Crispy Air Fryer Falafel (Printable Version)
Crispy chickpea patties infused with herbs and spices, served with creamy tahini and fresh vegetables.
# Ingredients:
→ Legumes
01 -
400 g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
→ Fresh herbs
02 -
30 g fresh parsley leaves
03 -
30 g fresh cilantro leaves
→ Aromatics
04 -
2 cloves garlic
05 -
1 small shallot
→ Spices
06 -
5 g ground cumin
07 -
5 g smoked paprika
08 -
5 g salt
09 -
2 g ground black pepper
→ Binder
10 -
15 g all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
→ Oil
11 -
Spray olive oil for air fryer basket
→ Tahini sauce
12 -
60 g tahini paste
13 -
60 g plain yogurt
14 -
30 ml lemon juice
15 -
15 ml olive oil
16 -
60 ml hot water
17 -
Pinch of salt
→ Serving accompaniments
18 -
4 pita breads, warmed
19 -
Fresh lettuce leaves
20 -
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
21 -
1 small cucumber, sliced
22 -
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
# Steps:
01 -
In a bowl, whisk together tahini paste, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add hot water while whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
02 -
Combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallot, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms, maintaining some texture. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour to bind.
03 -
Form the mixture into small discs approximately 2.5 cm in diameter to ensure even cooking.
04 -
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the falafel discs in a single layer without crowding. Cook at 175°C for 8 minutes, flip them over, then cook for an additional 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
05 -
Warm pita breads and spread with tahini sauce. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crispy falafel discs. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor, so avoid using dried substitutes. Form discs rather than balls for even cooking in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming and ensure crispiness. Leftovers can be stored up to 5-6 days refrigerated or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 175°C to retain crispness.