If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy falafel recipe, look no further! This air fryer falafel recipe is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Not to mention, they’re packed with protein and fiber. So if you’re in the mood for a tasty Mediterranean-inspired meal, give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Tell me the origin of falafels?
The origin of falafels is disputed, with many countries and regions laying claim to its invention. Some say it originated in Egypt, others say it came from the Levant. What we do know for sure is that it’s a Middle Eastern dish that’s been around for centuries.
What is in a falafel?
Falafels are made of ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. They can be deep-fried or air-fried.
Why make it in the air fryer?
The air fryer is a great way to make falafels because it gives them a crispy outer shell and a soft, fluffy inside. Plus, it uses less oil than deep-frying, so it’s healthier for you.
Ingredients
- Dried chickpeas
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Baking soda
- Smoked paprika
- Baking powder
- All purpose-flour
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Salt
- Spray oil
- Sesame seeds
How do you make falafel?
There are many ways to make falafel. Here is one recipe that uses dried chickpeas:
- Soak the chickpeas in water overnight.
- Drain the chickpeas and place them in a food processor or high blender.
- Add the garlic powder, baking soda, baking powder, dried cumin, sesame seeds, smoked paprika, all purpose flour, salt, fresh parsley and fresh coriander. Pulse until the mixture is well combined.
- Shape the falafel mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place in the air fryer basket and spray with spray oil.
- Cook for 10 minutes on 380 degrees Fahrenheit, turning at 5 minutes and spraying again.
- After 10 minutes take out of the air fryer basket and serve with desired sides and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Recipe Tips
If you want the air fryer falafel to be a bit more moist, add in a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable broth.
To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
You can also add in some chopped onions or potatoes to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Freeze any leftover falafel by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven (or air fryer) at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs
No, you don’t have to use dried chickpeas for falafel. You can also use canned chickpeas if you don’t want to soak them. Just make sure to rinse them well before using. I find that the texture from the dried chickpeas is superior to canned chickpeas it tastes like it’s been made in a restaurant!
There are two ways to prepare chickpeas for falafel: you can soak them overnight, or you can use canned chickpeas. If you choose to soak the chickpeas, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. If you choose to use canned chickpeas, just make sure to rinse them well before using.
If your falafel disintegrates in the fryer, it might be because they were too wet. Make sure to squeeze out all of the extra moisture before frying them. You can also add some bread crumbs or oats to help them hold their shape.
You can make it into a dough by adding water and air fry for 8-10 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze leftover falafel by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes.
Dried chickpeas are used because they have a lower water content than canned chickpeas. This means that they will absorb less oil when fried, resulting in a crispier falafel.
No, you don’t have to use an air fryer to make falafel. You can either deep-fry them or bake them in the oven.
There is no evidence that suggests that falafel can lower cholesterol. However, it is a low-fat and high-protein food, so it can be a part of a healthy diet.
Falafels are vegan if made with vegan ingredients. They are also vegetarian if made with vegetarian ingredients! Mine are both!
Falafels can be cooked in a variety of ways – they can be deep-fried or air-fried. They usually take around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, or 5 minutes to cook in a deep fryer.
Falafels are considered a healthier alternative to other fried foods. They are high in protein and fiber, and low in cholesterol. They can be made vegan or gluten-free by using a variety of ingredients.
Falafel is usually served as part of a larger dish, such as a pita sandwich or plate. It can also be served on its own as an appetizer or snack.
There are many variations of falafel – you can make them with different herbs and spices, or add in different ingredients like onions or potatoes. You can also change up the way you cook them – they can be deep-fried or air-fried.
So if you’re in the mood for some good, old-fashioned falafel but don’t want to go through all of the trouble (or calories) of frying them up yourself, give this air fryer version a try. If you have an air fryer or are thinking about getting one, I highly recommend trying out this air fryer falafel recipe. And if you do make them, be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!
Air Fryer Falafels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried chickpeas
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp Baking soda
- ¼ tsp Baking powder
- ¼ tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp All purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 25 g Fresh parsley
- 25 g Fresh coriander
- Spray oil
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas in water overnight.
- Drain the chickpeas and place them in a food processor or high blender.
- Add the garlic powder, baking soda, baking powder, cumin, sesame seeds, smoked paprika, all purpose flour, salt, fresh parsley and fresh coriander.
- Pulse until the mixture is well combined.
- Shape the falafel mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place in the air fryer basket and spray generously with spray oil.
- Cook for 10 minutes on 380 degrees Fahrenheit, turning at 5 minutes and spraying again.
- After 10 minutes take out of the air fryer basket and serve with desired sides and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Can I use canned chickpeas ?
Yes! The texture will be slightly softer