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To make crispy air fryer falafel, gather these key items: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) These ingredients form the base of your falafel. Chickpeas give it a hearty texture, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor. For an added crunch, consider using: - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Breadcrumbs enhance the texture, making your falafel even crispier. You can mix them in after combining the main ingredients. Seasonings elevate the falafel’s taste. Use: - Ground cumin - Ground coriander - Salt and pepper - Lemon juice Cumin and coriander bring warmth and depth. Lemon juice adds brightness, balancing the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking for that perfect bite. Start by draining and rinsing one can of chickpeas. Place the chickpeas in a food processor. Next, add a small, roughly chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves. Toss in one cup of fresh parsley leaves. Pulse the mixture until it’s coarsely ground. Be careful not to overprocess; you want some texture. Now, add one teaspoon of ground cumin and one teaspoon of ground coriander. Sprinkle in half a teaspoon of baking powder. Pour in one tablespoon of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle in two tablespoons of olive oil. Pulse again until everything is well mixed but still a bit chunky. If you like extra crunch, mix in half a cup of breadcrumbs now. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and firms up the mixture for shaping. After chilling, it’s time to shape your falafel. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture. Roll it into small balls or flatten them into patties. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Next, lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the falafel in the basket. Leave some space between each piece to allow air to flow. Lightly drizzle the tops of the falafel with more olive oil. This will help them get crispy. Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s ready, place the basket inside. Cook the falafel for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy when done. Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them in a wrap or pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. To get crispy falafel, use a few simple tricks. Start by refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the falafel. When ready to cook, lightly drizzle olive oil on top. This adds a golden color and crunch. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each falafel room to breathe. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before cooking. This ensures even cooking. Use a light cooking spray on the basket to prevent sticking. Flip the falafel halfway through for an even cook. It helps achieve that nice, crispy texture on both sides. One mistake is over-processing the falafel mixture. You want a coarse texture, not a paste. Another common issue is not using enough oil. A light drizzle is key to crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If they touch, they won’t crisp up well. Lastly, don’t skip refrigeration. It aids in flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap chickpeas for other beans, like black beans or lentils. If you don’t have parsley, try cilantro or spinach for a fresh twist. For the onion, use green onions or shallots if you like a milder taste. You can also ditch the olive oil and use avocado oil or coconut oil. If you want gluten-free falafel, replace breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour. To make your falafel pop, add more spices. Try smoked paprika for a warm flavor or cayenne for heat. You could mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique taste. Fresh mint or dill can add a refreshing touch to your falafel mix. Experiment with flavors until you find your favorite blend. Serve crispy falafel in a warm pita with crunchy veggies. Add tahini sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor. You can pair it with a zesty cucumber salad or a tangy tabbouleh. For a fun twist, serve falafel as a topping on a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of sumac for added flair. To store leftover falafel, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to space them out so they do not stick together. For a crispy texture when reheating, use your air fryer. Heat the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back the crunch. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Just add a little oil and cook until heated through. To freeze falafel, first shape the mixture into patties or balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can make falafel without a food processor. Use a fork or a masher. Just mash the chickpeas well. Chop the onion and parsley finely by hand. This method takes more time but still works great. You can use other beans like black beans or lentils. These options add different flavors. Each will change the taste slightly, but they are still delicious. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well. Falafel is done when it is golden brown and crispy. You want a nice crunch on the outside. The inside should feel warm and firm. Keep an eye on them while cooking to avoid burning. Yes, you can bake falafel. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You now know how to make tasty falafel in an air fryer. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and ways to keep your falafel crisp. Remember, you can vary your recipe with spices or different beans. Store and reheat leftovers for the best results. If you follow these tips, you'll avoid common mistakes and impress your friends with your falafel skills. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your delicious creations!

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel

Discover the joy of making crispy air fryer falafel with this easy recipe! Packed with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these delicious bites are perfect for a healthy meal or snack. Simply blend the ingredients, shape into patties, and let your air fryer work its magic for a golden, crispy finish. Serve them in a wrap or pita with your favorite toppings for a delightful treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal prep!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground, being careful not to overprocess.

    Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.

      If using, mix in the breadcrumbs for added texture.

        Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.

          Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

            Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the falafel mixture and form into small patties or balls.

              Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the falafel in the basket, making sure they are not touching.

                Lightly drizzle the tops of the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness.

                  Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                    Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.

                      Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4-6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel in a wrap or pita with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of sumac for added flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch!