How To Make Falafel In An Air Fryer?
To make falafel in an air fryer, you first prepare the mixture from soaked chickpeas and seasonings, forming it into small patties or balls.
Then, lightly spray your falafel with oil and air fry them at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 15-20 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.
TL;DR:
- Air frying falafel is a healthier, less messy alternative to deep frying, giving you a wonderful crispy exterior.
- Always start with dried, soaked chickpeas for the best texture and authentic taste.
- Form your falafel patties or balls, spray lightly with oil, and air fry at a consistent high temperature.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and that desired crispy finish.
- Serve your freshly air-fried falafel warm with pita, tahini, and your favorite fresh toppings.
How To Make Falafel In An Air Fryer?
You can make delicious, crispy falafel in your air fryer with just a few simple steps, offering a much healthier twist on this classic dish.
It’s an efficient way to enjoy perfectly cooked falafel without all the excess oil of traditional deep frying methods, giving you that lovely crunchy outside and tender inside.
Why Air Fry Your Falafel?
Are you looking for a healthier take on your favorite fried foods? Air frying falafel is a game-changer.
It uses significantly less oil, meaning fewer calories and less fat, but you still get that satisfying crunch we all love from traditional falafel.
Plus, it’s so much cleaner! No big pot of hot oil to deal with, which is a definite win in my book.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Checklist
Making great falafel starts with having the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for your homemade air-fried falafel.
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (not canned!), soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for lightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour (to help bind)
- Olive oil spray (for the air fryer)
Essential Tools
To make your falafel journey smooth, you’ll need a few kitchen basics. A good food processor is key for blending the mixture.
Of course, your trusty air fryer is central to this recipe. Some parchment paper liners can also help with cleanup.
Prepping Your Chickpeas: The Crucial First Step
This is where many people go wrong, I’ve found. For authentic, fluffy falafel, you absolutely must start with dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight.
Canned chickpeas are too soft and will result in a mushy falafel that won’t hold its shape or crisp up properly. From what I’ve researched, soaking dried chickpeas helps them achieve the perfect texture for grinding (NIH).
After soaking for 12-24 hours, drain them really well. Pat them dry with a clean towel; excess moisture is not your friend here.
Crafting the Perfect Falafel Mix
Now for the fun part! Add your drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), baking soda, salt, and pepper to your food processor.
Pulse the mixture until it’s finely ground but still has some texture. You don’t want a smooth paste; think coarse sand. I’ve heard from experts that a little texture helps with the bite.
If the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour or chickpea flour and pulse again. You want it to be firm enough to form into patties without crumbling.
Forming Your Falafel Patties or Balls
Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape it into small patties or balls, about 1-inch thick. You could also use a falafel scoop if you have one for consistent sizing.
Try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This step is a bit like making mini burgers, isn’t it?
Once formed, place them on a plate. If you have time, chilling them for 15-30 minutes can help them hold their shape better while cooking.
The Air Frying Process: Step-by-Step
This is where the magic happens! Get ready to transform your falafel mixture into crispy, golden perfection.
Preheating Your Air Fryer
Many experts say preheating your air fryer is a non-negotiable step for optimal crispiness. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
This initial burst of heat helps create that lovely crust right away, just like a hot pan does when searing.
Arranging Your Falafel
Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil, or use a parchment paper liner if you like. Then, arrange your falafel in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Overcrowding your air fryer basket is a common mistake. I found online that leaving space allows air to circulate properly, which is key for getting them crispy.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Once your falafel are arranged, lightly spray the tops of them with olive oil. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and crisp texture.
Cook them for 8-10 minutes at your chosen temperature. Your exact time may vary based on your air fryer model.
Flipping and Finishing
After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each falafel. Give them another quick spray of oil on the other side.
Continue to air fry for another 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch.
Tips for Unbeatable Air-Fried Falafel
Want to take your air-fried falafel from good to absolutely amazing? Here are some handy tips:
| Tip Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Don’t Overcrowd | Cook falafel in batches if needed. Air circulation is your best friend for crispiness. |
| Oil Spray is Key | A light spray of oil before and after flipping ensures a golden, crispy exterior. |
| Soak, Don’t Boil | Always use dried, soaked chickpeas. Boiled or canned chickpeas will result in mushy falafel. |
| Check Doneness | Falafel should be firm and golden. Cut one open to check the inside if unsure. |
| Chill Before Frying | If possible, chill your formed falafel for 15-30 minutes; it helps them hold their shape. |
Falafel Texture Showdown: Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer vs. Oven
You might wonder how air-fried falafel stacks up against other methods. Each has its perks!
| Cooking Method | Texture | Health Factor | Effort/Mess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Crispy exterior, tender interior. Slightly drier than deep-fried. | Very healthy, uses minimal oil. | Low effort, minimal mess. |
| Deep Fryer | Extremely crispy exterior, very moist and rich interior. | Least healthy, uses a lot of oil. | High effort, messy, oil disposal. |
| Oven Baked | Softer, sometimes chewy. Less crispy than air-fried or deep-fried. | Healthy, uses minimal oil. | Medium effort, low mess. |
As you can see, the air fryer offers a wonderful balance between crispiness and health. From what I’ve read, it’s a popular choice for home cooks who want that fried taste without the guilt.
Serving Your Crispy Creations
Once your falafel are perfectly air-fried, it’s time to enjoy them! They are fantastic served warm in pita bread.
Add some fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips, or shredded lettuce. A drizzle of tahini sauce or a dollop of hummus is absolutely essential, many would agree.
You can also enjoy them as part of a meze platter or crumbled over a fresh salad for a delicious, hearty meal. They are so versatile!
Common Falafel Air Frying Questions
Even with clear instructions, questions sometimes pop up. Let’s tackle a couple.
Why are my falafel dry?
If your falafel turn out dry, it could be for a few reasons. You might have cooked them for too long, or at too high a temperature.
Sometimes, not enough oil spray can also contribute to dryness. Make sure your mix isn’t too dry before cooking; a little binder like flour helps.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
While technically possible, I strongly advise against using canned chickpeas for falafel. As I mentioned earlier, they are already cooked and too soft.
This softness leads to a mushy texture that won’t crisp up well and will likely fall apart in the air fryer. For authentic, firm falafel, always go with dried, soaked chickpeas.
Conclusion
Making falafel in an air fryer is a truly rewarding experience, offering a healthy and convenient way to enjoy this beloved Middle Eastern staple. By following these straightforward steps—from properly soaking your chickpeas to giving them that perfect oil spray—you’re set to create incredibly crispy, flavorful falafel right in your own kitchen.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a dish that feels indulgent without the usual deep-frying fuss or guilt. So, next time you’re craving falafel, just grab your air fryer and enjoy the delicious results!
How do I prevent my falafel from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, always preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil before adding the falafel. Using parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers can also be a helpful solution, I’ve found.
Can I prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the falafel mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes meal prep super easy. Just shape and air fry when you’re ready to eat.
What is the best temperature for air frying falafel?
Many recipes, and my own research, suggest that 375-400°F (190-200°C) is the ideal temperature range for air frying falafel. This temperature allows the exterior to crisp beautifully without burning the inside, ensuring a nice even cook.
How do I know if my falafel is cooked through?
Your falafel is cooked through when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside, and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open; the inside should be cooked through, firm, and have a lighter green or yellowish hue depending on your herbs.
Can I freeze air-fried falafel?
Absolutely! Air-fried falafel freezes well. Once they have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
