Easy Homemade Air Fryer Falafel (Print version)

Crispy air fryer falafel made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, cumin, and a light spray of oil.

# Ingredients:

For the falafel mixture

01 - 1 1/2 cups (300 g) dried chickpeas, soaked 18-24 hours and drained
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, for soaking
03 - 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
04 - 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
05 - 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
06 - 4 garlic cloves, peeled
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
12 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For shaping and air frying

13 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
14 - 2 tablespoons chickpea flour, plus more if needed
15 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
16 - Olive oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing

For serving

17 - Tahini sauce, pita, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and lemon wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl with the baking soda and cover with at least 3 inches of water. Soak 18-24 hours, then drain very well.
02 - Add drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until finely chopped and coarse, not smooth.
03 - Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes or up to overnight.
04 - Stir in baking powder, chickpea flour, and sesame seeds. If the mixture feels too wet to hold a patty, add 1 more tablespoon chickpea flour.
05 - Form 18-20 small patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Keep them lightly packed so the centers stay tender.
06 - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket and patties with oil. Air fry in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and deep golden.
07 - Serve hot with tahini sauce, pita, crisp vegetables, and lemon wedges.

# Good to know:

01 - Soaking time is not included in the active prep time.
02 - Best texture comes from dried chickpeas soaked overnight, not canned chickpeas.
03 - Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small.

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