Experience the breezy, sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air-fried falafels are a lighter take on a classic. Serve them with a tangy lemon-herb drizzle for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions
Begin by pulsing the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper in a food processor until a slightly coarse dough forms. You want the mix to hold together without becoming puréed. If it’s too crumbly, add small splashes of water.
Wet your hands and shape the mixture into roughly eight small patties or balls. Lightly brush them with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then arrange the falafels in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm.
While the falafel cooks, stir together the lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with a pinch of salt if desired. Drizzle this zesty sauce over your hot falafels or serve on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your falafel in warm pita bread or alongside a crisp salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
These air-fried falafels are an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping, since they reheat beautifully. They’re ideal for vegetarians, vegans (swap in chickpea flour), and anyone craving a healthier spin on a beloved Mediterranean staple. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like mint or cilantro, or swap out parsley entirely for spinach. However you enjoy them, these warm and aromatic falafels will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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.
