Greek Air Fryer Falafel
These crispy Greek air fryer falafel are a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, without sacrificing flavor. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, they come together quickly and easily in an air fryer, offering a golden-brown, crunchy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for serving in pita bread, as part of a mezze platter, or alongside a Greek salad.
Equipment
- Food Processor – 1 unit
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Spray Bottle (for olive oil) – 1 unit
- Baking Sheet or Plate (for chilling) – 1 unit
- Measuring cups and spoons (1 set)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas or 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small red onion roughly chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option
- Olive oil spray for cooking
Instructions
- Soak the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water. Drain them before using. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked or canned chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. It should have some texture.
- Add Flour and Baking Powder: Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture. Pulse a few more times to combine. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a small splash of water, but be careful not to make it too wet.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the falafel hold their shape while cooking.
- Shape the Falafel: Once chilled, use your hands to form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can also use a falafel scoop if you have one.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Falafel: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the falafel warm, in pita bread with your favorite toppings like tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or alongside a Greek salad.
Notes
- Chilling the mixture is essential for keeping the falafel intact while cooking. Don’t skip this step, especially if using canned chickpeas.
- If you want a crunchier texture, lightly spray the falafel with more olive oil before air frying.
- For a gluten-free option, simply substitute chickpea flour for the regular flour.
- These falafel are great for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for later.