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Air fryer falafel is a healthier alternative to classic deep-fried falafel that still comes out super crispy! This homemade Air Fryer Falafel recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you want to make falafel in the oven then try my Vegan Baked Falafel Recipe.
If you’re not familiar with Falafels, they are deep-fried patties or balls made from a mix of chickpeas, herbs and spices that are often served in pita bread or a Falafel Bowl. Chickpeas are such a versatile ingredient that can be used to make anything from Chickpea Veggie Burgers, to Chickpea Soup, or even a Chickpea Coconut Curry.
Table of Contents
Today chickpeas are being used in a more traditional way, with a healthier twist. Falafel are traditionally deep fried, but this recipe is made my cooking the falafel in the air-fryer, resulting in a super crispy falafel without the added oils of deep-frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes. This entire Air Fryer Falafel recipe only takes 20 minutes to make from start to finish! It’s also very easy to make directly in a food processor.
- Healthier than deep-fried falafel. While deep-fried falafel is delicious, it tends to be greasier and higher in calories and fat. This air-fried falafel uses very little oil and is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
- High in protein and fibre. Falafel is a great source of plant-based protein and is packed with 10 grams of protein and 8 grams of fibre per serving.
Key Ingredients
- Chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans): For this Air Fryer Falafel I recommend using dried chickpeas, not canned chickpeas. Dried chickpeas will give the falafel a better and crisper texture because they’ll be less wet than canned chickpeas. If you’re looking for a recipe to that uses canned chickpeas my Sweet Potato Falafel is a great choice!
- Herbs: I use a mix of parsley and cilantro, but you can use any herbs you love. Make sure to use fresh herbs here, not dried herbs.
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements can be found below in the recipe card.
How to make Air Fryer Falafel
Step 1: Add the chickpeas to a large bowl and fill the bowl with water. Let the chickpeas soak overnight to soften. You’ll notice the chickpeas grow in size after soaking. Drain before using in the recipe.
Step 2: Add the soaked chickpeas to a food processor with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, baking soda and chickpea flour
Step 3: Pulse to combine until the mixture has formed a dough.
Step 4: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the falafel mixture into balls or patties and spread in the air fryer basket.
Step 5: Cook at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Tip: depending on your air fryer brand and model the falafel may need more or less time, so check on them while they are cooking!
Ways To Serve Falafel
There are so many different ways to serve Air Fried Falafel! Here are a few of my favourite ways to enjoy eating this recipe.
- In a Falafel bowl-Falafel bowls are usually made by layering a grain like rice or quinoa in a bowl and topping it off with the falafel, some salad and sauces or spreads like hummus.
- In a pita– One of the most traditional ways to enjoy falafel is to stuff it into pita bread with your favourite vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers and sauces like tahini sauce.
- With A salad-This Falafel recipe pairs perfectly with my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Greek Farro Salad or Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad.
- With Sauce and Dips– like Homemade Healthy Hummus or Lemon Tahini Dressing. Enjoy this falafel on its own dipped in hummus or with a drizzle of tahini dressing on it.
How to store and reheat
Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the falafel in the microwave or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Jess’s tips
- Use dried chickpeas (not canned) – Soak dried chickpeas overnight for the best texture. Canned chickpeas are too soft and will result in mushy falafel that don’t hold their shape. Dried chickpeas also work really well to make Marinated Chickpeas.
- Pulse, don’t puree – Process the mixture just until it comes together. You want a coarse, slightly grainy texture, not a smooth paste.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Leave space between each falafel so the air can circulate. This is key for getting that crispy, golden exterior!
- Work in batches – If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook the falafel in batches to avoid overcrowding. This is important for all air fryer recipes, like these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges and Air Fryer Tortilla Chips.
- Adjust cook time as needed – Every air fryer is a little different. Start checking around the 6-minute mark and add a few extra minutes if needed until the falafel are crispy and browned.
- Chill the mixture if it’s too soft – If your mixture feels too wet to shape, pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up before forming into balls.
Falafel FAQ
You can shape the falafel into balls or patties. Both are delicious!
Yes, however the falafel will not come out as crispy.
Yes. Place the falafel in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let the falafel thaw on the countertop then reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes
If you forgot to soak your chickpeas, you can do a quick soak by covering them with boiling water and letting them sit for 1–2 hours. While this isn’t quite the same as an overnight soak, it can work in a pinch—just make sure the chickpeas are fully softened before using.
Try These Chickpea Recipes Next!
If you tried this Air Fryer Falafel or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Air Fryer Falafel
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Air fry
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Make homemade air fryer falafel that is ready in 20 minutes, vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp chickpea flour (can sub any flour)
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas in a bowl of water overnight, then drain.
- Add the chickpeas to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and blend until everything is combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the falafel mixture and roll into even balls with your hands.
- Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and cook the falafel at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Notes
- Use soaked dried chickpeas—canned ones are too soft.
- Pulse the mixture just until combined; don’t over-blend.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave space between each falafel.
- Cook in batches if needed for best airflow and crispiness.
- Start checking around 6 minutes; adjust cook time as needed.
- Chill the mixture if it feels too soft to shape.
The best quick and easy meal my whole family loves!
These came out crispy on the outside and soft inside, just how I like them. Super easy in the air fryer and way less messy than frying. We made wraps with them and it was such a good dinner.
Would it be possible to cook them in the oven? Unfortunately I don’t have an air fryer yet. Thanks
Hi Anita, yes! I do have a regular falafel recipe on the blog you can find it by searching “falafel” in the search bar. This will give you the recipe/instructions for oven-baked falafel 🙂