Let’s talk about falafel. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, packed with herbs, and bursting with flavor. Traditional falafel is deep-fried, which means a whole lot of oil and a whole lot of mess. Making air fryer falafel gives you that perfect crispy texture without all the extra oil. This is a family favorite in my house, and it’s a delicious way to enjoy falafel in a healthier, easier way.It gives you that perfect crispy falafel. Whether you’re making falafel for the first time or you’re a longtime fan, this recipe is easy, delicious, and way healthier than the deep-fried version. Plus, it pairs perfectly with my simple garlic sauce and my tzatziki sauce.
Jump to:
- What is Falafel?
- Why Make Falafel in the Air Fryer?
- Ingredients Needed
- Equipment You’ll Need
- How to Make Air Fryer Falafel
- Variations
- Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Falafel
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- How to Store and Reheat Falafel
- Nutritional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related
- Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans), herbs, and spices. It’s typically deep-fried and served in pita bread with fresh veggies and flavorful sauces. But we’re skipping the deep-fry mess and making it crispy and delicious in the air fryer!
Why Make Falafel in the Air Fryer?
- Healthier Option – Less oil means a lighter, healthier falafel.
- Crispy Perfection – Achieves that golden-brown crust without deep frying.
- Easy Cleanup – No splattering oil to deal with!
- Quick & Convenient – Air frying speeds up the cooking process.
Ingredients Needed
For the Falafel:
- Dried chickpeas
- Water (for soaking)
- Onion, cut into chunks
- Fresh basil
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- Lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
For the Garlic Sauce - Mayonnaise
- Half-and-half or milk
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- White vinegar (optional, for extra tanginess)
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment You’ll Need
Below I list some of the items I use to make this recipe. These tools help ensure crispy and delicious falafel in the air fryer:
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Garbanzo Beans, 16 Ounce
365 By Whole Foods Market, Oil Olive Extra Virgin Mediterranean Blend, 16.9 Fl Oz
Falafel Scoop With Spatula – Stainless Steel
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper
How to Make Air Fryer Falafel
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture – Soak dried chickpeas in a container, covering them with water, and refrigerate overnight. Drain and pat them dry, then blend with onion, basil, cilantro, salt, black pepper, and oil in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse gravel.
- Form the Falafel – Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into balls. Don’t compress too much!
- Cook the Falafel – Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly brush falafel balls with oil, place them in the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve & Enjoy – Pair your crispy falafel with pita, hummus, or your garlic sauce and tzatziki sauce!
Make the Garlic Sauce – Whisk mayo, half-and-half, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional vinegar.
Variations
- Spicy Falafel – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb-Packed Falafel – Increase the basil and cilantro for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Gluten-Free Falafel – Ensure all ingredients are naturally gluten-free and avoid flour-based coatings.
- Vegan Falafel – This recipe is already plant-based, just ensure your dipping sauces are vegan-friendly.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Falafel
- Dry the Chickpeas Well – After soaking, make sure to pat the chickpeas as dry as possible with a kitchen towel. Excess moisture can make the falafel mixture too wet and affect its texture.
- Use Dried Chickpeas – Canned chickpeas can make the mixture too soft.
- Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Season to Taste – Try adding cumin, coriander, or parsley for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Falafel Pita Wrap – Load it up with veggies and drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Falafel Salad – Serve on a bed of greens with your favorite dressing.
- Falafel Snack – Dip in hummus or tzatziki for a quick bite.
Pairings and Related Recipes
- Tzatziki Sauce – This authentic Greek sauce, made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, offers a refreshing contrast to the warm spices of falafel.
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad – A light and fresh mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad adds a crisp texture and vibrant flavor to your falafel spread.
- Rice Pilaf with Orzo – This fluffy rice dish, enhanced with toasted orzo and subtle seasonings, serves as a hearty base that complements the flavors of falafel. Parmesan Air Fryer Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans coated with olive oil, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, air-fried to perfection, offering a delightful side to your falafel.
- Jamaican Steamed Cabbage – This vibrant and healthy side dish, featuring steamed cabbage with a blend of spices and vegetables, adds a flavorful twist to your meal.
- Easy Cauliflower Steak – These cheesy cauliflower steaks, cooked in the air fryer or oven, provide a satisfying and nutritious accompaniment to your falafel.
How to Store and Reheat Falafel
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked falafel and reheat directly in the air fryer.
Nutritional Information
Falafel is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-falafel serving size):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Air frying makes falafel crispy without deep frying.
It takes about 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C), but times may vary.
Yes! Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
If your falafel is crumbling, the mixture may be too dry. Try adding a little more oil or process the mixture a bit longer for better binding.
It’s not recommended. Canned chickpeas have too much moisture and can make the falafel too soft and mushy.
For maximum crispiness, serve immediately after air frying. If reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Falafel pairs well with pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and rice dishes.
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before shaping and air frying.
Air fryer falafel is an easy, healthy way to enjoy this classic dish. Whether in a pita, on a salad, or as a snack, you’ll love the crispy texture and bold flavors. Give this recipe a try, and if you make it, be sure to share your creation and tag #StuffMattyCooks!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- Water for soaking
- ½ small onion cut into chunks
- Small handful of fresh basil
- Small handful of fresh cilantro optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil plus up to 1 extra tablespoon if needed
- Juice of ½ a lemon optional, for added brightness
Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Splash of half-and-half or milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder it seems like a lot, but it’s delicious
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar optional, for extra tanginess
Instructions
- Soak the Chickpeas – Place the dried chickpeas in a 1-quart jar or container and cover with water, about 2 inches above the chickpeas. Refrigerate overnight to soak.
- Drain and Dry – Once soaked, drain the chickpeas and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or tea towel. Get them as dry as possible for the best texture.
- Blend the Mixture – In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, basil, cilantro (if using), salt, black pepper, and oil. If using, squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon for extra brightness and flavor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse gravel or very coarse sea salt.
- Form the Falafel – Scoop out 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and gently form into balls. Be careful not to compress them too much, or they will become too dense. If the mixture feels too dry, add up to 1 more tablespoon of oil, but usually, 2 tablespoons is enough.
- Air Fry – Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook – Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook time may vary depending on your air fryer and preferred crispiness.
- Serve – Enjoy your falafel with pita, hummus, tzatziki, or your homemade garlic sauce for the perfect flavor combination!
Garlic Sauce Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, half-and-half (or milk), and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- If you like a little tang, stir in ½ teaspoon of white vinegar.
- Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with falafel and pita.
