Making falafel in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this Middle Eastern delicacy with less oil while retaining all the delicious flavours. Here’s a simple method to create crispy, golden falafel that is both healthy and tasty.

Ingredients:

• 400g cooked chickpeas (or one can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh parsley and coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by placing the chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, baking powder, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blitz the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. Avoid over-processing; some texture is desirable.

2. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the falafel mix to a bowl, cover it with cling film, and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.

3. Shape the Falafel: Once chilled, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: While shaping the falafel, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for around 5 minutes.

5. Cook the Falafel: Lightly spray the falafel with olive oil, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the falafel from the air fryer and serve hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, fresh salad, or a tangy tzatziki.

And there you have it—deliciously crispy falafel without the fuss of deep frying! Enjoy your meal!

If you're searching for a simple and delightful vegan dish that's naturally gluten-free, this Easy Falafel recipe is just the ticket. Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, these golden-brown falafels boast a crispy exterior and a tender, flavourful centre.

To begin, you'll need a can of drained chickpeas, which provides the perfect base. Combine these with fresh parsley, coriander, garlic, a hint of cumin, and a sprinkle of salt in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it's well combined but still slightly chunky for that ideal texture. Once blended, shape the mixture into small balls or patties.

For cooking, you can either shallow fry in a bit of oil until they're crispy and golden or bake them in the oven for a healthier twist. Serve your falafels in a warm pita, drizzled with tahini sauce and topped with fresh salad for a satisfying meal. With this easy recipe, you'll have a delicious, gluten-free feast ready in no time!

Air-Fried Lemony Falafel Recipe

If you're looking for a healthier twist on traditional falafel, this air-fried lemony falafel recipe is just the ticket. Bursting with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, these bites are perfect for a light lunch or as part of a sumptuous mezze platter.

Begin by soaking a cup of dried chickpeas in water overnight, allowing them to swell and soften. Once ready, drain and rinse them thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas with a handful of fresh parsley and coriander, a couple of cloves of garlic, and the zest of one lemon. Add a splash of lemon juice, a teaspoon of cumin, and salt to taste. Pulse until you achieve a coarse mixture, being careful not to over-process.

Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, then lightly brush or spray them with olive oil. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F), and arrange the falafel in a single layer. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're beautifully golden and crisp.

Serve your air-fried falafel with a dollop of tahini sauce or a refreshing cucumber salad for a delightful and nutritious meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavours and the guilt-free crunch!

Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern delicacy, has gained popularity far and wide for its delightful crunch and rich, earthy flavours. Typically made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, combined with a medley of herbs and spices, falafel can be cooked in two popular styles: deep-fried and air-fried.

Deep-fried falafel boasts a golden-brown exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch when bitten into, while the interior remains soft and flavourful. This method allows the spices to bloom in the hot oil, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the air. Served in a warm pita with tangy tahini sauce, fresh salad, and pickles, deep-fried falafel is a beloved street food staple.

On the other hand, air-fried falafel presents a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Using significantly less oil, the air fryer creates a crispy outer layer while retaining the moistness of the chickpeas inside. The result is a guilt-free version that still delights the palate, offering a lighter take that appeals to health-conscious diners.

Whether you prefer the indulgent crunch of deep-fried falafel or the lighter appeal of its air-fried counterpart, one thing is certain: this versatile dish continues to enchant food lovers across the globe.

Air fryer falafel is a delightful twist on a classic Middle Eastern dish, perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on flavour. Combining chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices like cumin and coriander, this vibrant optional twist can be prepared with minimal oil, making it a lighter choice than the traditional deep-fried version.

To start, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then pulse them in a food processor with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is coarse but well combined. Form the mixture into small balls or patties, and if desired, coat them lightly in a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Preheat your air fryer and arrange the falafel balls in a single layer, giving them enough space for even cooking. Set the timer, and before long, you'll be rewarded with golden-brown falafel that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Serve them warm with a side of tangy tahini sauce or stuffed into pitta bread with fresh salad for a deliciously nourishing meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main dish, air fryer falafel is sure to impress!