Air Fryer Falafel
A healthy, crispy, and easy falafel recipe made in the air fryer! This homemade falafel is packed with flavor, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for meal prep. Great for a vegetarian or vegan meal, served in pita, on salads, or as a snack.
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
✔ For extra crispiness, spray with a little oil before air frying.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.