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Three delicious Falafel Pita Sandwiches, filled with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce, stacked and ready to eat.
Maryam

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich with Tahini Drizzle

A vibrant and flavorful homemade falafel pita sandwich featuring crispy, air-fried falafel, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel
  • 1 cup Dry chickpeas soaked overnight, then drained and patted very dry
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley tightly packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro tightly packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 Onion medium, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil for brushing falafel
For the Tahini Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Tahini
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2-4 tbsp Cold water adjust to desired consistency
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
For Assembly
  • 4 pieces Pita bread whole wheat or white
  • 1/2 Cucumber medium, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 Tomato medium, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/4 Red onion small, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Lettuce shredded, e.g., romaine
  • 1/2 cup Pickled turnip or dill pickles sliced, optional
  • To taste Hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Food processor
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Falafel Mixture
  1. Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and pat them very dry with a kitchen towel. This is crucial for crispy falafel.
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, roughly chopped onion, minced garlic, all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground but still has some texture, similar to coarse sand. It should be coarse enough to hold its shape when pressed. Be careful not to over-process, or it will become a paste.
  4. Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up, making the falafel easier to form and preventing them from crumbling during cooking.
Form and Air Fry the Falafel
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove the falafel mixture from the fridge. Form it into 12-16 small patties or balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Lightly brush each falafel patty with olive oil. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  4. Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary to allow for even cooking.
  5. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the outside.
Prepare the Tahini Sauce
  1. While the falafel cooks, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and reaches a pourable, creamy consistency. You may need more or less water depending on your tahini.
Assemble the Pita Sandwiches
  1. Gently warm the pita bread in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or on a dry pan until it is soft and pliable. This makes it easier to open.
  2. Carefully open each pita pocket to create a cavity.
  3. Fill each pita with 3-4 hot falafel.
  4. Add a generous amount of shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, tomato, and red onion into each pita.
  5. Drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce. Add pickled turnips or dill pickles and a dash of hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich!

Notes

For the best crispy falafel, ensure your soaked chickpeas are very dry before processing them. The falafel mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. If you don't have an air fryer, you can shallow fry the falafel in about 1 inch of neutral oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.