Falafel Made Crispy

Falafel Made Crispy is a deliciously crunchy, plant-based snack or meal. With chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices, this recipe brings the traditional Middle Eastern falafel to life in the air fryer. It’s crispy on the outside while staying soft and flavorful on the inside. Serve them as a snack, in a pita, or alongside your favorite salads and dips.

Times:

1. Preparation Time:
   • Mixing and refrigerating falafel mixture: ~15 minutes
   • Shaping falafel: ~10 minutes
2. Cooking Time:
   • Air frying: 10–12 minutes
3. Total Time:
   • ~35–40 minutes (with refrigeration time)
4. serves about 4 people

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed or 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 small, roughly chopped
• Parsley – 1/2 cup, fresh, chopped
• Cilantro – 1/4 cup, fresh, chopped
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
• Ground turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Flour – 1/4 cup (chickpea flour or all-purpose flour)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for brushing or spraying)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture:

1. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well. If using dried chickpeas, make sure they are soaked overnight and drained.
2. Add the chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
3. Pulse until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture. If it’s too dry, add a little water (1 tablespoon at a time), but be careful not to make it too wet.
4. Add the baking powder and flour to the mixture, pulsing again until it holds together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (to help it firm up).

2. Shape the Falafel:

1. After refrigerating, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a walnut (or 1–1.5 inches in diameter). You should get around 12-14 falafel.
2. Lightly flatten the balls if you prefer a more traditional patty shape.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Falafel:

1. Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil to help them crisp up.
2. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

5. Serve:

• Serve the crispy falafel with a side of hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Falafel – Makes about 12):

(Note: Based on using olive oil for brushing or spraying)

1. Calories: ~50–70 kcal
2. Carbohydrates: ~7g
3. Protein: ~2g
4. Fats: ~2g
   • Saturated Fat: ~0.5g
5. Fiber: ~2g
6. Sodium: ~250mg
7. Sugar: ~1g

Key Notes:

1. Customizing the Flavor:
   • Add your favorite spices like paprika, cinnamon, or a dash of chili flakes for a unique twist. You can also add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
2. Texture Tip:
   • For extra crispiness, ensure your falafel is shaped well and not too wet. If the mixture is too sticky, add more flour.
3. Serving Options:
   • These falafel can be served as part of a mezze platter, inside pita bread as a sandwich, or with a fresh salad and sauces like tahini or yogurt.
4. Freezing Tip:
   • Freeze any extra falafel before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then store in an airtight container. When ready, air fry from frozen for 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).