Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: A Healthy Twist on a Middle Eastern Classic
30 minutes
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About Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: A Healthy Twist on a Middle Eastern Classic
Craving falafel but want to skip the deep-fried guilt? These crispy air fryer falafel deliver all the flavor and texture of traditional falafel, but with a healthy twist. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp exterior, revealing a light and fluffy interior bursting with fresh herbs and chickpeas.This recipe captures the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with minimal effort. The air fryer works its magic, creating irresistible fritters that are packed with protein and bursting with flavor. Enjoy these versatile falafel as a quick snack with hummus, tucked into warm pita bread for a satisfying sandwich, or as a star on your next mezze platter. It's a simple, guilt-free way to enjoy this beloved classic.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried chickpeas and soak them in plenty of water for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This ensures they are properly hydrated for a smoother texture.
- Roughly chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro.
- Once the chickpeas have doubled in size, drain them well.
- Add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cumin seeds to a food processor.
- Pulse the mixture until coarsely ground, but not completely smooth. The mixture should resemble a crumbled dough.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the chickpea flour. Mix well, adding a little more flour at a time if needed, until the mixture is no longer too wet and holds its shape when formed into a ball.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling helps the falafel bind and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
- Remove the falafel mixture from the refrigerator and form it into medium-sized balls.
- Arrange the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes, then flip the falafel and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the hot falafel immediately with hummus, tahini sauce, or tucked into pita bread.
- Enjoy your delicious, healthy, and crispy air fryer falafel!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Ensure you soak chickpeas in enough water, as they absorb water and swell over time.
- Before grinding, drain the soaked chickpeas in a strainer to remove all excess water.
- If using a grinder, it's best to grind the chickpeas alone first. Once coarsely ground, add other ingredients like onion.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the falafel in an appe pan, oven, or pan-fry them. To bake, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, brush a baking tray with oil, and arrange the falafel on it.
- For deep frying, add a little more chickpea flour to the mixture to help them bind properly. Test one falafel in the hot oil; if it breaks or falls apart, add a bit more chickpea flour.
- Before air frying, lightly brush the falafel balls with oil.
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, add spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic powder to the chickpea mixture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro can brighten up the falafel's flavor and add a fresh element.
- Serve the falafel in pita bread with your favorite toppings like hummus, tahini sauce, and chopped vegetables.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 657IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Samira Gupta
Articles: 31
3 Comments
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This looks incredible! I need to try it.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.