Description
Make crispy, flavorful falafel balls in your air fryer using fresh herbs. This recipe provides a healthier alternative to deep-fried falafel and includes instructions for a simple lemon tahini drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1/4 cup onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for mixing)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- For Tahini Drizzle: 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1–3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but still has some texture; do not over-process into a paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the flour and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well with a fork until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 12 to 15 balls.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the falafel balls in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Spray the tops of the falafel balls lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- While the falafel cooks, prepare the drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, and salt. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Remove the cooked falafel from the air fryer. Serve immediately drizzled with the tahini sauce.
Notes
- For the crispiest results, ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly drained and patted dry before processing.
- If you do not have a food processor, you can finely chop the herbs and mash the chickpeas by hand, though the texture may be less uniform.
- If you prefer patties instead of balls, flatten the mixture slightly before air frying.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 0