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To make crispy air fryer falafel, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - 3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying) If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried ones. Just use less, about one-third of the amount. For gluten-free falafel, swap regular baking powder with gluten-free options. You can also serve the falafel in lettuce wraps instead of pita. When choosing chickpeas, look for ones that are firm and not soft. If you use dried chickpeas, soak them overnight for the best texture. Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Always choose bright green parsley and cilantro. They should smell fresh and not wilted. To start, gather your ingredients. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like some heat. Pulse the mixture until it blends well but still has some texture. You want it to be thick but not too smooth. This gives the falafel its great bite. After mixing, transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl. Refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the falafel hold their shape while cooking. Now it’s time to shape your falafel. Take a scoop of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches wide. You can also make patties if you prefer. Make sure to press them tightly so they hold together well. If you find the mixture is too crumbly, add a little water, just a teaspoon at a time. This will help it stick. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting that crispy texture. Once preheated, place your formed falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching to allow even cooking. Cook the falafel for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown nicely on both sides. You'll know they are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Now you can serve your crispy falafel with pita and your favorite toppings. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy! To get that perfect crispy falafel, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the falafel hold their shape. A cold mixture firms up the balls, making them less likely to break apart while cooking. When it comes to oil, use it wisely. Brush or spray each falafel lightly with olive oil. Too much oil can lead to sogginess, so be sparing. A light coat helps achieve that golden-brown crust. Arrange your falafel properly in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer and make sure they do not touch. This allows hot air to flow freely around each falafel, ensuring even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you have a lot of falafel to cook, do it in batches. This keeps them crispy and prevents steaming, which can ruin the texture. For toppings, I love using fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. These add great flavor and crunch. You can also try adding pickles or red onions for a tangy bite. Pair your falafel with sides like hummus or a fresh salad. These flavors enhance the falafel and make your meal complete. Enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Falafel with your favorite sauces for a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can spice up your falafel in many ways. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper. It gives the falafel a nice kick. You can also try mixing in some diced jalapeños for a fresh twist. For a Mediterranean flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese. These ingredients bring a new taste to a classic dish. If you need vegan options, this recipe is perfect. All the ingredients are plant-based. To make it low-carb, swap chickpeas with cauliflower. This keeps the falafel light but still tasty. You can also use almond flour instead of chickpea flour for a keto-friendly choice. Falafel makes a great meal on its own or as part of a dish. Try making falafel salad bowls. Just add greens, veggies, and your favorite dressing. For lunch, wrap the falafel in pita bread with lettuce and tomato. This makes a quick meal that you can take on the go. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel. To keep your leftover falafel fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with paper towels to soak up moisture. This step helps maintain their crispiness. Leftover falafel can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze uncooked falafel, shape them first. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen falafel, simply air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 18 minutes. No need to thaw them first! This method keeps them crispy and delicious. To keep falafel crispy when reheating, use an air fryer or oven. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. If reheating in an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Check them halfway through and flip if needed. This method will help you enjoy your crispy falafel just like when they were freshly made. You can serve falafel with many tasty sides and dips. Here are some popular choices: - Hummus: Creamy and rich, it pairs well with falafel. - Tahini Sauce: This sesame sauce adds a nutty flavor. - Tzatziki: A cool yogurt dip that complements the spices. - Pita Bread: Soft pita wraps the falafel perfectly. - Salad: Fresh greens and veggies add crunch and color. Yes, you can prep falafel ahead of time. Here are steps to consider: - Make the Mixture: Follow the recipe to combine all ingredients. - Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for up to a day. - Shape and Freeze: Form balls and freeze them for later use. - Cook When Ready: Just air fry the frozen falafel when you want them. You can check for doneness by looking for these cues: - Color: They should be golden brown on the outside. - Texture: The outside should be crispy, while the inside is soft. - Cooking Time: Aim for 12-15 minutes in the air fryer. These signs will help ensure your falafel are perfectly cooked! This blog post detailed how to make crispy air fryer falafel. We covered the essential ingredients, such as chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You learned about helpful substitutions and tips for selecting fresh ingredients. We explored step-by-step instructions, cooking techniques, and variations to enhance your dish. By following these guidelines and tips, you can create delicious falafel that fits your tastes. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and presenting your falafel in fun ways! Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Enjoy a deliciously crispy Air Fryer Falafel that's perfect for any meal! Made with simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this easy recipe delivers amazing flavor without the extra oil. Ready in just 45 minutes, these golden bites can be served in pita bread with your favorite toppings. Click to discover how to create the best crispy falafel at home and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying)

Pita bread and toppings (like lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce) for serving

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture; do not over-process.

    Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help the falafel hold their shape during cooking.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

        Once the mixture has chilled, form small balls or patties (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a plate.

          Brush or spray each falafel lightly with olive oil on all sides.

            Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

              Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

                Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

                  Serve the crispy falafel in pita bread with your choice of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 45 min | Serves 4