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To make tasty air fryer falafel, gather these ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray You can mix up the ingredients for variety. Here are some ideas: - Use dried chickpeas instead of canned. Just soak and cook them first. - Swap onion for shallots or green onions. This adds a different taste. - If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried ones. Use about a third of the amount. - Substitute flour with gluten-free options like oat flour or almond flour. - Add spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Each serving of falafel gives you a healthy choice: - Calories: 160 - Protein: 6g - Carbs: 22g - Fat: 5g - Fiber: 6g This falafel is both nutritious and filling. Enjoy making it! Start by gathering your ingredients. You need one can of chickpeas, a small onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. 1. In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, and minced garlic. 2. Toss in the parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. 3. Pulse the mixture. You want it mixed well but still chunky. Scrape the sides if needed. This step is key. The texture gives falafel its charm. If you blend too much, they won’t hold their shape. Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a bowl. Now, let’s shape the falafel. 1. It's best to chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up. 2. After chilling, take a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into a ball or press it into a small patty. Keep the size uniform for even cooking. Now, we get to the fun part—cooking! 1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. 3. Place the falafel in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them. 4. Spray the tops with a little olive oil for extra crunch. 5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even browning. You want them golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once done, take them out and serve warm. Enjoy! To make your falafel crispy, start with the right amount of flour. The flour helps bind the mixture and gives it structure. Use just enough so that the falafel holds its shape. Use both olive oil spray on the falafel and in the air fryer basket. This adds a nice golden color and crunch. Most importantly, do not overcrowd the basket. Give each falafel space to cook evenly. One common mistake is not chilling the falafel mixture. Chilling lets the flavors blend and helps them hold their shape. Another mistake is over-processing the mixture. You want a bit of texture, so pulse just until combined. Lastly, avoid skipping the oil spray. This is key for crispiness, so use it generously. Serve your crispy falafel with tahini sauce or a yogurt dip. These add great flavor. You can also add fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch. Try serving them in a wrap with veggies or as part of a salad. The options are endless, and each adds a unique twist to your meal. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free falafel, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. This change keeps the texture great while making it safe for those with gluten issues. You can also skip the flour completely. Just ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free. You can change the flavor of your falafel by mixing in different spices and herbs. Here are some ideas: - Add paprika for a smoky taste. - Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. - Use fresh mint along with parsley and cilantro for a fresh kick. - Experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor. Falafel is so versatile! Here are some fun ways to serve it: - Wrap falafel in pita bread with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. - Toss falafel on a salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. - Serve them as a snack with yogurt dip or hummus. - Make a falafel bowl with rice, veggies, and your favorite dressing. These variations make your air fryer falafel fun and fresh every time you cook! To keep your leftover falafel fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the falafel's flavor and texture. If you notice any sogginess, try placing a paper towel in the container. This will absorb extra moisture. When you're ready to enjoy your falafel again, reheating is simple. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in the basket without overlapping. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a skillet on medium heat if you prefer. Just fry for about 3 minutes on each side. For longer storage, freezing falafel is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until solid. After that, transfer the falafel to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, no need to thaw. Just cook them straight from the freezer in your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes. Enjoy that crispy goodness! Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight in water. After soaking, cook them until soft, about 1-2 hours. Then, drain and rinse them well. You will need about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas for this falafel recipe. Using dried chickpeas makes the falafel more flavorful and fresh. I like to serve falafel warm with dips. Tahini sauce is a classic choice. You can also pair it with a yogurt-based dip. Add fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of flavor. Serve them in pita bread with fresh veggies for a tasty wrap. A side salad also makes a great addition. Cooking falafel in an air fryer takes about 10-12 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) first. Flip the falafel halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture. Enjoy your crispy treats straight from the air fryer! You now have all the tools to make delicious air fryer falafel. We covered the right ingredients and how to prep them. I shared tips for a crispy finish and common mistakes to steer clear of. You learned about different variations, storage tips, and answers to your questions. Enjoy creating your falafel anyway you like! Experiment with flavors and serve them with your favorite sides. With practice, your falafel will impress everyone. Get ready to enjoy this tasty, healthy dish!

Air Fryer Falafel

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Falafel with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned chickpeas combined with fresh herbs create a flavorful snack or meal. Learn step-by-step how to achieve golden-brown crispiness without the guilt. Ready in just 40 minutes, these falafel are sure to impress family and friends. Don't miss out on this healthy treat—click to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the rinsed chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper.

    Pulse the mixture until it is combined but not completely smooth. You want some texture. Scrape down the sides and pulse again if necessary.

      Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the falafel hold its shape.

        Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

          Once chilled, shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a tablespoon.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the falafel in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding.

              Spray the tops of the falafel with a little more olive oil for extra crispiness.

                Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

                  Remove from the air fryer and serve warm.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 40 min | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel with a side of tahini sauce or a yogurt-based dip, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.