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–+ servings
falafel with a bite out

Air Fryer Falafel

Samantha Erb
Air fryer falafel is one of the easiest ways to make this delicious plant-based dish right at home! And you may be surprised at how basic the ingredient list and steps are.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking & Chilling Time 25 hours
Total Time 25 hours 25 minutes
Course Air Fryer Appetizers and Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 91 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried chickpeas NOT canned or cooked chickpeas
  • 1 cup red onion chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and tender stems
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • ¼ cup fresh dill stems removed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder optional
  • SERVE WITH: Pita bread tahini sauce, hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • The day before you plan to cook the falafel, place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water, covering the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak for 18-24 hours until softened, then drain the chickpeas well and pat them dry.
  • Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Pulse for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides of the bowl, then process again for 20-30 more seconds until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • When ready to cook, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and stir the sesame seeds and baking powder into the mixture.
  • Wet your hands, then scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of the mixture and form it into balls or patties (½ inch in thickness each). 
  • Spray the inner basket of the air fryer with cooking spray, then place the falafel in an even layer inside, being sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the falafel with cooking spray as well.
  • Air fry at 380 degrees F for 15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cook time, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Repeat with any remaining falafel balls.

Notes

If your falafel batter feels loose and won’t hold together, add 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of chickpea flour or all-purpose flour to help bind it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 241mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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