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- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 2 tablespoons flour (chickpea flour for gluten-free) - Olive oil spray Each ingredient plays a role in making falafel tasty. Dried chickpeas give a great base. Soaking them overnight helps soften them. This makes blending easier and gives a nice texture. Onion and garlic add flavor. They make the falafel taste fresh and bright. Fresh parsley and cilantro give a herbal touch. They also add color to your dish. Cumin and coriander bring warmth and depth. These spices are key in Middle Eastern dishes. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Baking powder helps the falafel stay light and airy. Flour binds everything together. You can use chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free. Finally, olive oil spray helps achieve that crispy outer layer we all love. These ingredients combine to create a delicious and healthy snack. You will enjoy making and eating these falafel! First, drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas well. Rinsing removes any grit and helps with texture. This step is key for a good falafel. Next, combine all your ingredients in a food processor. Add the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture. This gives the falafel a nice bite. Now, transfer the mixture to a bowl. With wet hands, form small balls or patties. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks well and stays juicy inside. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps the falafel cook evenly and get crispy. Lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil on all sides. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden and crispy outside. Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with tahini sauce or tzatziki. You can also add fresh herbs or cucumber and tomato slices for a pop of color. Enjoy these crispy bites in pita or on a salad! To get that nice crunch, use olive oil spray. This helps the falafel brown well. A light coat of oil makes a big difference in texture. Also, make sure you place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer. If they touch, they can steam instead of crisp. You want those golden edges! Soaking dried chickpeas overnight has many benefits. It softens them and helps them blend better. This step makes your falafel smooth and easy to shape. If you don’t have time, you can use canned chickpeas. Just drain and rinse them well. However, they might not give the same texture as dried ones. One mistake is over-blending the mixture. You want it to be smooth but still have some texture. If it’s too smooth, your falafel won't hold together well. Another mistake is crowding the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking. Always cook in batches if needed! {{image_2}} You can make your falafel special by adding herbs and spices. Fresh mint gives a bright taste. Dill adds a nice touch too. Other great choices include basil, oregano, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Experimenting with these flavors can take your falafel to a new level. Get creative! Try mixing in roasted garlic or lemon zest for extra zing. If you need gluten-free falafel, use chickpea flour instead of regular flour. It works great and keeps the falafel tasty. Almond flour is another option. Just make sure to check your flour for hidden gluten. Gluten-free falafel still gets crispy in the air fryer. Your friends won’t even notice the difference! Falafel is naturally vegan, but check your ingredients. Make sure any flour or spices are vegan-friendly. If you want a richer flavor, add tahini to the mix. This helps keep the falafel moist. Serve with a tahini sauce for a perfect pairing. You can enjoy this dish without any animal products. To store your leftover falafel, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. This helps to keep them fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead. Just make sure to let them cool completely before you store them. This will help prevent sogginess. Freezing falafel is simple and great for meal prep. First, let the cooked falafel cool down. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps them freeze without sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. You can freeze them for up to three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat falafel and keep them crispy, use your air fryer again. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crunchiness. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer works best for texture. Enjoy your tasty snack! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. They are quick and easy. However, the texture will change. Canned chickpeas are softer, which may lead to mushy falafel. Dried chickpeas give a firmer bite and better flavor. If you use canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well. You might also want to reduce the blending time. This helps keep some texture in your falafel. You can fry falafel in oil on the stove. Heat about two inches of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, gently place the falafel balls into the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. You can also bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Both methods yield delicious falafel! Falafel pairs well with many tasty sides. Try serving them with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a salad. You can also add sauces like tahini, tzatziki, or hummus. These sauces add creaminess and flavor. Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions make great toppings too. Get creative with your sides to make it a fun meal! Yes, you can prepare falafel in advance. Shape the falafel balls and store them in the fridge for up to a day. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the uncooked falafel. Place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag. When ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just air fry them straight from the freezer. This makes meal prep easy and quick! You now know how to make crispy falafel from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize your falafel with herbs and flour options. Storing leftovers and reheating them correctly helps keep the flavor. Enjoy your falafel with various sides or sauces. I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your kitchen. It's tasty, healthy, and fun to make.

Air Fryer Falafel

Discover the secret to making deliciously crispy air fryer falafel that’s perfect for any meal! With simple ingredients like soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a healthy and flavorful dish in no time. Perfect for wraps or salads, these falafels are a must-try! Click through to explore the complete recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons flour (chickpea flour for gluten-free)

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas well before adding them to a food processor.

    Blend Ingredients: In the food processor along with the chickpeas, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture (similar to a coarse paste).

      Shape Falafel: Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl. Using wet hands, form small balls or patties (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on a plate.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Cooking: Lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil on all sides. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.

            Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.

              Serve: Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel with a side of tahini sauce or tzatziki, and garnish with fresh herbs or slices of cucumber and tomato for a vibrant presentation. Enjoy in pita bread or on a salad for a wholesome meal!