Are you a fan of falafel but tired of looking for a healthier choice that’s not deep-fried? Look no further than this vegan air fryer falafel recipe! Not only is it healthier, but it’s also easy to make and incredibly delicious. This recipe also pairs perfectly with my Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Let’s get started!
The Rise of Falafel as a Global Cuisine
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years. Traditionally made with ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is often deep-fried and served in a pita sandwich or on a platter with hummus, tahini sauce, and vegetables.
Traditional Falafel: Delicious but High in Fat and Calories
While delicious, traditional falafel can be high in fat and calories due to the deep-frying process. That’s where the air fryer comes in.
The Health Benefits of Vegan Air Fryer Falafel
By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can create a healthier version of vegan falafel that is just as crispy and flavorful.
Making Air Fryer Falafel: Easy and Convenient
In addition to being healthier, vegan air fryer falafel recipe is also incredibly easy to make. Simply pulse the ingredients in a food processor, form the mixture into balls, and air fry until golden brown and crispy.
Experimenting with Flavors: The Endless Possibilities of Vegan Air Fryer Falafel
If you’re looking to switch up your falafel game, try experimenting with different spices and flavors. Add some harissa for a spicy kick, or swap out the parsley and cilantro for fresh mint and dill. The possibilities are endless!
Overall, vegan air fryer falafel is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional falafel. Give it a try and enjoy a tasty and guilt-free meal.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the falafel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Pan Frying
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the falafel balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches.
- Fry the falafel balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Deep Frying
- Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to cover the falafel balls. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the falafel balls into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the falafel balls for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Instructions On How To Make Air Fryer Vegan Falafel Recipe
- 1. Start by adding all ingredients, except for the chickpea flour, into a high-powered blender or food processor.
- 2. Pulse the food processor repeatedly until the mixture has a coarse sand-like texture, making sure not to over-puree.
- 3. Transfer the falafel mixture to a mixing bowl and add in the chickpea flour. Mix thoroughly, cover, and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 45 minutes.
- 4. Form the falafel mixture into about 15 balls. If the dough seems too wet, add 1 tsp of flour to your hands or to the mixture.
- 5. Lightly grease the air fryer tray with olive oil spray. Optional: lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil.
- 6. Make sure there is space between each falafel ball, and cook them in 2 separate batches if necessary. Air fry at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned but not burnt.
- 7. Serve the falafel balls immediately while still warm and crispy on the outside. Pair with a delicious tahini sauce, or serve in a pita with veggies and tzatziki for a tasty Middle Eastern dish!
Tips For Vegan Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the chickpeas thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
- Don’t over-process the mixture, as it can become too smooth and affect the texture of the falafel.
- Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
- Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs For This Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Yes, you can. Soak the chickpeas overnight, then rinse and drain them before using in the recipe.
Yes, you can. Once the falafel is cooked, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
No. For best results use chickpeas.
Easy Air Fryer Falafel Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup roughly chopped parsley
- 1 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh dill (sub 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ cup chickpea flour (sub all-purpose flour)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, excluding the chickpea flour to a high powered blender or food processor.
- Pulse the food processor repeatedly until the texture resembles coarse sand. It should not be pureed.
- Add the falafel mixture to a mixing bowl then add in the chickpea flour. Mix well to combine, cover, and place in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.
- Form the falafel mixture into about 15 falafel balls. If the dough seems too wet, add a little flour to your hands or to the mixture 1 tsp at a time.
- Grease the air fryer tray with an olive oil spray. (Optional: lightly spray the falafel balls with olive oil.)
- Make sure there is space between each falafel ball. You may have to cook the falafel balls in 2 separate batches. Air fry at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Check on them to make sure they a browned all around, but not burnt.
- Serve falafel balls immediately while they are warm and crispy on the outside. They pair perfectly with a tahini sauce, or on a pita with veggies and tzatziki!
Video
Notes
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- Make sure to drain and pat dry the chickpeas thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
-
- Don’t over-process the mixture, as it can become too smooth and affect the texture of the falafel.
-
- Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
-
- Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the falafel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Pan Frying
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the falafel balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches.
- Fry the falafel balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Deep Frying
- Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to cover the falafel balls. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the falafel balls into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the falafel balls for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
- Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Air Fryer Vegan Falafel Recipe
This vegan air fryer falafel recipe is not only healthier than traditional versions, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and delicious. By following the instructions and tips outlined above, you can create a crispy, flavorful falafel that is sure to impress. Don’t settle for greasy restaurant versions – make your own at home and enjoy a healthier, tastier falafel experience.
These falafel balls we AMAZING! I used a store bought tzatziki sauce with them and also made a salad with them which was very tasty 😋
Hi Katie, thank you so much for the review I also love using the falafels in a salad, my husband loves them in wraps.
So good! Great recipe. I’m going to try out a few more of your Recipes next week.
Thanks so much Emery, I hope you enjoy my other recipes just as much!
What a great vegan falafel recipe, and the air fryer made this cook nice and quickly. I’m going to be coming back to this recipe again
Thanks so much Erin, so happy you enjoyed it!
This was delicious 😋
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it.
Delicious falafel balls!
thank you! so glad you loved the air fryer falafel 🙂