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To make crispy herb falafel in an air fryer, gather these key items: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Fresh herbs and spices make falafel burst with flavor. I like using parsley and cilantro for a bright taste. Cumin and coriander add warmth and depth. They bring out the best in chickpeas. Using fresh herbs gives the falafel a vibrant green color. This makes the dish not just tasty but also fun to look at! You can personalize your falafel with add-ins. Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat. A bit of tahini can enhance the creamy texture. You might also mix in grated carrots for extra crunch. These choices let you create a falafel that fits your taste. Try different combinations to discover what you love best! Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. Place the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse them until the mixture is coarse but well combined. This texture helps the falafel stay together. Next, add olive oil and lemon juice. Pulse again until well mixed. The oil adds flavor and moisture. If the mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs. This helps bind it and gives your falafel a nice crunch. Now, it’s time to shape your falafel. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for a size of 1 to 1.5 inches. You can also make patties if you prefer. Place the formed falafel on a plate. Make sure they are not touching each other. This will help them cook evenly in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for crispy falafel. Once heated, place the falafel in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown nicely on all sides. After cooking, check that they are golden brown and crispy. If you have more falafel, repeat the cooking process. Enjoy your crispy herb falafel warm, served with tahini sauce or tzatziki! To get that perfect crispy texture, follow these steps. First, make sure to drain and rinse your chickpeas well. This keeps your falafel from being too wet. Next, pulse the mixture until it is coarse. You want it to hold together, but not be a paste. Adding breadcrumbs helps, too. If your mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs, a little at a time. Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer. Give each falafel space to crisp up nicely. There are a few common mistakes to watch for. One mistake is not draining the chickpeas enough. This can make your falafel soggy. Another is skipping the breadcrumbs. They help the falafel stay together while cooking. Also, be careful not to skip the flipping step halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Lastly, avoid making falafel too big. Smaller patties cook better and get crispier. Serving falafel is fun and creative. You can place the warm falafel on a platter. Add a side of tahini sauce or tzatziki for dipping. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a pop of color. You can also serve them in pita bread with fresh veggies. This makes a great snack or light meal. Enjoy them with friends and family for a tasty treat! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your falafel. For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. If you prefer a Mediterranean vibe, add sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese. These twists can make your falafel unique and fun! Do you need to swap some ingredients? Use canned beans like black beans or white beans instead of chickpeas. Fresh herbs can also change the flavor. Try mint or dill if you don’t have parsley or cilantro. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use oats or crushed nuts for a different texture. You can cook falafel in ways other than an air fryer. Frying them in hot oil gives a crispy outside and soft inside. Baking them in the oven is another option, but they may not be as crispy. If you bake, set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. Each method gives a tasty result while keeping your falafel healthy. After making crispy herb falafel, you might have some leftovers. To store them, let the falafel cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat falafel, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in the basket. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. If you want to freeze falafel, shape them first but don’t cook them. Place the uncooked falafel on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Then, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to cook, just air fry from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Air-fried falafel is a healthier choice than deep-fried versions. It uses less oil, cutting down on fat and calories. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, which keep you full. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add vitamins and minerals. The spices used, including cumin and coriander, can help with digestion and provide antioxidants. Overall, air-fried falafel is a tasty and nutritious snack. Yes, you can make falafel without a food processor. You can mash the chickpeas by hand using a fork or potato masher. Finely chop the onions and herbs with a knife. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. It may take more time and effort, but you can still achieve a great texture. Just ensure the mixture is well combined and holds together. Falafel goes well with many sauces. Tahini sauce is a classic pairing. It is made from ground sesame seeds and has a creamy texture. Tzatziki, a yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic, is another great option. You can also try hot sauce for a spicy kick. Hummus adds extra flavor and creaminess too. Choose your favorite for dipping or drizzling. We explored the key ingredients for falafel, from herbs to optional add-ins. I shared step-by-step methods for forming falafel and air frying them to perfection. Remember the tips for a crispy texture and avoid common mistakes. You can try various flavors or substitute ingredients as you cook. Store any leftovers properly and reheat them for later enjoyment. Making air-fried falafel can be simple and fun. With these tips, you'll create a tasty dish your friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crispy Herb Falafel Air Fryer

Discover how to make crispy herb falafel in the air fryer, a delicious and healthy treat! This easy recipe combines chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices to create flavorful bites perfect for any meal. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade falafel that's golden and crispy. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your friends with this tasty dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but well combined.

    Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the mixture, then pulse a few more times to incorporate.

      Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together well. If it seems too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

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

          Form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

            Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.

              Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

                Repeat the cooking process for any remaining falafel.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel warm on a platter with a side of tahini sauce or tzatziki, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an eye-catching presentation.