Image Source from 5Foot3AndAHalf

Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, spiced up with a variety of herbs and spices. Traditionally, falafels are deep-fried, but with the increasing popularity of healthier cooking methods, air frying has emerged as a fantastic alternative. This easy air fryer falafel recipe not only saves time and effort but also provides a deliciously crispy result without all the excess oil. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely impress both your taste buds and your health-conscious side.

Ingredients

For the Falafel

• 400g canned chickpeas (or soaked dried chickpeas)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2-3 tbsp plain flour (or more, as needed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

For Serving

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Hummus or tahini sauce
• Fresh salad (tomato, cucumber, onion)
• Pickles or olives (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. If you’re using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse them well to eliminate excess sodium.

Step 2: Make the Falafel Mixture

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it resembles a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture.

Step 3: Adjust the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add plain flour, starting with 2 tablespoons. Mix well and check the consistency. The mixture should hold together when formed into balls but should not be too wet. If it feels too wet, gradually add more flour, a teaspoon at a time.

Step 4: Shape the Falafel

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. You can also use a falafel scoop if you have one for uniformity.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure an even cooking temperature for your falafels.

Step 6: Air Fry the Falafel

Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the falafel balls in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil.

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

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer and serve warm in pita bread or flatbreads with your choice of hummus or tahini sauce, fresh salad, and pickles if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as mint or dill for added flavour.
• Spices: Adjust the spices according to your personal preference. A touch of paprika can add a lovely smoky flavour.
• Serving Suggestions: These falafels work wonderfully in salads, wraps, or served with a side of couscous.

Conclusion

This easy air fryer falafel recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a deliciously crunchy yet healthier version of the classic dish. Perfect for a light lunch or as part of a larger Middle Eastern-inspired feast, these falafels are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavours and textures, all while keeping things light and satisfying. So why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch? Your taste buds will thank you!

No items listed in the response.