll soften up and blend perfectly. If you cook them first, the falafel mixture might be too wet and fall apart.
Why is my falafel falling apart?
This usually happens if the mixture is too dry or too wet. Make sure to pulse the mixture until it holds together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour. Also, chilling the mixture before air frying helps!
How long does it take to cook falafel in an air fryer?
At 375°F (190°C), falafel takes about 12–15 minutes in the air fryer. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
How do I serve falafel?
Falafel is super versatile! Serve it in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce, toss it on a salad, or dip it in hummus. My kids even eat them plain as a snack.
Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Air Fryer Falafel
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight or 1 can chickpeas, drained and dried
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil optional, for crispiness
Instructions
Soak the Chickpeas
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain and dry before using.
Blend the Ingredients
- In a food processor, pulse together chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, and spices until the mixture looks like coarse sand.
Add Flour & Baking Powder
- Stir in flour and baking powder to help bind the mixture. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Shape & Chill
- Form small balls or patties and chill them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush falafel with olive oil.
- Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve in pita bread, on salads, or as a snack with hummus or tahini sauce.
Notes
✔ No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
✔ Make-ahead: Store uncooked falafel in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
So there you have it—Air Fryer Falafel that’s crispy, flavorful, and so much easier than frying in oil. If you’ve ever wondered how to make falafel at home, this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe Easy is proof that it’s totally doable, even on a busy weeknight. No fancy techniques, no deep-frying mess—just a simple, homemade falafel that turns out perfect every time.
At my house, we love using this Falafel Air Fryer Recipe for quick lunches, meal prep, or even a fun DIY falafel night where everyone stuffs their own pita. And since this is an Air Fryer Falafel Recipe Vegan and Air Fryer Falafel Recipe Vegetarian, it’s a great option whether you’re plant-based or just looking for a healthy, meat-free meal.
If you’re new to Air Fry Recipes, this one is a keeper. Whether you’re making a big batch for falafel meal prep, serving it with a side of air fryer chickpeas, or just grabbing a couple falafels straight from the fridge for a quick snack (guilty), this recipe is a game-changer.
So go ahead—give this Easy Falafel Recipe Air Fryer a try! Once you do, you might never go back to store-bought falafel again. And if your kids are anything like mine, at least two out of three will love it.
