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Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Falafel

Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Falafel
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Crispy, flavorful falafel made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, cooked to perfection using either an air fryer or oven. This healthier alternative to deep-fried falafel offers a crunchy exterior and tender interior with simple ingredients, versatile flavors, and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
  • Olive oil spray (for cooking)

Optional Variations

  • Finely chopped jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Chickpea or rice flour (for gluten-free alternative)
  • Fresh cilantro or mint (as herb substitute for parsley)
  • Crumbled feta cheese (for cheesy addition)
  • Small amount ground cinnamon (to add subtle sweetness with coriander)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chickpeas: Rinse and drain canned chickpeas well, or soak dry chickpeas and cook until tender but firm to maintain the best texture for falafel.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and flour. Pulse until ingredients are combined but still slightly coarse to retain some texture.
  3. Shape the Falafel: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into compact bite-sized balls or patties, avoiding making them overly dense.
  4. Prepare the Cooking Surface: For oven baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
  5. Cook Until Golden: Arrange falafel on the baking sheet or air fryer basket with space between each. Lightly spray falafel with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
  6. Serve Warm and Crispy: Remove falafel once golden brown and crisp on the outside to avoid sogginess. Serve immediately with dips, salads, or pita bread.

Notes

  • Use soaked but uncooked chickpeas over canned for better texture.
  • Do not overprocess the mixture to keep some chickpea texture for lighter falafel.
  • Use light olive oil spray to achieve browning without excess oil.
  • Do not overcrowd cooking surface to ensure even crisping and cooking.
  • Allow falafel to cool slightly before serving to help firm up the texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, air fryer falafel, oven baked falafel, healthy falafel, gluten free falafel, Middle Eastern snack, chickpea falafel

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/air-fryer-or-oven-baked-falafel/