Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (2024)

Published: Mar 10, 2023 · Modified: Jul 2, 2023 by Agnieszka · This post may contain affiliate links

This easy falafel recipe can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven. Using canned chickpeas saves a lot of time and effort yet the falafel patties come out soft and fluffy inside, crispy on the outside and super flavorful. They are great in wraps, pitas, salads and bowls.

Traditionally, falafel is made with mixture of dried chickpeas (or fava beans) that have been soaked overnight, vibrant fresh herbs, onions, garlic andspices, which is formed into balls and deep fried in oil until they turn golden brown.

While I love the authentic Middle Eastern falafel recipe, it definitely requires a fair amount of time and effort. Deep frying is not something I do everyday, either so I wanted to create a super easy version of falafel without compromising the flavor and texture.

It turns out that you can make killer falafel that's crispy on the outside while being supremely soft and fluffy inside in the air fryer! Using canned chickpeas works well as long as you make sure they are dry and add a bit of flour of choice. For best results, I recommend flattening the falafel balls into discs - they stay put in the air fryer and there is more surface to crisp up.

I also tested this recipe in the oven and it works well, too. The falafel turns out a little less crispy than in the air fryer but the flavor and texture are equally great.

Why you'll love this recipe

• This falafel recipe is quick, easy and uses simple staple ingredients
• Using canned chickpeas cuts prep time significantly
• Falafel is naturally vegetarian and vegan
• Use whatever flour fits your dietary needs - all-purpose, gluten-free, almond or chickpea flour will all work

• Canned Chickpeas: I like Goya but any canned chickpeas will work. Make sure to rinse them well to get rid of extra salt and tin flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: this is what gives the falafel its gorgeous color and freshness. I used parsley and cilantro but if you don't like cilantro, you can also use fresh mint and chives.
• Onion: yellow, white, sweet or red onion will work.
• Garlic: fresh garlic cloves is what you want. I used 2 cloves but you can add more (or none) if you like.
• Spices: to season the patties use salt and pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander and red pepper flakes.
• Flour: this is what helps the mixture come together. All-purpose flour or chickpea flour are best choices but you can also swap for gluten-free or almond flour.
• Baking Powder: this ingredient helps the falafel's texture become fluffy. Some recipes use baking soda instead. Mix in the baking powder into the "dough" right before forming balls.
• Olive Oil Spray: to help the falafel patties get crispy on the outside without deep frying.

How to make falafel in the air fryer

STEP 1: Rinse and dry the chickpeas. Using a sieve, run cold water over the chickpeas, then transfer them onto a sheet of paper towel and cover with another piece of paper towel to dry.

STEP 2: Chop up onions and garlic by pulsing a few times in the food processor.

STEP 3: Add herbs and chickpeas. Start with herbs and spices and pulse a few times to combine. Then add the chickpeas and pulse 2-3 times to roughly chop.

STEP 4: Add flour and form the "dough". Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover with a lid or plastic wrap.

STEP 5: Refrigerate for 2 hours or freeze for 25 minutes. Then fold in the baking powder.

STEP 6: Form balls. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop 12 equal parts of the mixture onto a baking sheet. Then, roll into balls and flatten into discs.

STEP 7: Air fry for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping the patties once after 8 minutes.

The oven method

Another great way to make falafel without deep frying is to bake it in the oven. Here's how to do it:

• Follow steps 1-6 in previous section
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Place the falafel discs (or balls) onto the prepared baking sheet spaced apart and spray with olive oil
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once half-way baking time

Serving suggestions

Falafel tastes best when it's served hot and crispy, immediately after air frying or baking. Here are my favorite ways to serve falafel:

• As an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce - check this epic list of 10 Best Falafel Sauce Recipes
• In a pita sandwich or a wrap with fresh veggies and pickles - try it with this Spiced Hummus as a spread.
• On top of a salad or rice bowl
• As part of a mezze platter accompanied by fresh veggies, dips and pita - check out my Falafel Platter post for some inspiration
• Try it with a side of my Mediterranean Yellow Rice or this flavorful Greek Chickpea Salad.
• If you are looking for more vegetarian air fryer ideas, try this Air Fryer Eggplant or these Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Storage and freezing

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• To freeze, allow cooled falafel on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or a ziploc bag and use up within 3 months
• To reheat from fresh, place the falafel on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes in the oven preheated to 375 degrees or air fry for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees.
• You can also reheat frozen cooked falafel on a baking sheet in the oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes turning once.

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Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.

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