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A plate of golden brown Air Fryer Falafel balls stacked in a pyramid, with fresh herbs and dipping sauce in the background.
Layla

Air Fryer Falafel

Crispy, herb-packed falafel made easy in the air fryer - no deep frying required for this authentic Middle Eastern favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight, not canned
  • 1 cup fresh parsley packed, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 0.5 small yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
For Serving
  • 4 pieces pita bread warmed
  • 0.5 cup tzatziki or tahini sauce

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Food processor

Method
 

Prep
  1. Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and spread on a clean kitchen towel. Pat completely dry - excess moisture is the enemy of crispy falafel.
  2. In a food processor, combine the dried chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand with tiny pebbles, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. It should hold together when squeezed but not be a paste. If too wet, add 1 tablespoon chickpea flour.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This firms up the mixture so the falafel hold their shape.
  4. Scoop 2 tablespoon portions and shape into compact patties about 2 inches wide and 0.5 inch thick, or form into small balls. Place on a plate as you go.
Cook
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil on both sides. Arrange in a single layer with space between each - work in batches if needed. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip carefully, then fry for another 6-8 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
Serve
  1. Serve warm stuffed into pita with tzatziki or drizzled with tahini sauce, or over a salad. Falafel are best eaten immediately while crisp.

Notes

Dried chickpeas are essential - canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will make mushy falafel. Soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. The mixture can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; shape and air fry just before serving. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 6 minutes on the second side to prevent burning.