Description
Crispy air fryer falafel brings Middle Eastern street food straight to kitchen counters. Chickpea-packed patties deliver authentic flavor with minimal oil and maximum crunch, ensuring quick preparation and healthier eating for home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 6 pita breads
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce leaves
Herbs and Spices:
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 large shallot, roughly chopped
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Olive oil spray
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Craft a tangy sauce by whisking tahini, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, gradually incorporating hot water until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
- In a food processor, pulse chickpeas with fragrant herbs, minced garlic, chopped shallot, flour, seeds, and aromatic seasonings until forming a coarse, textured mixture.
- Gently mold the blend into compact, uniform discs approximately one tablespoon in volume, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Liberally coat air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange falafel discs in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 350°F for precisely 8 minutes, carefully flipping each piece midway to ensure uniform golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
- Complete cooking with an additional 6 minutes until falafels develop a crunchy, deep golden crust and maintain a tender interior.
- Warm soft pitas and create a vibrant serving platter by nestling crisp falafels alongside drizzled sauce and an array of fresh, crisp vegetables.
Notes
- Customize Sauce Experiment with different yogurt types like plant-based alternatives for dairy-free or vegan diets.
- Prevent Crumbling Add extra flour or breadcrumbs to help falafel hold shape during air frying.
- Enhance Flavor Toast seeds like cumin or coriander before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Boost Nutrition Consider adding nutritional powerhouses like quinoa or ground flaxseed to increase protein content without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg