5 from 24 votes
Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
This Easy Air Fryer Falafel recipe uses soaked dried chickpeas blended with garlic, onion, cilantro, and spices to create small, textured balls that become crisp and golden in the air fryer. Almond flour and baking powder help bind and lighten the mixture. Served with a tahini yogurt sauce made from yogurt, lemon, olive oil, and tahini, this falafel offers a healthier take on a classic snack with minimal oil and a satisfying texture.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
373 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
American, Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Air Fryer Falafels Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpeas soaked over night, dried, 250g
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 red onion roughly chopped, medium
- 1 handful cilantro coriander, fresh leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons almond flour ground almonds
Tahini Yoghurt Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt 250g
- lemon juice of 1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon tahini paste
Instructions
Air Fryer Falafel Instructions:
- Add the chickpeas, garlic, onion and cilantro leaves to a food processor and whiz until the mixture is coarsely ground.
- Then stream in the olive oil and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not mushy.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add in all the spices, salt, baking powder and ground almonds and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning before refrigerating for 1 hour.
- Wet your hands and roll about 2 tablespoons of the falafel into a small ball and transfer to a plate or baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the mixture until all falafel balls are formed.
- Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Cook at 370 degrees F / 188 degrees C for 10 - 15 mins, shaking air fryer basket halfway through the cook time. The falafel is done when crisp and golden brown.
Cup of Yum
Baked Falafel Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 above.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 170 degrees C / Gas 5 and line a baking tray.
- Spray the falafels with some olive oil and then bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Tahini Yoghurt Sauce Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients for the tahini yoghurt sauce in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Serve your Air Fryer Falafel recipe with the tahini yoghurt sauce, flatbreads, pickled onions and salad.
Notes
- Chilling the falafel mixture in the refrigerator before shaping helps with texture and easier handling.
- If excess liquid is present, squeeze it out to improve consistency.
- Pulse chickpeas until finely chopped but not mushy to retain texture.
- Use cooking spray in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, though oil-free cooking is possible.
- Falafel can be shaped into patties instead of balls for a different form.
- Maintain consistent ball or patty size for even cooking.
- Turn falafel carefully to avoid breaking; using tongs or shaking helps.
- Substitute almond flour with other gluten-free flours if preferred.
- Always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight; canned chickpeas are too soft for this recipe.
- Try varying fresh herbs like mint or parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Add chili as desired for heat.
- Store falafel in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories
373kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
41g
(14%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Cholesterol
8mg
(3%)
Sodium
533mg
(22%)
Potassium
636mg
(14%)
Fiber
11g
(44%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
176IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
20mg
(22%)
Calcium
191mg
(19%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 373
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 373kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 533mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 636mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 176IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 191mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.