Name: BEST Air Fryer Falafel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Dried chickpeas (2 cups).; Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon).; Fresh parsley leaves (1 cup).; Fresh cilantro leaves (3/4 cup).; Fresh dill (1/2 cup).; Small onion, quartered (1).; Garlic cloves, peeled (7-8).; Ground black pepper (1 tablespoon).; Ground cumin (1 tablespoon).; Ground coriander (1 tablespoon).; Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon, optional).; Baking powder (1 teaspoon).; Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons).

A close-up of a plate filled with golden-brown falafel balls, garnished with chopped herbs, sitting on a beautifully designed dish. | lastminrecipes.com

My air fryer falafel brings crispy golden perfection without deep frying. Traditional chickpea herbs spices create authentic flavor while air fryer keeps things light healthy.

Crispy Fresh Healthy

Get perfect falafel texture without oil bath. Quick easy method captures bold herbs warm spices classic taste.

Key Elements

Chickpeas: Dried soaked 24 hours never canned.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley cilantro dill mix.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic onion base.
Spices: Cumin coriander warm depth.
Baking Powder: Light fluffy texture.
Sesame: Optional nutty crunch.

Quick Steps

Soak: Chickpeas baking soda water 24 hours drain rinse.
Mix: Pulse chickpeas herbs spices food processor coarse texture.
Chill Form: Rest hour add powder sesame shape patties.
Air Fry: 400°F five minutes each side golden crisp.

Success Tips

Space patties air fryer basket even cooking. Check often prevent burning work batches needed.

Make It Yours

Add turmeric paprika different spices. Try mint instead dill adjust heat level cayenne.

Perfect Results

Soaked chickpeas create authentic texture. Air fryer gives golden outside tender inside just like traditional.

How to Serve

Dip in tahini sauce add to mezze platter. Stuff pita with cucumber tomato pickles perfect meal.

Store Reheat

Freeze cooked falafel three months. Warm 350°F air fryer oven ten minutes crispy again.

Quick Switch

No air fryer bake 350°F fifteen minutes works too. Air fryer gives best crisp results.

Health Boost

Protein rich chickpeas fresh herbs make perfect meal. Naturally vegan gluten free fits many diets.

Modern Classic

Traditional flavors meet new cooking method. Keeps authentic taste adds healthy twist.

Prep Ahead

Make big batch freeze extra save time. Quick reheat perfect busy days.

A basket of golden-brown falafel pieces is arranged inside an air fryer, with fresh herbs scattered around. | lastminrecipes.com

Perfect Partners

Serve with couscous roasted vegetables yogurt sauce. Add warm pita Mediterranean salad complete meal.

Party Ready

Arrange platter hummus pickled veggies herbs. Perfect finger food any gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why can't I use canned chickpeas?: Dried chickpeas are essential for proper texture and binding. Canned chickpeas are too soft and wet, resulting in mushy falafel that falls apart.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?: Yes, cooked falafel will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen. Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
→ Why do I need to soak chickpeas with baking soda?: Baking soda helps soften the chickpeas during soaking, ensuring they'll process smoothly into the right texture for falafel.
→ Can I bake these instead?: While possible to bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, air frying provides better crispiness and texture.
→ Why form into patties instead of balls?: Patties work better in the air fryer as they lay flat in the basket and cook more evenly than balls would.

BEST Air Fryer Falafel