It’s pretty amazing that you can cook crispy, fluffy falafel right in the air fryer. This falafel recipe uses much less oil and is totally gluten-free and vegan. It makes a wonderful meatless meal the whole family will love!
This healthy air fryer falafel has become my new favorite recipe. It is simple and easy to make and comes out perfectly crispy and fluffy. Falafel is a great meatless option and it is loaded with plant-based protein and lots of nutrition. Not bad for a recipe that is typically fried.
About Time
- Prep Time – mins
- Cook Time – mins
- Total Time 42 mins
Ingredients
- 15 ounces (about 1.5 cups) dried chickpeas – soaked overnight
- 1 small onion chopped – about 1 cup
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves of garlic – peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – optional for even crispier falafel
- 4 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the chickpeas. Add dry chickpeas to a medium size bowl, cover them with enough water to about 1 inch above the chickpeas, and let them sit at room temperature, uncovered for at least 12 hours or overnight. Then drain them and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make this recipe.
- Make the falafel mixture. Add the onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt and pepper, and olive oil (if using) to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
- Cover and pulse a few times to break it all down. Add in the chickpeas and pulse a few more times then add in the flour and baking powder. Pulse until everything is incorporated into a thick mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Form the falafel into balls. Use an ice cream scoop and wet hands to form the falafel into even size balls.
- Cook the falafel. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and place some of the falafel into the air fryer basket in an even layer about 1 inch apart.
- Spray the falafel with more olive oil spray. Close the basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 14 minutes. Continue until you have cooked all of the falafel. Remove, and sprinkle with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt.
- Serve. Enjoy these hot or at room temperature with some hummus and fresh chopped veggies, in some pita bread, or on top of a fresh salad.