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Air Fryer Falafel Balls

Air Fryer Falafel Balls
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These Air Fryer Falafel Balls are crispy on the outside and tender inside, combining traditional Middle Eastern flavors with healthy, quick air fryer cooking. They make a perfect snack or meal addition that’s flavorful, fresh, and guilt-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray, for cooking

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne or chili powder (for spicy kick)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch)
  • Mint leaves instead of parsley (herb variation)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or grated halloumi (cheese infusion)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Chickpeas: Begin by soaking dried chickpeas in cold water overnight or for at least 12 hours. This softens them and prepares the perfect base for falafel, ensuring a tender interior.
  2. Prepare the Mixture: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pulse them in a food processor with fresh parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture — not a paste. Add baking powder and flour to bind the mixture.
  3. Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls about the size of a walnut. If the mixture is too loose, add a little more flour for better binding.
  4. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and encourage crispiness.
  5. Cook the Falafel Balls: Place the falafel balls in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through until golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Use dried chickpeas rather than canned for best texture.
  • Do not overprocess chickpeas; keep some texture to avoid mushy falafel.
  • Shape falafel balls evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Spray both the air fryer basket and falafel balls with olive oil for maximum crispiness.
  • Cook in batches without overcrowding for even browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, air fryer falafel, crispy falafel, healthy falafel, Middle Eastern snack, gluten free falafel, chickpea balls

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/air-fryer-falafel-balls/