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Two delectable Falafel wraps, generously filled with crispy falafel, fresh purple cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and creamy tahini sauce.
Layla

Air-Fried Falafel Wraps with Zesty Tahini Sauce

Enjoy crispy, homemade falafel baked to perfection in an air fryer, nestled in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. A delicious and healthy vegetarian meal!
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 wraps
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight in cold water, then drained and rinsed thoroughly
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for air frying, or cooking spray
For the Zesty Tahini Sauce
  • 1/4 cup tahini well-stirred
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2-4 tbsp cold water as needed to reach desired consistency
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
For Assembling the Wraps
  • 4 large pita breads or large tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup pickled turnips or dill pickles sliced

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Small Bowl (for sauce)

Method
 

Prepare the Falafel Mixture (allow 15 minutes)
  1. In a food processor, combine the drained soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. It should still have some texture and hold together when pressed.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the baking soda and all-purpose flour. Mix well with your hands to ensure everything is evenly combined. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but firm enough to shape. If too wet, add another tablespoon of flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and prevents the falafel from falling apart during cooking.
Make the Zesty Tahini Sauce (allow 5 minutes)
  1. While the falafel mixture chills, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable, yet thick consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt if needed.
Cook the Falafel (allow 20 minutes)
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Remove the falafel mixture from the fridge. Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into small patties or balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You should get about 12-16 falafel.
  3. Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil or cooking spray.
  4. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the falafel and continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through. Repeat with any remaining falafel.
Assemble the Wraps (allow 10 minutes)
  1. Lightly warm the pita breads or tortillas in a dry pan, microwave, or the air fryer for 30-60 seconds until pliable.
  2. Lay out a warm pita. Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on the inside. Arrange 3-4 falafel patties down the center. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced pickled turnips/dill pickles.
  3. Drizzle with more tahini sauce if desired. Fold or roll up the pita tightly to create a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure your chickpeas are completely dry after soaking and rinsing, as excess moisture can make the falafel mixture too soft. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the falafel at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or shallow-fry them in about 1 inch of hot oil until golden brown on all sides. Falafel mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.