Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
Crunchy outside, herby and green inside, with far less oil.
Before You Start
Real falafel starts with dried chickpeas soaked overnight, never canned, which are too wet and turn the mix to mush. The air fryer gives a crisp shell with just a spray of oil. Keep the mixture coarse and chill it so the patties hold together in the basket.
Instructions
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1
Drain the soaked chickpeas well (do not cook them). Blitz with the onion, garlic, herbs, cumin, coriander and salt to a coarse, sandy mixture, not a smooth paste.
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2
Pulse in the flour and baking powder. The mix should just hold together when squeezed. Chill it for 30 minutes so it firms up.
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3
Shape into small patties or balls, pressing firmly so they don't fall apart.
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4
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F. Spray the falafel all over with oil and lay them in a single layer.
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5
Air fry for 13 to 16 minutes, turning halfway, until deep golden and crisp outside.
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6
Serve in warm pitta with salad and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce.
Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
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♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 190°C / 375°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- You must use dried, soaked chickpeas. Canned ones hold too much water and the falafel will fall apart and steam.
- Keep the mixture coarse. Over-blending to a smooth hummus-like paste makes dense, gummy falafel.
🔀 Make it your own
- Add ¼ tsp chilli flakes or a spoon of harissa for heat.
- Roll the shaped falafel in sesame seeds before air frying for extra crunch.
📦 Storing & reheating
Keep cooked falafel airtight in the fridge for 3 days and re-crisp at 190°C for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncooked shaped falafel freeze well.
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?
No. Falafel needs dried chickpeas soaked overnight but not cooked. Canned chickpeas are too wet and the mixture will not hold together.
How long does falafel take in an air fryer?
13 to 16 minutes at 190°C / 375°F, turning halfway, with a spray of oil for a crisp shell.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
