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!

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

If you're craving a taste of the Middle East but want a healthier twist, look no further than air fryer chicken shawarma. This delightful dish combines succulent marinated chicken with aromatic spices, all prepared using the clever air fryer technique that eliminates excess oil while retaining that beloved crispy exterior.

To start, marinate your chicken pieces in a mix of garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Allow the flavours to meld for at least an hour, or overnight if you have the time. Once marinated, simply place the chicken in the air fryer basket and let the machine work its magic. In just about 15 minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked chicken that's juicy on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside.

Serve your air fryer chicken shawarma tucked into warm pitta bread, accompanied by fresh salad and a drizzle of tahini sauce or creamy garlic sauce. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits well into a mindful eating routine — a win-win for any dinner table!

The tantalising aroma of Air Fryer Kofta Kebabs wafts through the kitchen, beckoning anyone nearby to indulge in a delightful feast. These beautifully spiced meat skewers, traditionally made with minced lamb or beef, are mixed with an array of herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, and fresh parsley, creating a robust flavour profile that’s simply irresistible.

Using the air fryer not only cuts down on cooking time but also offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, yielding juicy kebabs with a crisp exterior that perfectly complements their tender insides. Served on warm flatbreads and accompanied by a refreshing tzatziki sauce, these kofta kebabs transform a simple meal into a festive occasion, perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The first bite reveals a burst of flavour, leaving you craving more as the spices dance on your palate.

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!