In this recipe, I will show you how to make air-fried Falafel that is vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food typically made with ground chickpeas or fava beans and spices.
They are usually fried in oil, but in this recipe, they are cooked in an air fryer. This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
The falafel balls can be served on their own or in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a fried cake or ball made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both.
It is a popular snack food in the Middle East and North Africa. Falafel is usually served with tahini sauce, hummus, or yogurt.
Falafel Recipes
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free falafel recipe, look no further! These air-fried Falafel are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and they can be made in just a few simple steps.
To make this Falafel, you will need the following:
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
One garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Air-Fried Falafel Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free)
This Air-Fried Falafel Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free! These crispy little balls are perfect for adding to salads, wraps or eating on their own as a snack.
They’re also great for meal prep and can be frozen for later.
To make this recipe, you will need the following:
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 15-ounce can drain and rinsed)
¼ cup diced onion
2 cloves minced garlic
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons water
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal
Tips for Making the Best Falafel
There are a few tips and tricks for making the best falafel balls. First, make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight.
This will help them cook faster and create a creamier texture. Second, add baking soda to the water when cooking the chickpeas.
This will also help them cook faster and make them more fluffy. Finally, add plenty of fresh herbs to the falafel mixture.
This will give it lots of flavors and make it extra special.
Why does this falafel recipe work in an air fryer?
Although different cooking methods have different flavors, I do not think there are any problems with flavor or taste.
The following recipes use the authentic falafel mixture made from dried chickake and mixed with a fresh blend of spices. I recommend storing it in the fridge for at least an hour and mixing it in baking powder if you want the best texture.
The significant difference with a previous recipe is that it can be cooked in a frying pan rather than hot oil.
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Falafel in the oven
I have previously discussed the process of baking falafel. This isn’t the best method for frying the yummy patties; it simply gives less crispy results. But if there is no air fryer, you can cook them. To bake Falafel in an oven, start in a 350F oven.
These are golden brown outside and green inside, but they don’t taste raw! Brush each patty of Falafel with olive grease, then spread on the baking sheet. Bake 15-25 min if needed, turning pats once.
How should you shape Falafel for the air fryer?
I like to form Falafel into tiny pieces of a ball. In the airfreight Falafel, the shape of smaller discs and balls works better.
The flat shape means Falafel can lie flat and can’t go in air fryer baskets. Flat patties cooked evenly in air fryers. Please avoid placing cakes in an oven. They need space to get conditioned when cooked. Do it in batches.
Tell me the meaning of Falafel.
Falafel is a typical Middle Eastern food that can even be considered fast food. It involves mixing chickpea flour into balls and frying it in oil.
It is a vegan and vegetarian recipe, as well as gluten-free. This is the ideal meatless meatball substitute which can be eaten as a sandwich, in wrappers, or as part of salads.
Canned chickpeas versus dried chickpeas
Using dried chickpeas is the best way for falafel recipes. We also like this approach.
Those who know you don’t have chickpeas in canned foods are not correct, but the differences are fundamental. I’ll compare it to the previous example below:
What makes this falafel recipe healthier?
You can see some healthy air fryer recipes here. Thanks to the Airfryer, you have nice crisp edges and a fluffy center with very little oil and a much lower labor load.
This falafel recipe still tastes as good as fried and is excellent.
How do you heat a frozen falafel in an air fryer?
Air Fryer instructions. Preheat the fryer for 5 minutes at 350 F. Add frozen Falafel to the frypan to cover evenly. Close the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 450 degrees.
How do you cook packaged Falafel?
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Give each dish an extra drizzle of olive oil a few minutes after baking, and turn them once halfway through baking.
How do you know when a falafel is cooked?
Heat oven to 400° C. Form Falafel in a flat patty shape and put it in the baking tray. Bake for 15-30 minutes, turning once at the end of the cooking until golden brown. Brush each slice with extra virgin olive oil.
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How do you reheat leftover Falafel?
How do we prepare Falafel? Bake to an oven temperature of around 400°. Then arrange the falafels to be rolled up into a dish with foil. Warm a burger to boiling temperature.
Should I heat my Falafel?
During reheating, a crisper exterior is achieved, with less grease inside. Freshly prepared Falafel is typically cooked out of ground chickpeas that have not dried.
How do you keep Falafel warm and crispy?
Falafel balls are easily reheatable in hot pans, toasters, or ovens. The oven is the most efficient way of heating falafel. You’ve never used more oil for cooking the Falafel, so they stay crisp.
Can falafels be eaten cold?
Even though they’d be perfect for picnics and snacks during winter, they’re much better in the heat.
Why is my Falafel falling apart in the fryer?
What makes your falafels crumble after frying them? During baking, the dough will get wet. Give your chickpeas a little time to drain them off.
How do you get a falafel to stick together?
Bindings can help keep things connected, mainly when you use canned beans instead of drying out. And flour makes a beautiful binder for Falafel. No fancy stuff. Add some tablespoons to the mixture, ensuring you can quickly form balls or patties.
Read Next – Air Fryer Tips Every Air Fryer Owner Should Know
Conclusion
Air-fried Falafel is a healthier, vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free alternative to traditional fried Falafel.
They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and can be enjoyed as is or served in a pita with your favorite toppings.
Give them a try next time you’re ready for something hearty and tasty!
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