Name: Air Fryer Falafel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Other
Ingredients: 1 lb dried chickpeas; 1 cup fresh parsley; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1 onion; 8 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 tbsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Avocado oil spray

This easy air fryer falafel recipe gives you the crispy texture of deep-fried versions with much less oil. Whether you're new to air fryer recipes or just looking for a healthier way to enjoy this popular Middle Eastern dish, you're in the right place!

Dinner

40 m

Other

Balancing Bowls

January 27, 2026

Balancingbowls.com

From the Cook

1/7

Air Fryer Falafel

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Air Fryer Falafel

1 lb dried chickpeassoaked overnight and drained

1 cup fresh parsleypacked

1 cup fresh cilantropacked

1 onionroughly chopped

8 cloves garlicpeeled

2 teaspoons salt

1 tbsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp baking powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

Avocado oil spray

Instructions

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Instructions

Place 1 lb (450 g) dried chickpeas in a large bowl. Cover with water by at least 2 inches and soak overnight. Drain thoroughly before using.

In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, 1 cup (60 g) fresh parsley, 1 cup (60 g) fresh cilantro, 1 medium onion (150 g), 8 peeled garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons salt (10 g), 1 tablespoon ground black pepper (8 g), 1 tablespoon ground cumin (6 g), 1 tablespoon ground coriander (6 g), 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (2 g), 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (2 g), and 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml). Pulse until a coarse, sticky dough forms.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder over the mixture. Transfer to a large bowl, gently mix, and remove any large chunks of chickpeas. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Shape the mixture into balls or patties using a cookie scoop or your hands.

Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with avocado oil spray. Air fry for 20-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm with pita bread, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
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Tips & Tricks (5)

Use Dried Chickpeas, Not Canned 🫘
Soak dried chickpeas overnight but don't cook them—canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will cause your falafel to fall apart in the air fryer. The starchy coating on dried chickpeas is essential for binding.
Chill Your Mixture Before Air Frying ❄️
Refrigerate your falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping and cooking to help the patties hold together better and achieve a crispier exterior in the air fryer.
Toast Your Spices for Maximum Flavor 🌶️
Lightly dry-toast the cumin, coriander, and cardamom in a pan for 1-2 minutes before grinding to unlock their essential oils and deepen the aromatic complexity of your falafel.
Double-Spray Technique for Ultimate Crispiness 🎯
Spray the falafel lightly with avocado oil before cooking, then spray again halfway through the 15-minute cook time at 380°F to achieve restaurant-quality crispiness without deep frying.
Pulse Fresh Herbs Last for Texture 🌿
Add chopped cilantro and parsley in the final pulse of your food processor to preserve small herb flecks throughout the mixture, preventing them from turning into a bitter paste.