Savor the flavors of crispy air fryer falafel with this easy recipe! Made from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these delightful bites are perfect for a healthy snack or meal. Learn how to make them golden brown and crunchy with minimal oil in your air fryer.
1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
1 small onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, 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
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
 for more details on cooking! - Step 1: Start by draining and rinsing your soaked chickpeas. This helps get rid of excess salt and improves the taste. - Step 2: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want some heat. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Make sure to scrape down the sides. You want some texture, so don’t over-process it. - Step 3: Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape. - Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting crispy falafel. - Step 5: Once chilled, form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size will cook evenly. - Step 6: Brush the formed falafel lightly with olive oil on all sides. This will give them a nice golden color. Arrange the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; you may need to cook in batches. - Step 7: Air fry the falafel for 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Air Fryer Falafel . Enjoy making these delicious bites! To get the best results, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps cook the falafel evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you fill it too full, the falafel won’t cook well. They need space to crisp up nicely. Cook your falafel in batches for a perfect crunch. When they have room, they crisp better. Brushing them lightly with olive oil before cooking adds flavor and helps them brown. This small step makes a big difference! Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. They can bring a new twist to your falafel. For serving, I recommend pairing them with tahini sauce or yogurt dip. A colorful platter with fresh veggies makes a great presentation! For the full recipe, check above. {{image_2}} You can make your falafel even better. Try adding herbs like mint or dill. These add fresh tastes. You can also use spices for heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. Paprika or chili powder can work too. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Using canned chickpeas is a great shortcut. Just rinse them well. They save time and still taste good. If you want to keep it vegan, you can swap olive oil. Use avocado oil or sunflower oil instead. Both work well and keep it tasty. Falafel is super versatile. You can wrap it in pita bread with fresh veggies. It makes a great sandwich. You can also toss it in salads for extra crunch. Pair falafel with dips like tahini or hummus. These add creaminess and flavor. You can even serve it with a yogurt sauce for a cool touch. For the full recipe, check out the crispy air fryer falafel. To keep your cooked falafel fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use a container that fits well, so they don’t move around too much. You can place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. Cooked falafel lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper as well. This way, they won’t freeze together. Cooked falafel can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating falafel, I recommend using an air fryer. It keeps them crispy and tasty. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you use a microwave, the falafel may turn soft. To avoid this, place a paper towel under them in the microwave. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them from getting too soggy. Always check that they are heated through before serving. Following these tips helps you enjoy your falafel just as much as when they were fresh. You can tell when falafel is done by its color and texture. They should turn golden brown and feel firm. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean. If not, give them a few more minutes. You can make falafel without soaking chickpeas, but it’s not the best option. Dried chickpeas need soaking to soften. If you skip this step, your falafel will be hard and dry. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned chickpeas instead. Just rinse and drain them well. Air fryer falafel pairs well with many sides. You can serve them with tahini sauce or yogurt dip. Adding fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes adds a nice crunch. You can also put them in wraps with lettuce and sauce for a meal. Cooked falafel can last in the fridge for about four days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for falafel. This temperature allows them to cook evenly and get crispy. Cooking for 12-15 minutes works well. Remember to flip them halfway for even cooking. For the full recipe, check out the crispy air fryer falafel! In this post, we explored a simple way to make crispy air fryer falafel. We covered key ingredients like soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and cook your falafel easily. You learned useful tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Try different herbs or spices to find your favorite taste. This recipe is not just healthy but also fun to make. Enjoy your falafel on wraps, salads, or with dips.](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/82097726-9cf9-4a34-87bf-4d075ea475be-250x250.webp)