Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Craving the delightful crunch of falafel without the mess of deep frying? Look no further than this recipe for Effortless Air Fryer Falafel! This game-changing method takes the hassle out of frying, giving you perfectly crunchy falafel every time. The air fryer works its magic, leaving you with falafel that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like your favorite takeout joint.

I used to dread the cleanup and oil splatters that came with traditional frying, but ever since I discovered air fryer falafel, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The simplicity of this recipe will amaze you. With just a few simple ingredients and the trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these falafel in no time. Plus, the versatility of falafel means you can enjoy them in a pita, over a salad, or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready to fall in love with making falafel at home, the effortless way!

Quick Benefits

• Crispy Texture, Less Oil: Air frying results in a crunchy exterior while using significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
• Convenient and Easy Clean-Up: Making falafel in the air fryer is simple and hassle-free, eliminating the need to deal with oil splatters and messy clean-ups.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe allows for various add-ins and modifications, such as spicing up with cayenne, swapping beans, or adding different sauces to suit individual preferences.
• Healthier Alternative: Air frying retains the crispy texture of falafel while still being a healthier cooking method, making it a great option for those looking for a lighter meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: This recipe is incredibly simple to make, especially with the use of an air fryer, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.
• Crispy Texture: The falafel turns out crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, delivering that satisfying texture without deep frying.
• Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer means less oil is needed while still achieving a crispy finish, making it a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried falafel.
• Customizable: You can get creative with the toppings, sauces, and even the falafel mix itself to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy the falafel stuffed in pita bread with a variety of fresh veggies and sauces, or crumble it over salads for a different twist. The leftovers can be stored and reheated easily.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike, this recipe appeals to a wide range of palates and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze half for later use, and reheat for a quick and convenient meal solution. It’s a time-saving hack for busy days.
• Sharing is Caring: Create a falafel bar for gatherings or potlucks, allowing everyone to customize their own pitas with various toppings and sauces. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with friends and family.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced.
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.
• 6 pita breads.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1 large shallot, roughly chopped.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
• Juice of 1 lemon.
• 1 cucumber, sliced.
• 1 tomato, sliced.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley and cilantro).
• 4 tablespoons olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds.
• Hot water, as needed.
• 2 cans chickpeas, drained.
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled.
• Lettuce leaves.
• Cooking spray.
• 1 cup tahini.

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When air frying falafel, ensure they are spread out in the basket without overcrowding to achieve a crunchy texture. Lightly spritz the falafel with oil for a golden finish, but avoid over-saturating them. This method reduces oil usage while maintaining a crispy exterior.

Pro Tip 2: To make a smooth tahini sauce, slowly add hot water while whisking until it reaches a satiny consistency. For convenience, consider making extra falafel as they store well in the fridge for several days. Freeze uncooked falafel to have a quick meal option by air frying straight from the freezer when needed.

Pro Tip 3: Get creative with your falafel by experimenting with different add-ins like cayenne for heat or alternative beans. Customizing the sauce with ingredients like Greek yogurt or roasted red pepper can enhance the overall flavor. Consider hosting a falafel bar for gatherings to allow guests to customize their pita fillings, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Sauce

In a bowl, mix together yogurt, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. Gradually add hot water to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Make Falafel Mix

Combine drained chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, shallot, flour, lemon juice, sesame seeds, spices, and salt in a food processor. Blend until a thick paste forms.

Step 3: Shape Falafel

Shape the mixture into small discs approximately one inch wide, yielding around 25 to 30 pieces.

Step 4: Cook Falafel

Lightly coat air fryer basket with oil spray. Place falafel discs in a single layer, cook at 350°F for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Warm the pita bread in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds. Fill the pita with falafel discs, sauce, and preferred vegetables.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the Air Fryer Falafel, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for 5-6 days. To maintain their crispy texture, simply air fry them again before serving. Additionally, you can freeze the falafel for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, heat the frozen falafel in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. This makes reheating them quick and convenient, perfect for a fast and tasty meal on busy days.

Storing extra falafel in the fridge or freezer is a great idea for meal prep or quick dinners. Making a double batch and freezing half is a time-saving strategy. You can cook the frozen falafel directly from the freezer, making it a handy option for those rushed evenings. Feel free to get creative with your falafel by adding in different ingredients like a bean swap or a dash of cayenne for some heat. Experiment with various dips and sauces to customize the flavors to your liking. The versatility of falafel allows you to personalize it and make it your own signature dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the chickpeas, if you don’t have canned chickpeas on hand, you can use chickpeas that have been soaked overnight and cooked until soft. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still work well for the falafel.

If you’re looking to change up the sauce, Greek yogurt can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a creamy finish. Additionally, you can experiment with adding roasted red peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the tahini sauce for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative with your falafel add-ins! Consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat or swapping out the herbs with different varieties like mint or dill. You can also build a falafel bar with various toppings such as quick-pickled onions, feta cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a personalized touch when serving to guests.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive meal idea, set up a DIY falafel bar for your next gathering! Provide warm pita bread, a platter of crispy air fryer falafel, and various toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onions, and a flavorful tahini yogurt sauce. Let your guests mix and match their favorite ingredients to create custom falafel wraps or bowls, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Looking to elevate your salad game? Crumble air fryer falafel over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and tangy pickled onions. Drizzle with a generous serving of creamy tahini sauce for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This hearty and nutritious salad makes for a satisfying lunch or light dinner option, perfect for those looking to enjoy a crunchy twist on a classic falafel dish.

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Can I fry or sauté the falafel instead of air frying?

No worries! Toss your falafel into hot oil at 350°F and fry for about 4 minutes. Or sauté in a skillet—use an inch of oil and cook each side for 3-4 minutes.

How should I store leftover falafel?

Pop any extras in the fridge—they’ll keep for 5 or 6 days. They freeze well too! Just heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 or 12 minutes when ready to eat.

What’s the best way to enjoy the falafel?

Warm up pita, layer with falafel, and pour on some tahini yogurt sauce. Toss in some crunchy veggies like cucumber, lettuce, tomato, or a little red onion to boost the flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?

If you want, go ahead and use chickpeas you soaked overnight and cooked until soft. The texture might not match exactly but it works just fine.

Conclusion

Incorporating the delightful crunch of falafel into your meals is now a breeze with this Effortless Air Fryer Falafel recipe. The convenience of air frying transforms this traditionally deep-fried treat into a healthier yet equally satisfying dish that you can enjoy anytime at home. The simplicity of this recipe allows you to indulge in the rich flavors and textures of falafel without the hassle of traditional frying methods.

Whether you stuff them in a pita with your favorite toppings or enjoy them in a fresh salad, these air fryer falafel will surely become a household favorite. Experiment with various add-ins and toppings to customize your falafel experience and make it truly your own. With leftovers that can be easily reheated for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Embrace the ease and versatility of making Effortless Air Fryer Falafel, and elevate your culinary adventures with each delightful bite.