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Crispy Air-Fried Falafels

Course High Protein Meal recipes
Cuisine Fusion, Middle Eastern
Keyword air fryer recipes, clean ingredients, falafel recipe, high protein, Plant-based, vegetarian meal prep
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 falafels

Ingredients

For the Falafel Mixture:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas must be soaked overnight for 12–24 hours
  • ½ cup fresh coriander leaves
  • ½ cup fresh parsley optional
  • ½ cup onion roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 –2 green chilies adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds or cumin powder
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder

For the Binder & Cooking:

  • 1 –2 tbsp gram flour besan
  • Olive oil spray for air frying

Instructions

  • Drain and thoroughly rinse your soaked chickpeas. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
  • In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic cloves, green chilies, fresh coriander, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Pulse carefully until you achieve a coarse grind resembling wet sand. Do not over-process into a smooth paste.
  • Transfer the coarse mixture to a bowl. Add your salt and stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour) to seamlessly bind everything together.
  • Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and gently shape them into slightly flattened discs or patties.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Brush or spray them with just a tiny bit of oil and air-fry for 12–15 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden-brown and crispy.

Notes

  • Texture Check: If your mixture feels a bit loose when shaping, simply stir in an extra teaspoon of besan to help it hold.
  • Prep Tip: Store any leftover cooked falafels in an airtight container. Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back that signature, fresh-fried crunch!