Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites

$To make crispy falafel bites, you need the right base. Start with 1 cup of dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight in water. This step helps them soften and swell. You will also need 1 small onion, chopped roughly, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. These add a burst of flavor. You will also need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help bind the mixture. Fresh herbs make your falafel special. Use 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Their bright flavors lift the dish. For spices, you need 1 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander. They give the falafel its warm, earthy taste. You can add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like heat. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Brushing your falafel with oil makes them crispy. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for this step. Lightly coat each falafel ball before cooking. This oil helps them brown nicely in the air fryer. It adds rich flavor too. Start by draining and rinsing your soaked chickpeas. This helps remove any excess salt. Next, put the chickpeas in a food processor. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse the mixture until it looks coarse and crumbly. Be careful not to over-blend; you want some texture. After that, transfer the mix to a bowl. Stir in the flour until it’s well mixed. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour. Now, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. This step helps it firm up. Once it’s ready, take it out of the fridge. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Aim for the size of a golf ball. This size helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush each falafel lightly with olive oil. Make sure to coat them on all sides. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; it’s best to cook in batches. Air fry the falafel for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get that nice golden color. Once they’re crispy and golden outside, remove them and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade crispy falafel bites! To make your falafel crispy, use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight for the best result. Pulse the falafel mix until it’s crumbly, not smooth. This keeps air in the mixture and gives it a great texture. Brush the falafel lightly with oil before cooking, as this helps them crisp up nicely. One mistake is over-blending the ingredients. This can make the falafel too wet. If your mix feels too sticky, add more flour. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Giving each falafel space allows hot air to circulate, leading to even cooking. Flip them halfway through cooking for an even crispy finish. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before adding the falafel. This helps achieve that golden color quickly. Shape the falafel into small patties or balls, about the size of a golf ball. Cook in batches if needed. Monitor closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning. {{image_2}} If you're looking for gluten-free options, you can swap all-purpose flour for chickpea flour. It works well and keeps the falafel tasty. You can also use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just rinse them well and skip the soaking step. For a lighter version, try using less oil or a cooking spray instead of brushing with olive oil. You can spice up your falafel with different flavors. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you like it hotter, increase the cayenne pepper or add some red pepper flakes. You can also mix in other herbs, like mint or basil, for a unique twist. Experiment with spices like turmeric or garam masala for a fun change. Serve your crispy falafel bites in various ways. A classic choice is to place them in pita bread with fresh veggies and sauce. Try tahini sauce or tzatziki for dipping. You can also enjoy falafel on a salad, topped with tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of lemon juice. For a fun appetizer, serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a variety of dips. After you enjoy your falafel bites, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other to keep them from getting soggy. To reheat falafel, use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture. You can also use an oven. Just warm them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you want to save falafel for later, freezing is a great option. After they cool, place the falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just reheat them straight from the freezer in the air fryer. You can tell falafel is done when it turns golden brown. The outside should feel crispy. You can also check the inside; it should be warm and soft. If you want them extra crisp, cook a few minutes more. Trust your instincts and enjoy the smell while they cook! Yes, you can bake falafel bites. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the falafel on the sheet and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy but will still taste great. Tahini sauce is a classic choice. It is creamy and rich, pairing well with the falafel's flavor. You can also try tzatziki, which adds a refreshing touch. Both sauces add moisture and taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips! This article covered making tasty falafel using dried chickpeas, herbs, spices, and oil. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for crispiness, and common mistakes to avoid. Variations let you customize flavors, while storage info showed you how to keep leftovers. Falafel can be fun and easy. With practice, you’ll create perfect bites every time. Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family!$

Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites! Made from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these bites are easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Just a quick chill in the fridge, then air-fry until golden and crispy for a healthy treat. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your friends and family!

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a food processor along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture; avoid over-blending.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour.

Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Shape the chilled falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.

Brush each falafel lightly with olive oil on all sides.

Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches.

Air fry the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.

Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel bites on a platter with a side of tahini sauce or tzatziki and garnish with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and additional herbs for a colorful presentation.