Falafel: those golden, crispy bites that somehow manage to be both comforting and exotic, like a warm hug from a friend you haven’t seen in ages. I first discovered them at this tiny Mediterranean spot tucked away in a bustling city corner—ah, the memories! Now, with the magic of an air fryer, you can create these little wonders at home, minus the guilt and the grease.
Steps
- Begin by soaking dried chickpeas in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by at least 3 inches. Let them soak for 18-24 hours, then drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the soaked chickpeas and other ingredients into a food processor. Blend for around 20 seconds, scrape down the sides, and repeat until you achieve a coarse, well-combined texture. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes to help it set.
- Using an ice cream scoop, portion the chilled mixture and shape it into balls or patties. If the mixture sticks, lightly coat the scoop with olive oil.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the falafel balls with cooking spray. Cook them in the air fryer at 375ºF (190ºC) for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are evenly crisp and lightly browned. Perform this step in batches if necessary.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) of dried chickpeas
- 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup of parsley leaves, chopped
- ½ cup of cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (optional)
- Cooking spray
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients needed for air fryer falafel?
- The primary ingredients for air fryer falafel include dried chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, ground coriander, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, and optionally baking powder.
- Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
- No, it’s recommended to use dried chickpeas for this recipe. Canned or cooked chickpeas won’t provide the right texture and may result in mushy falafel that falls apart.
- How should I store leftover falafel?
- Leftover falafel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. However, they may lose their crispness over time. To reheat, place the falafel in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
- Is it possible to freeze falafel, and if so, how?
- Yes, you can freeze uncooked falafel balls for up to a month. Par-freeze them on a flat surface first to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight before cooking or cook them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What are some serving suggestions for air fryer falafel?
- Air fryer falafel can be served in various ways, such as in a pita pocket with salad veggies, as part of a mezze platter with hummus and olives, or even crumbled over a pizza. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer with dips like tahini sauce or vegan tzatziki.
Tips
- Use Enough Water for Soaking: Ensure your dried chickpeas are always submerged by at least 3 inches of water during soaking, as they can absorb a significant amount of water and double in size.
- Chill the Mixture: After processing the chickpeas and other ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for 45-60 minutes. This step helps the starches set, which prevents the falafel from crumbling during cooking.
- Handle the Mixture Carefully: If the falafel mixture is sticking to your hands or scoop, spray them lightly with olive oil. This will help in shaping the falafel without it falling apart.
- Experiment with Ingredients and Shapes: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste. Also, consider shaping the falafel into disks instead of balls for potentially better results in an air fryer, as this can increase surface area for crispiness.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the falafel in this recipe.
- Large Food Processor – Required to process the chickpeas and other ingredients into the falafel mixture. If you only have a small food processor, you might need to work in batches.
- Ice Cream Scooper – Useful for measuring and shaping the falafel mixture into balls or patties.
- Cooking Spray – For spraying the air fryer basket and the falafel to prevent sticking and to help achieve a crispy texture.
