Falafel, the Air-Frying Wonder: Healthy & Deliciously Crunchy

Falafel with Tzatziki sauce

Hi friends! Are you a fan of crispy, flavorful falafel but looking for a healthier way to enjoy them? Look no further! Today, I'm excited to share with you a recipe for homemade falafel cooked in an air fryer. Not only is this method healthier than traditional frying, but it also produces perfectly crispy falafel every time. Now, I know what you might be thinking - making falafel from scratch in airfryer sounds intimidating, right? But fear not! Even if you've never tried making falafel before - this recipe is simple and straightforward. All you need are a few ingredients, mixer or blender and an air fryer, and you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious falafel in no time.

All of us at home love Arabic cusine. And we love these crispy, flavorful balls of goodness. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be enjoyed in so many ways - stuffed in a pita, on top of a salad, or even as a snack on their own. . This air-fryer falafel tastes amazing and super healthy; so get ready to impress your taste buds, your family or your friends with this tasty and healthy recipe. Grab your apron and let's get cooking!

Recipe of Falafel, the Air-Frying Wonder: Healthy & Deliciously Crunchy

Cusine: Middle Eastern

Serves 3-4 (15-18 Falafels)

Section 1: Ingredients Required

Include everything your reader needs to make this recipe perfectly, with measurements, optional additions, or alternatives. For example:

• Ingredient

• ¾-1 cup dry chickpeas soaked for 12 hrs, rinsed well and drained

• ½ cup of onion chopped

• 5 small or 2 big garlic roughly chopped

• ½ cup roughly chopped parsley

• ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro / coriander leaves

• ½ tsp cumin powder

• ½ tsp salt or to taste

• ½ tsp pepper powder

• ½ tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp red chilly powder / cayenne pepper

• ½ table spoon olive oil

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ table spoon chickpea flour

• ½ table spoon oil brushing on the Falafel

Section 2: Equipment Required

Blender/ mixer or food processor

Air-fryer

Ice cream scooper to portion (optional)

Section 3: Recipe Video

For better understanding watch the video before reading the instructions.

Section 4: Instructions

1. Soak ¾-1 cup dry chickpeas in 3 times water for 12 hrs. After soaking the chickpeas for 12 hours, rinse them well and drain any excess water. Place the chickpeas in a food processor along with the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin powder, salt, pepper powder, coriander powder, red chilly powder/cayenne pepper, and olive oil.

2. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. You don't want it to be completely smooth - some texture is good for falafel.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add in the baking powder and chickpea flour. Mix well to combine.

4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, roughly 1-2 inches in diameter.

5. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Brush the falafel balls or patties with oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

6. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

7. Once the falafel is cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or in a pita with your favorite toppings.

And that's it! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy falafel made right in your air fryer.

Section 5: Serving instructions and conclusion

Falafel can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. In a pita: One of the most popular ways to enjoy falafel is to stuff them in a pita with some fresh veggies and a creamy sauce, such as tahini or tzatziki. Simply cut open a pita and stuff it with 2-3 falafel balls or patties, along with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and sauce of your choice.

2. On a salad: Falafel can also be used as a protein-packed topping for salads. Simply chop up some lettuce and other veggies of your choice, and top with 2-3 falafel balls or patties. Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.

3. As an appetizer: Falafel can be served as an appetizer or snack, either on their own or with a dipping sauce. Try serving them with some hummus, tzatziki, or even a spicy harissa sauce.

4. With a side dish: Falafel pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted veggies, couscous, or tabbouleh. Serve alongside your falafel for a filling and flavorful meal.

No matter how you choose to serve your falafel, be sure to enjoy them while they're still hot and crispy from the air fryer!

Falafel with Tzatziki sauce, Tihini sauce, pita bread and raw vegetables

Section 6: Storing instructions and conclusion

If you have any leftover falafel, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here's how:

1. Allow the falafel to cool to room temperature before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container and making the falafel soggy.

2. Place the falafel in an airtight container. If you're stacking the falafel, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to eat the leftover falafel, you can either reheat them in the air fryer or in the oven until they're heated through and crispy again.

Note that falafel is best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a day or two if possible. If you're making a large batch of falafel to store, it's best to freeze them for longer storage. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen falafel, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the air fryer or oven.

Hoping you liked the post, send in your feedback and comments. Happy cooking!

Thank you. Stay healthy, stay happy!

yummily,

Vinitha