This spicy air fryer falafel is not Trader Joe’s, but it’s worth a try! Crispy air fryer falafel is a nutritious, and delicious meatless meal! Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making the best spicy falafel wrap at home.
This traditional Middle Eastern food is crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside, and full of great flavor from fresh herbs and spices.
The best way to serve this homemade falafel is with a delicious side dish. You can serve it with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, salad, or pita bread.
Spicy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (not Trader Joe’s)
Falafel is a vegan, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich dish. Deep frying it cancels out many of its health benefits. Air frying falafel is a great way to create this tasty dish without lots of added oil. It's amazing how you can prepare something that's both good for you and delicious.
This recipe is great for meal prep as you can mold ground falafel and refrigerate overnight, this will help retain the shape and texture. I have opted for the canned chickpeas as opposed to the dry one and it turned out amazing. It would be best if you gave it a try.
Ingredients
Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Garlic powder or fresh garlic
Red onion or spring onions
Fresh parsley
Coriander
Ground cumin
Red pepper flakes
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour
Baking powder
Lemon juice
Oil in a spray bottle
Salt and black pepper
Air fryer temperature varies depending on size, make, and model. My delicious cravings recipe time is subject to a preheated air fryer. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, deduct 2 minutes from the cooking time and increase it if needed to allow the food to cook evenly.
How to Make Spicy Falafel in an Air Fryer
Drain the chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Pour them into the bowl of a food processor and pulse for 15-20 seconds or till coarse in texture. Ensure it is not pureed.
Add all the ingredients and pulse until the texture is coarse and a little sandy. Try not to overmix it.
Form the falafel mixture into balls or patties using a spoon or ice cream scoop. You should get about nine (9) balls or patties.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil, arrange the falafel balls in a single layer, and give a light oil spray. Air fry falafel for 12-15 minutes at 360F/180C. Flip halfway and continue to cook until the falafel is done or golden brown.
Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve delicious falafel with yogurt and garlic sauce, hummus, and tahini sauce.
If Using Dry Chickpeas
Start by soaking the chickpeas in a large bowl covered with water for 12-24 hours.
Add all the ingredients into a food processor, and blend until the texture is firm. Try not to overmix it. Pulse for 15-20 seconds.
Form the falafel mixture into balls about the size of golf balls using a spoon or ice cream scoop.
Place in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes
Then air fry (follow the cooking method above).
Falafel Serving Suggestions
Falafel is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions.
Salad - falafel bowl, or with a quinoa salad, Mediterranean pearl couscous salad, or as a snack with dipping sauce.
Wraps - Falafel pita sandwich or falafel wrap with lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, onion, and tahini sauce or hummus.
Falafel as a taco filling or with other mezze, like hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouli, fattoush, etc.
Serve falafel with a variety of dipping sauces. Hummus, tahini sauce, and tzatziki are all popular choices.
How to store falafel – cooked or uncooked
Uncooked falafel balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Put leftover falafel in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Falafel in an Air Fryer
To reheat leftover falafel, use the reheat function or air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350F/177C or until hot through.
For frozen falafel patties, preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 200C/400F. Cook for 8-10 minutes or longer depending on the thickness.
Tips
- Feel free to spray as much oil as you want on the falafel.
- You can flatten the balls into patties if you want with a spatula before air frying.
- Customize the ingredients as you like. Make sure they are not overpowering each other.
- For extra crispiness, evenly coat the falafel with breadcrumbs or panko.
- If using dry chickpeas avoid over-processing the dough and do not skip the chilling step to get a good texture and shape.
FAQs
Can I make falafel in advance?
Yes, falafel can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store, let the falafel cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
What can I do with leftover falafel?
Leftover falafel can be eaten cold or reheated in the oven or air fryer. Here are a few ideas for what to do with leftover falafel:
Serve falafel on a pita with hummus, tahini, and your favorite toppings.
Add falafel to a salad or wrap.
Make a falafel burger or sandwich.
Mash falafel with chickpeas and spices to make a falafel spread.
Serve falafel as a side dish with roasted vegetables or rice.
Can I freeze homemade falafel?
Yes, you can freeze homemade falafel. To freeze, mold the raw falafel into balls or patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the falafel for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once the falafel is frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen falafel will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen falafel, bake or fry it from frozen. For baking, preheat the oven to 350F and bake the falafel for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the falafel for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Recipe
Spicy Air Fryer Falafel (not Trader Joe’s)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 14 ounce 400g Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 smaill red onion
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup fresh coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Oil in a spray bottle
Instructions
- Drain the chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Pour them into the bowl of a food processor and pulse for 15-20 seconds or till coarse in texture. Ensure it is not pureed.Add all the ingredients and pulse until the texture is coarse and a little sandy. Try not to overmix it.
- Form the falafel mixture into balls or patties using a spoon or ice cream scoop. You should get about nine (9) balls or patties.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil, arrange the falafel balls in a single layer, and give a light oil spray. Air fry falafel for 12-15 minutes at 360F/180C. Flip halfway and continue cook until the falafel is done or golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve delicious falafel with yogurt and garlic sauce, hummus, and tahini sauce.
To assemble the falafel wrap
- Spread the yogurt-tahini sauce on a tortilla wrap.Add your favorite salad greens and air-fried falafel.Drizzle with more sauce if desired.Carefully roll up the wrap and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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