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To make crispy air fryer falafel, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons flour (whole wheat or all-purpose) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray Using these ingredients gives you a flavorful and healthy snack. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and taste. Spices like cumin and coriander bring warmth and depth to the falafel. When you combine these ingredients, you create a mixture that is both tasty and nutritious. Do not skip the baking powder. It helps the falafel become light and airy. The flour helps bind the ingredients together. This balance is key to making great falafel that holds its shape during cooking. Make sure your chickpeas are well-drained and rinsed. This removes excess salt and helps create the right texture. Fresh herbs and spices make a big difference in flavor, so avoid dried versions if you can. Once you have these ingredients ready, you can move on to making the falafel mixture. Trust me, this is a snack you'll want to share! To start, prepare your chickpeas and veggies. Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas. This helps remove extra salt and makes them fresher. For the onion, chop it into small pieces. Mince three cloves of garlic. Finally, chop one cup of fresh parsley. When you blend these ingredients, use the pulse setting. This method keeps the mix coarse and chunky. If you blend too long, you might end up with a puree. We want texture in our falafel! Next, mix your dry and wet ingredients. In your food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, and parsley. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon each of cumin and coriander. Add one teaspoon of baking powder, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse the mix a few times until it just combines. The mix should hold together when you press it. If it feels too dry, add water slowly, one teaspoon at a time, until it binds. Before you start air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. It helps the falafel cook evenly and get crispy. Preheat for about 5 minutes. Now, shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel balls in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray them lightly with olive oil on top too. Air fry the falafel for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown on all sides. They should look golden brown when ready. After cooking, let them cool slightly before serving. To make sure your falafel holds together, use properly cooked chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well. If your mix feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water until it binds. Do not over-process; pulse just enough to combine. This way, your mixture stays chunky and flavorful. If your falafel falls apart during cooking, adjust moisture levels. You may need to add a bit more flour to help it stick. A good texture is key for that crispy bite! To boost flavor, consider adding more spices. Try smoked paprika or chili powder for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a new twist, too. While dried herbs are easier, fresh herbs give a brighter taste. Play around to find your favorite combination! For the best crispiness in your air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This helps your falafel cook evenly. Arrange the balls in a single layer and avoid crowding. If they cook unevenly, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps all sides get that perfect golden brown! {{image_2}} You can easily change the main ingredients in falafel. Chickpeas are the usual choice, but you can use other beans or legumes. Black beans or lentils work well too. They bring new flavors and textures. If you want a gluten-free option, swap regular flour with chickpea flour or almond flour. These alternatives keep the falafel crispy while making them safe for those with gluten issues. Falafel can take on many flavors. Different regions have unique spice mixes. You can add spices like paprika for a smoky taste or sumac for a tangy note. This really changes the falafel's profile. You can also mix in veggies for added nutrition. Carrots or zucchini can be grated and added to the mix. This gives the falafel extra moisture and flavor. Plus, it makes them more colorful! Falafel is versatile in how you serve it. You can wrap them in pita bread with fresh veggies and sauces. This makes for a fun and filling meal. You can also serve falafel on a salad. Add greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fresh touch. Pair them with dips like tahini sauce or yogurt. These sauces add great flavor and make your meal even more exciting! To keep your falafel fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze your falafel. Arrange them on a baking sheet first. This prevents sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your falafel again, reheat them in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use it, but they might lose their crunch. Refrigerated falafel stay good for about four days. When frozen, they last around three months. Check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or show mold, discard them. Proper storage helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your falafel safely! Yes, you can make falafel ahead of time. To do this, prepare the falafel mixture but do not cook it. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also shape the falafel into balls or patties and freeze them. Lay them flat on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag. This way, you can cook them straight from the freezer. If your falafel falls apart, it may be too dry or too wet. To fix dry falafel, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour to help bind it. Make sure to pulse the mixture until it’s just combined, not pureed. This helps keep the texture right. Air fry falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. This ensures even crispiness on all sides. They should turn golden brown and feel firm when done. Adjust the time slightly if your air fryer has different settings. Yes, you can bake falafel. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up. Baking may take a bit longer, but it still yields tasty results. This blog post covered how to make delicious falafel, from ingredients to cooking methods. You learned about the key components, the step-by-step preparation, and cooking tips for the best texture and flavor. Remember to experiment with swaps and variations to make falafel your own. With proper storage, your homemade falafel can stay fresh for later. Enjoy this tasty dish in wraps or salads, or share it with friends. Making falafel can be fun, easy, and rewarding.

Air Fryer Falafel

Discover the deliciousness of crispy air fryer falafel that’s healthy and easy to make! This step-by-step recipe features simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, resulting in a perfect texture and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a stunning dish ideal for any meal. Ready to impress your taste buds?
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed.

    Add the cumin, coriander, baking powder, lemon juice, flour, salt, and pepper to the chickpea mixture. Pulse a few times until just combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it binds.

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

        Shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.

            Air fry the falafel for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they get crispy on all sides. They should be golden brown when ready.

              Once done, remove the falafels and let them cool slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt dip, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley on top. Serve on a platter with pita bread and fresh veggies for a beautiful presentation.