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Best Air Fryer Falafel

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A healthier take on classic Middle Eastern falafel made in the air fryer—crispy outside, tender and herby inside, with no deep frying required. Perfect for wraps, salads, or dipping in tahini.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 day (including soaking)
  • Yield: 24 falafel patties
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked for 18–24 hours with ½ tsp baking soda)
  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (stems removed)
  • ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves (stems removed)
  • ½ cup fresh dill (stems removed)
  • 1 small yellow onion (quartered)
  • 7 to 8 garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Olive oil (for brushing the patties)

Instructions

  1. Soak dried chickpeas in water with ½ teaspoon baking soda for 18–24 hours. Drain and pat dry.
  2. In a food processor, pulse soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, and garlic until crumbly and coarse. Scrape down sides as needed.
  3. Add cumin, coriander, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. After chilling, stir in baking powder and toasted sesame seeds.
  5. With damp hands, shape mixture into small patties about ½-inch thick.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of each patty with olive oil.
  7. Arrange patties in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  8. Serve warm with tahini sauce, in pita, or on a salad.

Notes

  • Add chickpea flour if the mixture is too wet.
  • Adjust herbs to taste—reduce dill or cilantro if preferred.
  • Increase cayenne or add chili flakes for more heat.
  • Substitute sesame seeds with finely ground sunflower seeds if needed.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
  • Freeze raw or cooked falafel for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/best-air-fryer-falafel/