Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel is a delightful Mediterranean treat that simply sings with flavor! These crispy, golden-brown balls are not only packed with protein but are also incredibly easy to make at home, especially when using an air fryer. I still remember the first time I tried falafel at a local food festival; the burst of flavors was nothing short of magical! It’s a wonderful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend lunches, or even meal prep for busy weeks. The best part? It’s vegan and can be whipped up in around 30 minutes! If you’ve enjoyed other protein-packed favorites like chickpea curry or vegan burgers from our blog, this recipe will fit right into your culinary repertoire. I guarantee, after you try these crispy falafels, you’ll be eager to serve them at your next gathering!

What is Vegan Air Fryer Falafel?

Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, shaped into balls or patties and then fried. Who wouldn’t want to learn how to make these crispy bites of goodness? "Falafel" itself comes from Arabic, and despite its rich history, I like to think of it as "nature’s way of making veggies cool." After all, they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So why not wow your loved ones with some homemade falafel? If you’ve ever craved something that’s both flavorful and guilt-free, then it’s high time you dived into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

First off, the main highlight of this dish is its delightful crunch paired with the soft, flavorful interior. Each bite is a joyous explosion of taste! Next, making it at home means you can save a pretty penny compared to fancy restaurants and food trucks—hello, budget-friendly meals! Lastly, the toppings are endless; whether you’re adding fresh salads, tahini sauce, or a zesty yogurt dip (vegan or otherwise), these falafels can be tailored to your taste buds. If you enjoy trying related dishes, don’t miss our homemade veggie burgers! Now, are you ready to make this delicious falafel recipe?

How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

Quick Overview

This vegan air fryer falafel recipe is quick, easy, and utterly delicious! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy, golden bites that everyone will love. Plus, with the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, you won’t have to mess with hot oil or deep frying.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

To whip up your own falafel, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (garbanzo bean flour or all-purpose flour)
• Olive oil spray for air frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas. This helps remove excess sodium and preserves their flavor.

2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky—this gives the falafel texture!

3. Form the Balls: Once the mixture is ready, form small balls (about the size of a golf ball) using your hands.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

5. Air Fry the Falafel: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the formed falafel balls in a single layer. Lightly spray tops with oil. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your choice of dips and toppings!

What to Serve Vegan Air Fryer Falafel With

These crispy falafel bites pair fantastically with a variety of dishes. Serve them in pita pockets with fresh veggies and tahini for a classic wrap, or add them to a salad for a protein boost. You might also enjoy them alongside homemade hummus or a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, a glass of homemade lemonade or a chilled mint tea would complement the flavors beautifully!

Top Tips for Perfecting Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

1. Customize the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to swap it for fresh mint or even basil for a different spin!

2. Avoid Over-Blending: For the best texture, ensure you don’t over-process the mixture; it should be coarse.

3. Rest the Mixture: Allow the falafel mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes before forming for better binding.

4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to explore and add more spices such as paprika or cayenne for a kick!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep their crispiness. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked falafel by placing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. Just remember to cook them straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Embarking on this culinary adventure to create Vegan Air Fryer Falafel is undoubtedly a rewarding experience. With its simple preparation, delightful flavor, and healthy ingredients, this recipe makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Vegan Air Fryer Falafel

Delightfully crispy and golden-brown falafel made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices, perfect for healthy meals and versatile toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Vegan

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour (garbanzo bean flour or all-purpose flour)
• as needed olive oil spray for air frying

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas to remove excess sodium.
2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Form small balls (about the size of a golf ball) using your hands.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Cooking

1. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the formed falafel balls in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
2. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving

1. Serve warm with your choice of dips and toppings!

Notes

Customize the herbs as desired and avoid over-blending for better texture. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes for better binding. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.