Healthier Falafel in an Air Fryer (Air Fryer Falafel)

Craving crispy, golden falafel but prefer a healthy alternative to frying? Air fryer falafel is your ticket! The Middle Eastern favorite is revamped through use of an air fryer, eliminating oil without sacrificing that outside crunchiness and inner fluffiness that we love.

Traditional deep-fried falafel is undeniably delicious, but it can be greasy and calorie-dense. With this air fryer falafel recipe, you get the same rich flavor, crispy texture, and protein-packed goodness—without the excess oil.

In this blog, you’ll learn:
✅ How to make falafel in an air fryer step by step
✅ The key ingredients for the perfect texture
✅ A comparison between air-fried and deep-fried falafel
✅ Serving suggestions and pro tips for the best results

Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Air Fried Falafel Over Deep Frying?

Healthier with Less Oil

Traditional falafel is deep-fried in oil, absorbing a lot of unnecessary fat. Air frying achieves the same crispy texture with 80% less oil, making it lower in calories and healthier for your heart.

Less Mess & Easy Cleanup

No dealing with hot oil splattering or the hassle of disposing of used oil. Air frying makes the cooking process clean and effortless.

Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation, creating a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Faster Cooking Time

No need to preheat large quantities of oil—the air fryer works in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients for the Perfect Air Fried Falafel

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (for fluffiness)
• 1 tablespoon chickpea flour (or regular flour, to bind)

Pro Tip: Never use canned chickpeas for falafel—they make the mixture too wet, resulting in dense, crumbly falafel. Always use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Falafel

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1️⃣ Soak the dried chickpeas overnight (at least 12 hours) until they double in size.
2️⃣ Drain and pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.

Why Dried Chickpeas? They give falafel its classic crispy texture. Using canned chickpeas will make them too soft and mushy.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1️⃣ In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
2️⃣ Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, grainy texture—do not over-blend into a paste.
3️⃣ Add baking powder and chickpea flour, then pulse again until it holds together when pressed.

Texture Tip: The mixture should be slightly sticky but still grainy. If too wet, add more chickpea flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.

Step 3: Shape the Falafel

1️⃣ Scoop small portions and roll them into balls (or slightly flatten for patties).
2️⃣ Lightly brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
3️⃣ Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

Tip: You can also refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping—it helps the falafel hold together better.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

1️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Air fry the falafel at 370°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3️⃣ They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

✅ For Extra Crispy Falafel: Increase the temperature to 390°F for the last 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

Classic Falafel Wrap – Serve falafel in a warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.
Falafel Salad – Add crispy falafel to a Mediterranean salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives.
Falafel Rice Bowl – Serve over fluffy basmati rice with hummus and tzatziki.
Falafel Snack Platter – Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, and pita chips for a healthy appetizer.

Dipping Sauce Ideas: Tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, spicy harissa, or classic hummus!

Deep Fried vs. Air Fried Falafel: The Ultimate Comparison

Feature	Air Fried Falafel	Deep Fried Falafel
Crispiness	Crispy outside, tender inside	Extra crispy, slightly oily
Healthier?	Uses 80% less oil	High in fat due to deep frying
Texture	Light and fluffy	Slightly denser
Cooking Time	~15 minutes	~20-25 minutes
Mess & Cleanup	Easy, no oil splatter	Requires handling hot oil

Winner? If you want crispy, healthier falafel with minimal oil, the air fryer wins! But if you love traditional deep-fried flavor, you can still enjoy both.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Falafel

🔹 Don’t Use Canned Chickpeas – Always use soaked dried chickpeas for the best texture.
🔹 Avoid Over-Blending – Pulse the mixture until it’s grainy, not a paste.
🔹 Preheat the Air Fryer – This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
🔹 Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook in batches so falafel gets evenly crisp.
🔹 Brush or Spray with Oil – Helps create a golden-brown crust.

Recipe Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Falafel?

Yes! Freeze uncooked falafel balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. However, they won’t be as crispy as air-fried ones.

How Do I Store Leftover Falafel?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Why Air Fryer Falafel is a Must-Try

Making falafel in your air fryer is totally life-changing—healthier, crunchier, and much less messy than frying. Whether served up in a wrap, on top of a salad, or on its own, these bite-sized pieces of protein will be your new favorite air fryer recipe.

Looking for more air fryer inspiration? Try our Crispy Air Fried Tofu Recipe for another delicious, high-protein snack!