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Emma Lawson | 
17.02.2025

Healthier Falafel in an Air Fryer (Air Fryer Falafel)

Craving crispy, golden falafel but prefer a healthy alternative to frying? Air fryer falafel is your ticket! The Middle Eastern favorite is revamped through use of an air fryer, eliminating oil without sacrificing that outside crunchiness and inner fluffiness that we love.

Prep Time

10m

Total Time

12m

Cook

20 mins

Yield

4 servs
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Halal

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Turkish

What You'll Need for Air Fryer Falafel

Here's your list for a dreamy Air Fryed Felafel

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley- ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp chickpea flour (or plain flour)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for air frying)

Optional Extras for Customizing Air Fryer Falafel

  • Crumbled feta
  • Harissa paste
  • Chilli flakes
  • Sesame seeds
  • Za'atar

Ingredient Pro Tip

Always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas are too wet and will ruin the texture of your air fryer falafel.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Step-by-step instructions for the perfect texture and crisp in your falafel using just an air fryer.

  1. Soak dried chickpeas in cold water for 12–24 hours until doubled in size. Drain and pat dry.
  2. In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices until grainy (not paste).
  3. Add lemon juice, baking powder, and flour. Pulse again until mixture binds when pressed.
  4. Form into 1.5-inch balls or small patties.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray falafel with oil and place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  8. For extra crispiness, air fry at 390°F for an additional 2 minutes at the end.

Falafel Cooking Tips

  • Do not overcrowd the basket — cook in batches.
  • Chill the mixture before shaping for better hold.
  • If mixture is too wet, add more flour.
  • If mixture is too dry, add 1 tsp water at a time.
  • Light oil spray = crispier result.

Air Fryer Falafel Nutrition Facts

Calories: 220 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 6g

How to Serve Air Fryer Falafel

  • Serve in warm pita with lettuce, tomato, and tahini
  • Build a Mediterranean bowl with hummus, rice, olives, and falafel
  • Pair with spicy harissa yogurt dip
  • Add to a chopped salad for a protein boost
  • Serve on a snack platter with baba ganoush and pita chips

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Falafel

Air fryer falafel is an easy, oil-free way to enjoy a crunchy, flavour-packed plant-based recipe. No frying fuss, just bold flavour. Try our air fryer tofu next for another protein-rich hit.

Explore other Recipes below!

FAQ for this topic

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Falafel?

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Yes! Freeze uncooked falafel balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?

An arrow pointing downwards tempting the user to click and show the answer to the FAQ

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. However, they won’t be as crispy as air-fried ones.

How Do I Store Leftover Falafel?

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Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas If I'm in a Hurry?

An arrow pointing downwards tempting the user to click and show the answer to the FAQ

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Canned chickpeas retain too much moisture and result in falafel that's dense, soft, or prone to falling apart. For best results, use dried chickpeas soaked overnight—they create that classic fluffy texture with a crisp exterior.


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