Easy Steps to Air Fryer Falafel

KA Content Operator

·June 24, 2024

·8 min read

Easy Steps to Air Fryer Falafel — Image Source: pexels

Discover the flavorful world of falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern dish with a rich history. Embrace the fusion of chickpeas, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, aromatic spices such as cumin and coriander, all coming together to create a crispy and satisfying meal. Uncover the secrets of air fryer falafel from mix, a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version. Dive into this post to unravel the magic behind creating perfectly golden falafel balls with a crunchy exterior and a tender interior.

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients

Chickpeas

Start by gathering fresh chickpeas, the star ingredient of falafel. These legumes provide a hearty base for your flavorful falafel balls.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro)

Next, grab a bunch of vibrant parsley and cilantro. These fresh herbs add a burst of green color and a refreshing taste to your falafel mix.

Spices (Cumin, Coriander)

Don't forget the essential spices: cumin and coriander. These aromatic spices bring warmth and depth to your falafel, elevating its flavor profile.

Onion and Garlic

Include some onion and garlic in your ingredients list. These aromatic vegetables infuse your falafel with savory notes that complement the other flavors perfectly.

Baking Powder

Add baking powder to the mix for that extra light and airy texture in your falafel. This leavening agent helps create fluffy falafel balls that are crispy on the outside.

Salt and Pepper

Lastly, season your falafel mixture with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can make a world of difference in bringing out the taste of your falafel.

Preparation Steps

Soaking the Chickpeas

Duration and Tips

To achieve the perfect texture, soak the chickpeas overnight for optimal softness. This process allows the chickpeas to absorb moisture, ensuring a smooth blending experience. For a quick soak method, cover the chickpeas with hot water and let them sit for at least an hour. Remember, well-soaked chickpeas lead to a creamier falafel mixture.

Alternative Methods

If you're short on time, consider using canned chickpeas as a convenient alternative. Drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium. While this method may save time, keep in mind that freshly soaked chickpeas often yield a more authentic taste and texture in your air-fried falafel balls.

Blending the Ingredients

Equipment Needed

Prepare your trusty food processor for this step—it's your key tool for achieving a smooth falafel mixture. Ensure that the processor is dry before use to prevent any unwanted moisture from affecting the consistency of your blend.

Step-by-Step Blending Process

Begin by pulsing the soaked chickpeas until they reach a coarse texture. Add in the fresh herbs, spices, onion, garlic, and other ingredients gradually. Pulse intermittently to combine everything evenly without overmixing. The goal is to create a cohesive mixture that holds together well when forming into falafel balls.

Forming the Falafel Balls

Size and Shape Tips

When shaping your falafel balls, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking throughout. A consistent shape also enhances presentation and provides an aesthetically pleasing final result.

Preventing Stickiness

To prevent stickiness while forming your falafel balls, lightly wet your hands with water or oil before rolling each portion. This simple trick helps maintain cleanliness during preparation and ensures that the mixture doesn't adhere excessively to your hands.

Air Frying the Falafel

Preheating the Air Fryer

When ready to cook your falafel, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to the recommended level for that perfect crispiness. The duration of preheating is crucial to ensure your falafel cooks evenly and achieves that delightful golden hue.

Recommended Temperature

The ideal temperature for air frying your falafel is essential for a crunchy exterior and a tender interior. Setting the air fryer at the right heat level guarantees a satisfying texture that will leave you craving more.

Duration

The duration of preheating sets the stage for success in air frying your falafel. A well-heated air fryer ensures that each bite is perfectly cooked, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every mouthful.

Cooking the Falafel

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to start cooking those delectable falafel balls. Follow these steps to achieve falafel perfection with every batch.

Arranging Falafel in the Air Fryer

Carefully place each falafel ball in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Proper arrangement allows for even cooking, resulting in uniformly crispy and flavorful falafel.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Maintain the recommended cooking time and temperature throughout the process. Consistent heat ensures that each falafel ball reaches its full potential, delivering a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Flipping and Ensuring Even Cooking

To guarantee uniform crispiness on all sides, remember to flip your falafel balls during cooking. This simple step promotes even browning and texture development, creating irresistible air fryer falafels that will impress your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Accompaniments

Pita Bread

Enjoy your freshly air-fried falafel with warm, fluffy pita bread that complements the crispy texture of the falafel balls. The softness of the pita contrasts beautifully with the crunchiness of the falafel, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Hummus

Pair your golden-brown falafel with creamy hummus, a classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The nutty undertones of hummus perfectly balance the robust flavors of the falafel, offering a rich and satisfying taste experience.

Tzatziki Sauce

Elevate your falafel feast with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing yogurt-based condiment infused with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. The coolness of tzatziki provides a contrast to the warm falafel, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Drizzle or dip your falafel in this tangy sauce for a zesty kick.

Modern Variations

Falafel Salad

Explore a lighter alternative by serving your falafel atop a bed of crisp greens and colorful vegetables in a falafel salad. The combination of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful falafel creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious. Customize your salad with your favorite dressings for an extra layer of flavor.

Falafel Wraps

Wrap up your air-fried falafel in soft tortillas or flatbreads to create flavorful falafel wraps. Fill them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and a generous drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce for a portable meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. These wraps are perfect for on-the-go lunches or quick dinners.

Falafel Bowls

Build hearty falafel bowls by layering fluffy couscous or quinoa with roasted vegetables, pickled red cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and crispy falafel balls. Top it off with a dollop of hummus or tzatziki sauce for added creaminess and flavor. These customizable bowls offer a wholesome and filling option for any mealtime occasion.

Tips and Tricks

Ensuring Crispiness

Using a Light Spray of Oil

Enhance the crispiness of your falafel by lightly spraying them with oil before air frying. This simple step helps achieve that golden exterior that you crave, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

Avoiding Overcrowding

To ensure your falafel cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each falafel ball ample space to allow hot air to circulate around them, resulting in uniformly crispy falafels that will tantalize your taste buds.

Storing and Reheating

Best Practices for Storage

When storing leftover falafel, opt for an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming soggy. Enjoy within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating Tips

For reheating your falafel, consider using an oven or toaster oven for optimal results. Preheat the oven, place the falafels on a baking sheet, and warm them until they're heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness and ensures a satisfying eating experience every time.

Ready to savor the benefits of air fryer falafel from mix? Dive into this healthier alternative that promises a crispy exterior and a tender inside. Don't just take our word for it; enthusiasts love the ease and healthiness of homemade falafel. Try this recipe, share your thoughts, and join the falafel fan club! Looking for more air fryer delights? Explore our blog for a variety of flavorful recipes waiting to elevate your culinary adventures.