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I discovered this air fryer falafel recipe during my quest to recreate my favorite street food at home. These little gems come out golden and crispy outside while staying perfectly tender inside. Loaded with fresh herbs and warm spices, they taste just like the ones from my favorite food truck but without all the oil and mess.
What Makes These Special
Your air fryer turns these into crispy bites of joy using barely any oil. Perfect for stuffing in pita, loading on salads, or just snacking straight from the basket. Whether you're vegetarian or just love good food, these falafels hit all the right spots—crispy, savory, and satisfying.
What You'll Need
- The Base: Grab canned chickpeas—they make this so much easier than starting with dried ones.
- Fresh Stuff: Big handfuls of parsley and cilantro bring that garden-fresh taste.
- Flavor Makers: Warm cumin, smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and shallots create that authentic taste.
- For Serving: Make that creamy tahini sauce, grab fresh veggies, and warm pita bread.
- The Extras: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, thin cucumber slices, and red onion for building perfect sandwiches.
Let's Get Cooking
- Start With The Sauce
- Mix up your tahini sauce first—blend tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add hot water until it gets nice and smooth.
- Make Your Mix
- Throw chickpeas, herbs, garlic, spices, and everything else in your food processor. Pulse until it comes together but stays a bit chunky.
- Shape Time
- Form little discs about an inch wide—they cook more evenly than balls in the air fryer.
- Air Fry Magic
- Give your basket a quick spray, load up those falafel discs, cook at 350°F for eight minutes, flip, then cook six more minutes until golden.
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Kitchen Secrets
Fresh herbs make all the difference here; dried just won't give you that same bright flavor. Making them into discs instead of balls helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. Give them space in the basket—crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. I learned these tricks through plenty of trial and error; now they come out perfect every time.
Time to Serve
Warm up some soft pita bread, spread with that creamy tahini sauce, then stuff with your crispy falafel. Add plenty of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Sometimes I pack them in lunch boxes with extra sauce for dipping. They even work great broken up over a big salad when I want something lighter.
Save Some For Later
These little gems keep beautifully in the fridge for almost a week. Want them for later? Pop them in the freezer—they last for ages. When you're ready to eat, just warm them up in your oven or air fryer at 350°F until they get crispy again. The trick is not to microwave them—they just get soggy.
Mix It Up
Try using fava beans instead of chickpeas for a more traditional take. Throw in some spinach or kale if you want to sneak in extra greens. Got gluten-free friends? Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend; it works like a charm.
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Make It Your Way
Play around with different spices—maybe add some ground coriander or a pinch of cardamom. Top them with pickled veggies for extra tang or drizzle with spicy harissa if you like heat. Your kitchen, your rules—that's how family favorites are born.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make falafel without an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry or pan fry the falafel instead. Deep fry at 350°F for 4 minutes as balls, or pan fry as discs for 3-4 minutes per side in an inch of oil.
- → How long can I store leftover falafel?
Leftover falafel stays good in the fridge for 5-6 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
- → Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
While this recipe uses canned chickpeas, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight and cook until tender before using. This might give you an even more authentic texture.
- → Why do my falafel fall apart?
Falafel can fall apart if the mixture is too wet or not processed enough. Make sure to drain the chickpeas well and pulse until you get a rough paste that holds together. The flour helps bind the mixture.
- → Can I make the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tahini sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You might need to thin it with warm water before using.
Conclusion
Learn how to make crispy falafel in your air fryer. This healthier version of the Middle Eastern classic comes with a smooth tahini sauce and can be served in pita bread with fresh veggies. Perfect for quick meals and meal prep.