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Falafel is a beloved dish that hails from the Middle East, gaining popularity across the globe as a flavorful and nutritious option. Traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, these little balls of goodness are often deep-fried to achieve their signature crispiness. However, with the rise of health-conscious cooking, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer, allowing us to enjoy this classic treat with significantly less oil.

Crispy Green Dream: Air Fryer Falafel Balls

Delicious and healthy falafel balls made using an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1.0 cup dried chickpeas
  • 1.0 small onion
  • 2.0 cloves garlic
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1.0 tsp ground cumin
  • 1.0 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3.0 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.0 tbsp olive oil spray
  • 1.0 medium lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Ensure they are well-drained to achieve the best texture.
  • Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but not puréed—you want some texture.
  • Check Consistency: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. If it seems too wet, add the flour a tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together but is not overly sticky.
  • Form the Balls: With wet hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Coat Falafel: Lightly spray or brush the formed falafel balls with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated for extra crispiness.
  • Air Fry: Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve: Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tahini dressing or hummus.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Keyword air fryer, falafel, vegetarian