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Let me tell you about the recipe that completely changed my falafel game! After years of avoiding making these at home because of the messy deep frying, I discovered the air fryer method—and wow, what a difference! These little discs of chickpea goodness come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. My kitchen doesn't get splattered with oil anymore, and I'm making falafel weekly now instead of waiting for restaurant visits!
Why These Are So Amazing
You won't believe how easy these are! The first time I made them, my husband thought I'd ordered from our favorite Mediterranean place. My teenager, who usually only eats "plain" food, actually asks for these in her lunch box now. They're just as crispy as the deep-fried version but without all that oil, and my air fryer does all the work while I prep the toppings.
What You'll Need
- For The Falafel: Dried chickpeas soaked overnight, fresh herbs (parsley and cilantro), garlic cloves, a nice onion, cumin and coriander, baking soda for fluffiness, and just a touch of olive oil spray.
- For The Tahini Sauce: Good-quality tahini, fresh lemon juice, more garlic (because why not), salt, and a touch of pepper.
Let's Start Making Magic
- Setting Up For Success
- First things first—those chickpeas need to soak overnight. Don't skip this step! Get your air fryer preheating while you gather everything else. My food processor is my best friend for this recipe—it makes everything so quick!
- Creating The Perfect Mix
- Pulse those soaked chickpeas with the herbs and spices until they're like coarse sand. When you pinch some together, it should hold its shape—that's how you know it's perfect. The smell of fresh herbs and garlic is absolutely amazing at this point—my kids always come running to see what's cooking!
- Shaping Your Falafel
- Here's my game-changing tip—make them into little discs instead of balls! They cook more evenly this way and get super crispy all over. I use a small cookie scoop, then flatten them slightly—works like a charm every time.
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Tips For Success
Let me share some tricks I've learned from making these countless times! Don't crowd your air fryer basket—they need room to get crispy. A light spray of oil helps with browning, but don't go overboard. That tahini sauce? Add the hot water slowly while whisking—it turns silky smooth like magic. And always make extra because they disappear fast!
Serving It Up
We love stuffing these in warm pita bread with all the fixings—fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, lots of lettuce, and that creamy tahini sauce drizzled all over. Sometimes I make a big salad and top it with crumbled falafel for lunch. My daughter created this amazing lunch box with falafel, olives, hummus, and pita chips—her friends at school are always trying to trade!
Saving Some For Later
These keep beautifully in the fridge for almost a week! To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes—they crisp right up. I often make a double batch and freeze half—just shape them and freeze before cooking. Then cook them straight from frozen when you need a quick meal—absolute lifesaver on busy nights!
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap in different beans. The sauce is fun to play with too—try it with Greek yogurt; it makes it extra creamy. Once I added roasted red peppers to the mix—total game changer! That's what's so fun about cooking—making each recipe your own.
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Your Personal Touch
This recipe is just the beginning! Try topping them with quick pickled onions or crumbled feta. Add some spice to your tahini sauce—maybe a dash of hot sauce. Set up a little falafel bar when friends come over—let everyone build their perfect pita. It's amazing how one simple recipe can bring so much joy to the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make falafel without an air fryer?
Yes, you can make falafel without an air fryer. You can deep fry them in oil at 350°F for about 4 minutes, or pan fry them in a cast iron skillet with about 1 inch of oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
- → How long can I store leftover falafel?
Leftover falafel can be stored in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through.
- → What's the best way to serve falafel?
Falafel is best served in warm pita bread with tahini yogurt sauce. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cucumber for extra flavor and crunch.
- → Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
While this recipe uses canned chickpeas, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight, then cook until tender before using. This might give a slightly different texture to your falafel.
- → Is this falafel recipe healthy?
Yes, this air fryer falafel recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried falafel. It uses less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior. The recipe also includes nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Air fryer falafel offers a delightful, crispy alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. By using an air fryer, you reduce oil consumption while maintaining an authentic, crunchy texture.