Ultimate Guide to Making Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas (or fava beans), herbs, and spices, deep-fried to crispy perfection. But what if you could enjoy falafel without the extra calories from frying? Enter the air fryer—an innovative kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food with minimal oil. In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect Air Fryer Falafel, and how to achieve the crispiness and flavor you love while making healthier choices.

How to Make Air Fryer Falafel with Canned Chickpeas: A Quick Recipe

Falafel is traditionally made using dried chickpeas that are soaked overnight, but canned chickpeas offer a quicker and more convenient alternative. Making falafel with canned chickpeas in the air fryer is easy and time-saving.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Blend the Ingredients: Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and combined, but not pureed.
3. Shape the Falafel: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then add flour to help bind everything together. Mix well. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Air Fry the Falafel: Lightly brush the falafel with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade air fryer falafel with pita bread, hummus, or a tahini sauce for a delicious, healthy meal.

The Best Temperature for Cooking Air Fryer Falafel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful is key to great falafel. The air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air evenly makes it the perfect tool for cooking falafel. But what’s the ideal temperature for cooking falafel in an air fryer?

Recommended Temperature:

The ideal temperature for air frying falafel is 375°F (190°C). This allows the falafel to cook evenly and crisp up without drying out the inside. Cooking at a higher temperature may result in a burnt outside while leaving the inside undercooked, while a lower temperature may prevent the falafel from becoming crispy.

Cooking Time:

Typically, falafel will take between 12 to 15 minutes to cook at this temperature, depending on the size of your falafel balls and the brand of air fryer you use. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly based on your specific model.

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe: Delicious, Healthy, and Easy to Prepare

The beauty of making falafel in the air fryer is that you can create a healthier version of this beloved dish without compromising on flavor. The key is to use minimal oil while retaining the flavors of the herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup onion
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse until you have a coarse mixture. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour until it holds together.
2. Shape the Falafel: Roll the mixture into balls or patties.
3. Air Fry the Falafel: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the falafel with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.
4. Serve: Serve with tahini sauce, pita bread, and a side salad for a complete meal.

From Scratch or Mix? Choosing the Right Approach for Air Fryer Falafel

One of the most common questions when it comes to making falafel is whether to use a pre-made falafel mix or make it from scratch. Both methods have their pros and cons, but the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Making Falafel from Scratch:

• Flavor Control: Making falafel from scratch allows you to control the seasoning and texture. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a fresher and more authentic flavor.
• Customization: With homemade falafel, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.
• Time-Consuming: Making falafel from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you need to soak the chickpeas overnight.

Using a Falafel Mix:

• Convenience: Using a pre-made falafel mix can save a lot of time and effort. The mix typically contains all the spices and ingredients needed to create falafel, so you simply need to add water and form the patties.
• Consistency: A mix often results in a more consistent outcome since it takes the guesswork out of measuring ingredients and balancing flavors.
• Less Flavor Customization: While convenient, a mix may not allow for as much control over flavor compared to making falafel from scratch.

How Long Should You Cook Falafel in the Air Fryer for Perfect Crispiness?

Cooking time is critical when using an air fryer for falafel. The goal is to achieve a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and flavorful interior. Overcooking can lead to dry falafel, while undercooking may result in soggy falafel.

Ideal Cooking Time:

The ideal cooking time for air fryer falafel is 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, cooking time may vary depending on the size of the falafel and the type of air fryer you use.

• Small Falafel Balls: If you make small falafel balls, they may cook faster, around 10-12 minutes.
• Larger Falafel Patties: Larger patties may need closer to 15 minutes to cook through properly.

Tip: Flip halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispness on both sides.

Air Fryer Falafel with Fresh Ingredients vs. Frozen: Which is Better?

Frozen falafel can be a quick and convenient option when you’re in a rush. But how does it compare to fresh homemade falafel made in the air fryer?

Fresh Air Fryer Falafel:

• Flavor: Fresh falafel has a more vibrant and aromatic flavor because it’s made with fresh herbs and spices. You also have control over the seasoning.
• Customization: You can customize your fresh falafel with the specific ingredients and spices you prefer.
• Texture: Fresh falafel often has a more delicate texture, with a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Frozen Air Fryer Falafel:

• Convenience: Frozen falafel is incredibly convenient and perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy falafel without all the prep work.
• Consistency: Frozen falafel offers consistency since the cooking process is standardized.
• Crispiness: Frozen falafel tends to be slightly less crispy than fresh falafel, but air frying can help restore some of the crispness.

How to Make Air Fryer Falafel with a Store-Bought Mix: A Hassle-Free Option

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy falafel made in the air fryer, using a store-bought mix is a great solution. These mixes often come with all the spices and dry ingredients you need to make falafel at home.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mix: Follow the instructions on the falafel mix package, which usually involves adding water to rehydrate the mix.
2. Shape the Falafel: Form the falafel balls or patties using your hands.
3. Air Fry the Falafel: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the falafel with olive oil and place them in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Serve: Serve with a tahini dip or yogurt sauce.

Air Fryer Falafel Reddit: What Home Cooks Are Saying

Reddit is a great place to find community-driven tips and reviews on making falafel in an air fryer. Many home cooks share their experiences, offering advice on techniques, ingredients, and troubleshooting common problems.

Popular Tips from Reddit:

• Use a Parchment Liner: Some users recommend using a parchment paper liner to prevent falafel from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Add Baking Powder: Adding a pinch of baking powder to the falafel mixture can help make the falafel fluffier.
• Chill the Mixture: Chilling the falafel mixture before forming the patties can help them hold together better.

Can You Make Air Fryer Falafel with Frozen Ingredients?

Making falafel from frozen ingredients is possible in the air fryer. You can either freeze your homemade falafel before cooking or buy pre-made frozen falafel.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Falafel:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Do Not Thaw: If you’re using frozen falafel, there’s no need to thaw it. Simply place the frozen falafel in the air fryer basket.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Frozen falafel may need an extra 2-4 minutes compared to fresh falafel to get crispy.

Conclusion

Making Air Fryer Falafel is an excellent way to enjoy this beloved dish in a healthier, quicker way without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re using canned chickpeas, making falafel from scratch, or opting for a store-bought mix, the air fryer allows you to create crispy, golden falafel with minimal oil. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it with fresh herbs or as a frozen convenience food. With the tips and techniques shared in this guide, you can easily perfect your air fryer falafel recipe and enjoy this Middle Eastern delicacy in the comfort of your own home.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned for air fryer falafel?

Yes, you can! However, you will need to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them before using them in your falafel recipe. Canned chickpeas are a quicker alternative, but dried chickpeas provide a fresher texture and flavor.

2. How can I make my air fryer falafel extra crispy?

To make your falafel extra crispy, ensure that the falafel balls are lightly coated with oil before cooking. You can also flip the falafel halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness. If you’re making falafel from scratch, consider adding a small amount of baking powder to the mixture for added fluffiness.

3. Can I freeze homemade falafel before air frying?

Yes, you can freeze homemade falafel before cooking. Simply shape the falafel into balls or patties and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, place the frozen falafel directly into the preheated air fryer and cook for a few extra minutes.

4. How long does it take to cook air fryer falafel?

Cooking air fryer falafel typically takes 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the falafel and the specific air fryer model you’re using.

5. Can I make air fryer falafel using frozen falafel?

Yes, you can! If you’re using pre-made frozen falafel, simply place them in the air fryer without thawing. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy exterior.

6. What should I serve with air fryer falafel?

Air fryer falafel pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it as part of a mezze platter or in a wrap.

7. Can I make air fryer falafel gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make air fryer falafel gluten-free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour. Just make sure to check the ingredients in any store-bought mix if you’re using one, as some may contain gluten.

8. How do I store leftover air fryer falafel?

Leftover air fryer falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

9. Why is my air fryer falafel falling apart?

If your falafel is falling apart, it may be due to an overly wet mixture or insufficient binding ingredients. Make sure to add enough flour (or chickpea flour) to the mixture, and consider chilling it for 15-30 minutes before shaping the falafel to help them hold together better.

10. Can I make air fryer falafel without oil?

While oil helps achieve a crispy texture, it’s possible to make falafel without oil in the air fryer. The falafel may not be as crispy, but it will still be delicious and much healthier. You can also use a non-stick spray to lightly coat the falafel if you prefer to limit oil use.