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Air Fryer Falafel Balls

Air Fryer Falafel Balls
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These Air Fryer Falafel Balls are a healthy, flavorful, and crispy snack or meal addition inspired by traditional Middle Eastern flavors. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, they deliver the perfect crunchy exterior with a tender, airy inside without the need for deep frying. Quick to prepare and versatile to serve, they are ideal for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) or 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons ground chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil for spraying

Optional Variations

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped (for spicy kick)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped (as additional herb)
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese (for non-vegan version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Start with dried chickpeas soaked overnight and thoroughly drained for best texture, or use canned chickpeas that have been well rinsed and drained to remove excess moisture.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, fresh parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and chickpea flour. Pulse until you achieve a coarse, sandy texture that holds together but is not pureed into a paste, ensuring a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Optionally mix in any desired variations like cayenne pepper or sesame seeds.
  3. Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls about the size of a walnut. Make sure they are compact yet not tightly packed to maintain their fluffiness when cooked.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure immediate crisping once falafel balls are added.
  5. Air Fry the Falafel Balls: Place falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray with oil for extra crunch. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Notes

  • Do not overprocess chickpeas; keep some texture for crispness.
  • Chill the falafel mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before shaping to help it firm up.
  • A light spray of oil enhances the golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying.
  • Air fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • Cook a test falafel ball first to adjust seasoning or texture if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, air fryer, vegan snack, gluten free falafel, Middle Eastern appetizer, healthy falafel, chickpea balls, crispy falafel, plant-based snack

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/air-fryer-falafel-balls/