If you usually fry falafel in a deep fryer or skillet, you can easily make them in the air fryer too!
This easy, fully vegan falafel recipe uses simple ingredients—chickpeas, herbs and spices—and works great for lunch or dinner. The air-fried version uses less oil than traditional frying while still delivering great flavor and a pleasant bite. Ready to make air fryer falafel? Let’s get cooking in the bistro kitchen.
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Great Plant-Based Falafel Recipe
I previously shared a pan-fried falafel recipe that gives a deep golden crust. Air-fried falafel won’t brown exactly the same way, but it requires far less oil and still tastes delicious. The texture is satisfying with a pleasant bite and it’s a filling plant-based option that doesn’t leave you missing meat.
Falafel is versatile: serve it on its own, with a salad, tucked into pita, or rolled in a tortilla. Add a fresh salsa or tahini sauce and you have a complete, satisfying meal. This recipe is fully vegan and works with either canned chickpeas or dried chickpeas soaked overnight.
How To Use Dried Chickpeas For Falafel?
To use dried chickpeas, measure 1 cup (about 250 g) and place them in a bowl with plenty of cold water. Soak overnight; they will expand and soften as they absorb water. After soaking, drain and rinse.
Falafel often benefits from removing the translucent skins from chickpeas to improve texture and flavor. Whether you use canned or soaked chickpeas, peeling the skins can give a smoother, lighter result.
What You Need For This Recipe
Gather these ingredients before you start. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below:
- Chickpeas (canned or 250 g dried)
- Small chili pepper
- Red shallot
- Onion (½)
- Garlic (2 cloves)
- Parsley (fresh or dried)
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Fresh chives
- Salt
- Vegetable oil (for brushing or spraying)
How To Make Air Fryer Falafel
Follow these steps for successful air fryer falafel:
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them in plenty of water overnight. Canned chickpeas can be used as a shortcut.
- Drain and remove skins from the chickpeas, then add them to a food processor.
- Roughly chop the onion, shallot and chili pepper and add them along with garlic, herbs and spices.
- You can include the whole chili (seeds included) if you want some heat; the large volume of chickpeas keeps the spice balanced.
- Pulse until the mix reaches a coarse, sand-like texture—avoid over-blending or you’ll end up with hummus.
- Form the mixture into 9 balls and flatten each slightly into a small patty.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for about 3 minutes. If you have a grill pan accessory, it works well here.
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the patties with oil, place them in the air fryer basket or on the grill pan, and cook 7 minutes. Flip and cook another 7 minutes until golden.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Serve Falafel With
Air-fried falafel is delicious on its own but pairs especially well with:
- Fresh salad or mixed greens
- Pita or flatbread
- Toppings like tahini sauce, yogurt-style vegan sauce, or a tomato-based salsa
- Soft rolls, garlic bread, or buns for a sandwich-style meal
Can You Make Air Fryer Falafel Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Falafel stores well and is convenient for making in advance since it contains no meat or dairy. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating or freezing.
How To Store Falafel
After cooling, store falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw before reheating for best texture.
How To Reheat Falafel?
Reheating options:
- Air fryer: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, then warm falafel 4–6 minutes until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C) and heat on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Skillet: Warm in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for several minutes per side.
- Quick fry: Heat oil and briefly fry to revive crispness (about 1 minute).
Why Is My Falafel Falling Apart?
Common causes and fixes:
- Canned chickpeas can be softer and wetter than soaked dried chickpeas; soaked dried chickpeas generally hold together better.
- Remove the translucent skins from chickpeas to improve binding and texture.
- Texture matters: aim for a wet sand consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a little water. The formed balls should hold their shape before cooking.
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Air Fryer Falafel
9
10 minutes
14 minutes
24 minutes
Yes, you can turn chickpeas into falafel using an air fryer. This simple recipe produces tasty, plant-based falafel suitable as a snack or a full meal with pita and salad.
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas or 250 grams of dried chickpeas
- 1 small chili pepper (whole including the seeds)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 red shallot
- ½ onion
- 1 tablespoon parsley powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- ¾ tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Drain and remove the skins from the chickpeas, then add them to a food processor. Roughly chop the onion, shallot and chili pepper and add to the processor with garlic, herbs and spices.
- You may include the whole chili, seeds and all, if you prefer extra heat.
- Pulse until the mixture reaches a coarse, sand-like texture—do not over-process into a paste.
- Optionally add fresh parsley or cilantro for brighter flavor, or use dried herbs if preferred.
- Season with salt and blend briefly to combine. The mixture should hold together when formed.
- Form into 9 balls and flatten slightly into patties.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for 3 minutes. Use a grill pan accessory if available.
- Brush or spray both sides of each patty with oil and place them in the air fryer.
- Cook 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you use dried chickpeas, soak them in plenty of water overnight so they soften and double in size.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 87
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Nutrition information is approximate and provided for guidance only.