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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small red onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste Chickpeas form the base of falafel. You need canned chickpeas for ease. They add protein and fiber. Fresh parsley and cilantro give falafel a bright taste. The red onion and garlic add depth. Use cumin and coriander for warmth. Baking powder helps the falafel puff up. - Fresh vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes) for topping - Pita bread or bowls for serving - Tahini sauce or yogurt for drizzling For toppings, use fresh veggies. They add crunch and color. Lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes work well. Pita bread makes a great base. You can also use bowls filled with greens. Drizzle with tahini sauce or yogurt for creaminess. This enhances the falafel's taste. - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Flour helps bind the falafel. Use all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free needs. Olive oil is key for crispness. Brush it on the falafel before cooking. This ensures a golden and crunchy texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need a food processor for this step. Add the chickpeas, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper into the processor. Pulse this mix until it looks coarse. The texture should be a bit chunky, not smooth. If you over-blend, it won’t hold together well. Next, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the flour until it just combines with the chickpea mix. If it feels too wet, add a little extra flour. You want the mixture to hold its shape when you form it. Now, it’s time to shape the falafels. Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches wide. Then, gently flatten each ball to make patties. You should end up with about 12-15 falafels. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. For cooking, lightly brush each falafel with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this ensures even cooking. You might need to cook in batches. Air fry the falafels for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should come out golden brown and crispy on the outside. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they cook! To make crispy falafels, oil is key. I brush each patty lightly with olive oil. This helps them get that perfect crunch in the air fryer. If you skip this step, your falafels may end up dry. Next, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Give each falafel space to cook evenly. If you pack them in, they will steam instead of crisp. It’s best to cook in batches to ensure they get that golden brown outside. Spices and herbs bring out the best in falafels. I always use ground cumin and coriander. They add warmth and depth to the flavor. Fresh parsley and cilantro are also a must for a bright taste. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour. This can help bind the ingredients together. I like to use all-purpose flour, but chickpea flour works great too. It’s gluten-free, so feel free to swap it in if you need. Garnishing enhances the look of your falafel bowls. I like to sprinkle extra chopped herbs on top. A wedge of lemon also adds a pop of color and freshness. For serving, you can lay the falafels over a bed of greens or in pita bread. You can even make a fun wrap. Drizzle tahini sauce or yogurt on top for an extra flavor boost. This makes your meal look beautiful and appetizing. Pro Tips Don’t Over-Blend: Ensure your chickpea mixture remains somewhat chunky for a better texture in your falafel. Over-blending can lead to a mushy outcome. Adjust for Moisture: If your mixture feels too wet, gradually add more flour until you achieve a manageable consistency for shaping the falafels. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Make sure to preheat your air fryer for even cooking. This helps the falafels get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Batch Cooking: To avoid overcrowding, cook falafels in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness. {{image_2}} You can easily make falafel gluten-free. Just swap all-purpose flour for chickpea flour. Chickpea flour binds the mix well. It also adds extra chickpea flavor. This change keeps your meal vegan and healthy. You can also get creative with your ingredients. Try adding grated zucchini for moisture. Or mix in some finely chopped spinach. These tweaks add nutrients and flavor. Want some heat? Add chili powder or diced jalapeños. This spice gives your falafel a nice kick. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile. They make your bowls even more exciting. Wrap your falafel in warm pita bread. This makes a fun and hand-held meal. You can also serve falafel on a bed of quinoa. Quinoa adds protein and a nutty taste. Use fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes to top your bowls. This adds crunch and color. Drizzle tahini sauce or yogurt for creaminess. Each of these ideas makes your meal unique and delicious. To keep falafels fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. I recommend using glass containers or heavy-duty plastic bags. They work well to maintain crispness. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb extra moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat and keep the falafels crispy, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the falafels for about 5 to 7 minutes. Check them halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You can freeze uncooked or cooked falafels. For uncooked falafels, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together. Cooked falafels can go directly into a freezer-safe container. They last about three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare your falafel mixture ahead of time. Mix your ingredients and store them in the fridge. This way, they stay fresh and ready to cook. You can also form falafel patties and freeze them. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. When you want to cook them, no need to thaw. Just air fry them for a few extra minutes. If your falafel mixture feels too wet, don’t worry. This is a common issue. You can add more flour to thicken it up. Start with a tablespoon at a time until it holds shape. Another tip is to let the mixture sit for a few minutes. This can help absorb moisture. If you still find it too wet, try chilling the mixture for a bit. Toppings can make your falafel bowl special. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes work great. You can also add radishes, bell peppers, or carrots for crunch. Try drizzling tahini sauce or yogurt for creaminess. Don’t forget to sprinkle some herbs like parsley or mint on top. Get creative with your favorite flavors! For the best results, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook your falafels for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking times. You want them golden brown and crunchy. Air fryer falafel is easy and tasty. We covered all the key steps, from mixing ingredients like chickpeas and herbs to cooking them to a perfect crisp. Don’t forget to try different toppings and sauces for a fun twist. You can also customize the falafel with spicy options or gluten-free swaps. Remember to store leftovers wisely and keep them crispy when reheating. Enjoy your healthy, homemade falafel bowls with friends or family!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Bowls

Delicious and healthy falafel bowls made in an air fryer, served with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small red onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • as needed pita bread or bowls for serving
  • as needed fresh vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes) for topping
  • as needed tahini sauce or yogurt for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms, ensuring not to over-blend; you want it somewhat chunky.
  • Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the flour until just combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Using your hands, form small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) from the chickpea mixture and gently flatten them to form patties. You should have about 12-15 falafels.
  • Lightly brush each falafel with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
  • Place the falafel patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them (you may need to do this in batches).
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  • While the falafels are cooking, prepare your bowls by slicing pita bread or laying out a base of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato.
  • Once the falafels are done, place them on top of the prepared bowls.
  • Drizzle tahini sauce or yogurt over the falafels and add any additional toppings you desire.

Notes

Serve the bowls garnished with extra chopped herbs and a wedge of lemon for a pop of color.
Keyword air fryer, falafel, healthy, vegetarian