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Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

A stack of golden brown, crispy air fryer falafel, with one broken open showing the green herb interior.
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Follow this guide to make falafel in your air fryer that achieves a genuinely crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly dried
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed and dried chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but not completely smooth. You want some texture remaining.
  2. Add the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to combine.
  3. Add the flour and baking powder. Pulse just until the mixture comes together. Do not overmix.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the falafel hold its shape.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  6. Form the chilled mixture into small patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 10 to 12 falafel.
  7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
  8. Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
  9. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel with oil.
  10. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time depends on your air fryer model.
  11. Continue cooking until the falafel are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  12. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Drying the chickpeas completely is the most important step for crispiness. Pat them very dry with paper towels after rinsing.
  • For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the falafel with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
  • If the mixture seems too wet to form patties, add one more teaspoon of flour.
  • Serve with tahini sauce, wrapped in pita bread with lettuce and tomato, or alongside a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/crispy-air-fryer-falafel/