Air Fryer Falafel
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Olive oil spray
Notes
Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Soak dried chickpeas overnight, then drain and rinse them.
- Avoid using canned chickpeas for this recipe as they are too soft for falafel.
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Blend the Ingredients:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and sticks together when pressed.
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Form the Dough:
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add flour and baking powder, then mix well.
- Shape the dough into small balls or patties, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
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Cooking the Falafel:
- Lightly spray the falafel with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
-
Cooling:
- Let the falafel cool for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Serve:
- Serve with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Benefits of Air Fryer Falafel
-
Healthier Than Fried:
- Air fryer falafel uses a fraction of the oil compared to traditional deep-frying, reducing calorie and fat content.
-
Plant-Based Protein:
- Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this a satisfying and nutritious dish for vegans and vegetarians.
-
Rich in Herbs and Spices:
- The fresh parsley, cilantro, and spices add flavor while also providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Versatile Dish:
- Can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Pair it with different sides to suit your preferences.
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Gluten-Free Option:
- Replace all-purpose flour with chickpea flour to make this recipe entirely gluten-free.
-
Quick and Easy Cleanup:
- Air frying eliminates the greasy mess associated with traditional frying methods.
