If you’ve been searching for a healthy, satisfying meal that’s both fun to make and brimming with flavor, this recipe has you covered. Air-fried falafel offers a crisp exterior and tender interior without deep frying. Plus, a drizzle of creamy tahini brings all the bright, zesty Mediterranean flavors together.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
- Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket)
- ¼ cup tahini paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water (plus more as needed for desired drizzle consistency)
- Pinch of salt and pepper for tahini sauce
Instructions
To start, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and can be pressed together. You don’t want to blend it too much, just enough for it to hold its shape.
Sprinkle in the flour and pulse a few more times to incorporate. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This quick step helps the falafel hold together better when air-frying.
When you’re ready to form the falafel, use about two tablespoons of the mixture per falafel and gently shape into small patties or balls. Lightly coat your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and arrange the falafel in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Meanwhile, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, adding extra water if needed until you reach your preferred drizzle consistency.
These zesty air-fried falafel bites prove you can enjoy restaurant-style crunch without all the excess oil. They’re perfect for anyone looking to add a nutritious yet flavor-packed dish to their menu. Feel free to swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative, switch up fresh herbs, or adjust spices to match your preferences. Serve your falafel with warmed pita, crisp veggies, or even over a bed of greens, and don’t forget a generous drizzle of that creamy tahini sauce for a final flourish!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
