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I gotta share how I completely turned my falafel world upside down! I kept avoiding making these tasty treats at home because deep frying made such a mess. Then I tried the air fryer way—and man, what a game changer! These chickpea bites turn out crunchy outside but stay soft and moist inside. No more oil splatters all over my kitchen, and now I whip these up every week instead of waiting to eat out!
What Makes These Extra Special
These are incredibly simple to make! When I first cooked them, my husband couldn't tell they weren't from our go-to Mediterranean spot. Even my picky teen who normally sticks to boring food now asks me to pack these in her lunch. They get just as crunchy as ones fried in oil but without all the grease, and I can prepare all the toppings while my air fryer does its thing.
Ingredients You'll Want
- For The Falafel: Overnight-soaked dried chickpeas, bunches of parsley and cilantro, some garlic, one good onion, coriander and cumin, a bit of baking soda to make them fluffy, and a little olive oil spray.
- For The Tahini Sauce: Quality tahini paste, fresh squeezed lemon, extra garlic (because it's awesome), salt, and a bit of pepper to taste.
Creating Your Falafel Journey
- Prep Work That Matters
- Don't forget to soak those chickpeas overnight—this step can't be skipped! Get your air fryer warming up while you collect everything else. My food processor makes this whole process super fast and easy!
- Mixing Up Perfection
- Blend the soaked chickpeas with your spices and herbs until everything looks like rough sand. The mix should stick together when you squeeze it—that's your sign it's ready. The wonderful smell of herbs and garlic fills my kitchen and always brings my kids running to see what's cooking!
- Forming Your Falafels
- Here's my best trick—shape them into flat discs instead of round balls! They cook more evenly and get crispy all around this way. I grab a small cookie scoop and just press them down slightly—works perfectly every time.
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Tricks For Perfect Results
After making these tons of times, I've got some handy tips! Don't stuff too many in your air fryer—they need space to crisp up. A quick spray of oil helps them brown nicely, but don't go crazy with it. For that tahini sauce, drizzle hot water in slowly while stirring—it turns amazingly smooth. And always cook extra because they vanish quickly!
Ways To Enjoy
We love to stuff these into warm pitas with all the good stuff—juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, plenty of lettuce, and lots of that creamy tahini sauce on top. Sometimes I break them up over a big salad for lunch. My kid came up with this cool lunch combo of falafel, hummus, olives and pita chips—her school friends always want to swap lunches with her!
Storing For Later Meals
They stay good in the fridge for nearly a week! To warm them up, just toss them back in the air fryer for a couple minutes—they get crispy again right away. I often make twice as much and freeze half—just form them and freeze before cooking. Then you can cook them frozen when you need something quick—such a lifesaver on crazy weeknights!
Try New Variations
Go ahead and try different things! Sometimes I throw in some cayenne for a kick or try different beans instead. You can play with the sauce too—mixing in Greek yogurt makes it super creamy. Once I added roasted red peppers to the mix and it changed everything! That's what makes cooking fun—you can always make recipes your own way.
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Make It Uniquely Yours
This is just where the fun starts! Try adding some quick pickled onions or sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese. Maybe put some hot sauce in your tahini dressing. When friends come over, set up a build-your-own falafel station and let everyone create their dream pita. It's so cool how such a simple food can bring everyone together at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make falafel without an air fryer?
Of course! You can either deep-fry them at 350°F for a few minutes until golden or pan-fry with a little oil for 3-4 minutes each side.
- → How long does leftover falafel last?
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for about 5 or 6 days. For longer storage, freeze them! Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for best results.
- → How should I serve falafel?
Stuff them into pita bread with some creamy tahini yogurt drizzle. Add crisp veggies like lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion for extra zest.
- → Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones?
Totally! Just soak dried chickpeas overnight and then cook them until soft. It might make the texture a little different, but it works perfectly.
- → Are these falafels healthier?
Yes! Air frying means way less oil compared to deep-frying. Plus, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and veggies.
Conclusion
Skip the deep fryer for your falafel fix. These air-fried patties are crunchy, light, and packed with flavor. Less oil, same amazing bite!