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- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing - Whole wheat pitas - Toppings: sliced tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and tahini sauce Using dried chickpeas makes your falafel flavorful and healthy. Soaking them overnight helps soften them. You will blend these with onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. These herbs add a bright taste to your dish. Seasoning is key too. Ground cumin and coriander provide warmth and depth. Baking powder gives your falafel a nice lift, making them light and crispy. Olive oil is essential for brushing on the falafel. It helps achieve that golden color and crisp texture. Whole wheat pitas are my favorite choice. They are nutritious and hearty. For toppings, I suggest fresh sliced tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and crisp lettuce. Drizzling tahini sauce adds a creamy element that ties everything together. This combination creates a meal that is tasty, filling, and good for you. You can adjust toppings to fit your taste. Have fun with it! Soaking chickpeas overnight is key. This softens them and helps with blending. If you skip this step, your falafel may end up dry or crumbly. After soaking, drain the chickpeas well using a colander. Rinse them under cold water. This removes any dirt or extra salt. For blending, use a food processor. Add the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Include spices like cumin and coriander, plus baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely blended. Aim for a texture that holds together when shaped into balls. If it’s too smooth, your falafel won't be fluffy. To form the falafel, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. Each ball should be about 1.5 inches wide. This size ensures they cook evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. Once preheated, brush each falafel ball with olive oil. This helps them become crispy. Cook the falafel in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Look for a golden brown color for perfect crispiness. To get crispy falafel, brush each ball with olive oil. This step makes a big difference. The oil helps create a crunchy outer layer. Without it, the falafel may turn out soft. Cook in batches to ensure even crispiness. If you overcrowd the air fryer, they will steam instead of crisp. Cook a small amount at a time for the best results. Serve your falafel pitas on a colorful platter. Arrange toppings like sliced tomatoes and cucumbers in small bowls. This gives a DIY feel to your meal. It also lets everyone choose their favorite toppings. Garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle adds a pop of color and flavor. Fresh herbs make your meal look and taste better. You can customize your pitas with various toppings. Try adding avocado, radishes, or pickled vegetables. These options add crunch and extra flavor. Consider serving with sides like hummus or a fresh salad. This makes your meal more filling and fun. Everyone can mix and match to find their favorite combo. {{image_2}} If you cannot find chickpeas, you can use lentils. They work well and taste great. Black beans also make a nice swap. Just remember to adjust the spices. For toppings, you can easily switch to avocado or shredded carrots. Both add flavor and color. You can also try vegan yogurt instead of tahini sauce. This keeps the meal fresh and creamy. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes to your falafel mix. This gives it a nice kick. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, add fresh dill or mint. These herbs brighten the falafel. You could also mix in a pinch of za'atar. This spice blend adds depth and warmth. You can serve falafel as a salad. Just chop up lettuce and mix in your falafel balls. Add tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch. Drizzle with tahini sauce or your favorite dressing. If you want to change it up, try falafel wraps. Use large lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas. Fill them with falafel and your favorite toppings. This is a fun and portable meal option. To keep leftover falafel fresh, store them in a sealed container. Place a paper towel inside. This absorbs moisture and keeps them crispy. In the fridge, they last for about 3-4 days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard them. For meal prep, freezing falafel is a great idea. Allow the cooked falafel to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps them regain their crispiness. To keep your pitas soft, store them in a sealed plastic bag or a container. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out. Fresh vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, should be kept in the fridge in separate containers. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. Use them within a week for the best taste. Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. They save time and are easy to use. However, there are some downsides. Canned chickpeas can be softer, which may make the falafel mushy. You will also need to drain and rinse them well. Dried chickpeas give a firmer texture and better flavor. Soaking them overnight helps them hold their shape when cooking. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. The falafel should be crispy and firm to the touch. You can also gently break one open. The inside should be warm and slightly moist but not wet. If it crumbles, it is done. Cooking for 12-15 minutes at 375°F usually gives perfect results. Absolutely! You can use other beans like black beans or lentils. Each type of bean brings its own flavor. For example, black bean falafel has a rich taste. Lentils cook quickly and can add a nice texture. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to find your favorite combination. You learned how to make crispy falafel from scratch using simple ingredients. Soaking chickpeas is key for the best texture. Blending the right way gives you a tasty mix for forming balls. Cooking in an air fryer keeps them crispy with less oil. Try different toppings and serve styles to fit your taste. Remember, customizing your falafel is easy and fun. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Pitas

Dive into a delicious world of flavors with these crispy air fryer falafel pitas! This easy recipe features hearty chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and spices, then air-fried to golden perfection. Serve in warm whole wheat pitas with your favorite toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce. Click through for the full recipe and tips to create a satisfying meal that’s healthy and bursting with taste! Enjoy making this delightful dish today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Whole wheat pitas

Toppings: sliced tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, tahini sauce

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chickpeas: After soaking overnight, drain and rinse the chickpeas.

    Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed; it should hold together when formed into a ball.

      Form the Falafel Balls: Use your hands to form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Brush with Oil: Gently brush each falafel ball with olive oil on all sides. This will help them become crispy during cooking.

            Air Fry the Falafel: Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Warm the Pitas: While the falafel is cooking, warm the whole wheat pitas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft.

                Assemble the Pitas: Once the falafel are done, place 2-3 balls in each pita and top with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with tahini sauce.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed pitas on a platter, and arrange extra toppings in small bowls for a DIY style meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color!