If you’re on the hunt for a simple, delicious, and guilt-free Middle Eastern classic, this Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these falafels come out crisp on the outside but keep that tender, flavorful center you want — all while using way less oil than traditional frying. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick dinner, you’ll find that this recipe is as satisfying as it is healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than traditional falafel: Using the air fryer means you get crispy falafel without deep frying in oil.
- Flavor-packed every bite: The blend of fresh herbs and spices makes these truly authentic and irresistible.
- Easy to prep ahead: Soak the chickpeas overnight, blend, chill, and you’re nearly there.
- Perfect for meal prep and family meals: These freeze well and reheat beautifully, making busy weeknights easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to give you that classic falafel flavor and texture. The dried chickpeas are key — they need to be soaked overnight to get the perfect bite and help the mixture stick together.
- Dried Chickpeas: Never use canned – soaking dried ones overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Adds a lovely aromatic punch that balances the earthiness of chickpeas.
- Small Onion: Fresh onion brightens the flavor and keeps the falafel moist.
- Parsley Leaves: Fresh parsley gives that vibrant green color and herbaceous note.
- Cilantro Leaves: Adds freshness and complements the parsley perfectly. If you’re not a fan, you can adjust the ratio or leave it out.
- Ground Coriander: The subtle citrusy spice really lifts the mix.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and depth, a must-have in falafel seasoning.
- Sea Salt: Essential to bring out flavors – don’t skimp here.
- Black Pepper: A little heat and earthiness to complement the spices.
- Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne: For that gentle heat kick; adjust to taste.
- Baking Powder (Optional): I sometimes add this to lighten the texture a bit, but it’s not mandatory.
- Cooking Spray: To help the falafel crisp nicely in the air fryer without sticking.
Variations
I love that this Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe is a perfect foundation for experimenting. Feel free to tweak it to your liking or dietary needs — I’ve tried a few ways that worked really well!
- Adding more herbs: I sometimes double the parsley for an even fresher, greener falafel that my family adores.
- Switching cilantro out: If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh dill or mint can be great alternatives.
- Spice it up: For extra heat, I’ll bump up the cayenne or toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Gluten-free addition: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want a firmer texture, you can add a bit of gluten-free flour or chickpea flour.
How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Step 1: Soak Your Chickpeas Overnight
This might feel like a hassle if you’re rushed, but I promise soaking the chickpeas for 18-24 hours is crucial for the perfect falafel texture. When I first made falafel without soaking, they didn’t hold together well. Soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water — they swell a lot, so cover by at least 3 inches. After soaking, drain and pat them dry to avoid soggy mixture.
Step 2: Blend the Falafel Mixture
Transfer your soaked chickpeas, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices to a food processor. Pulse for about 20 seconds, scrape down the sides, and repeat until you have a chunky, crumbly mixture (think couscous consistency) — not mushy. This step takes some attention because over-blending results in a paste, while under-blending leaves chickpeas too large to hold together.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture Before Shaping
Pop the mixture into the fridge for at least 45 minutes. This helps the falafel firm up, making it easier to shape and ensuring they hold together when cooking. I’ve learned this the hard way after making sticky falafel before chilling!
Step 4: Shape and Air Fry Your Falafel
Using an ice cream scooper makes shaping quick and uniform—I love this trick! Form balls or patties with your hands, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and don’t forget to spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The falafel should come out nicely browned and crisp on the outside while soft inside.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
- Use dried chickpeas only: I’ve tried canned chickpeas, but the texture isn’t right for falafel; dried soaked chickpeas make the mixture hold together perfectly.
- Chill before shaping: Refrigerating the mixture firms it up so your falafel don’t fall apart when cooking – trust me, this step is a game-changer.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray: A light spray helps the falafel achieve that golden crust without sticking in the air fryer basket.
- Flip midway through: Turning them halfway ensures even browning and crispiness all around.
How to Serve Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes with falafel that add crunch and freshness. I usually top mine with a drizzle of homemade tahini sauce, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and some diced tomatoes and cucumbers. You can’t beat that combo for texture and taste!
Side Dishes
Pair your falafel with warm pita bread, or serve over a bed of crisp lettuce and quinoa salad for a light, satisfying meal. Roasted veggies or a tangy tabbouleh salad also complement the falafel beautifully if you’re looking to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve served these falafels as sliders with a dollop of tzatziki and pickled onions on mini buns — it’s a hit at parties! You can also turn them into a falafel bowl with hummus, roasted veggies, and your favorite dressing for a vibrant, colorful meal that’s perfect for meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you want to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the air fryer or oven to regain that delightful crispiness.
Freezing
Falafel freeze really well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This has saved me so many times on busy days!
Reheating
To keep that crispy texture when reheating, pop frozen or refrigerated falafel into your air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it makes them soggy, and who wants soggy falafel?
FAQs
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Can I use canned chickpeas for this Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe?
I don’t recommend canned chickpeas because they contain too much moisture, which makes the falafel mixture soggy and difficult to shape. Using dried chickpeas soaked overnight ensures your falafel hold together and have that perfect texture.
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Is it necessary to soak chickpeas for 24 hours?
Soaking for 18-24 hours is ideal to soften the chickpeas fully, which yields a fluffier interior. Shorter soaking times can work but may result in a denser falafel that falls apart easier.
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Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out.
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Do I need to preheat my air fryer for falafel?
I find preheating the air fryer to 375°F helps the falafel cook evenly and crisp up right away. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.
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Is baking powder necessary in the recipe?
Baking powder is optional but can lighten the texture slightly, making the falafel a bit fluffier. If you skip it, you’ll still get delicious falafel, just a bit denser.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen — it captures all the flavor and texture of traditional falafel without the mess or extra calories from deep frying. It’s an easy recipe to prep in advance, packed with protein and flavor, and perfect for anyone wanting to eat well without sacrificing taste. Give it a try for your next meal — I’m pretty sure you’ll end up making it over and over again like my family does!
Print
Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 18-24 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (excluding chickpea soaking time)
- Yield: Approximately 25 falafel balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This air fryer falafel recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried falafel, featuring a tender interior and a crispy outer shell. Made with soaked dried chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these falafel are vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein. Perfect for a nutritious meal or snack, they can be served on their own or wrapped in pita with your favorite accompaniments.
Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: The day before preparing the falafel, place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water, ensuring at least 3 inches (7 cm) above chickpeas. Soak for 18-24 hours. Drain completely and pat dry lightly with a paper towel if too wet.
- Prepare Falafel Mixture: Transfer chickpeas and all other ingredients into a large food processor. If needed, process in batches. Pulse for about 20 seconds, scrape down sides, and repeat until mixture is finely combined but not mushy.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the processed falafel mixture in the food processor bowl for 45-60 minutes or longer to let flavors meld and mixture firm up.
- Shape Falafel: Using an ice cream scooper, portion the mixture and shape into balls or patties with your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the falafel balls and the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 375 ºF (190 ºC).
- Cook Falafel: Air fry the falafel for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through after 10 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary. They should have a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender inside.
- Serve: Enjoy falafel hot on their own or assembled in pita bread with tahini, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers.
Notes
- This recipe provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried falafel by using the air fryer, resulting in crispy falafel with less oil.
- Using dried chickpeas soaked overnight ensures better texture than canned chickpeas.
- The optional baking powder can help make falafel lighter and fluffier.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for multiple dietary preferences.
- For a spicy kick, adjust red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Falafel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 falafel ball
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
