Baked Air-Fried Falafel Balls are a crispy, flavorful, and healthy version of the traditional Middle Eastern dish. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, these falafel balls are air-fried to golden perfection, giving them a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to salads and wraps.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour (for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: Sesame seeds for coating
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well-combined but still slightly chunky. Avoid over-processing to prevent a paste-like consistency. - Shape the Falafel Balls:
Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls or flatten them slightly into patties. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. - Cook the Falafel:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel balls in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. - Serve:
Remove the falafel from the air fryer and serve warm. Pair with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~25-30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4 people (3-4 falafel balls per person)
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and serving size.
Key Notes:
- Texture: Ensure the mixture is slightly chunky for the best falafel texture. Over-processing can make the mixture too dense.
- Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the falafel in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Serving Suggestions: These falafel balls are perfect for wraps, grain bowls, or as part of a mezze platter with dips and fresh vegetables.
Enjoy these Baked Air-Fried Falafel Balls as a healthier and flavorful twist on a classic dish!