Air Fryer Chickpea Falafel Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Chickpea Falafel Recipe – Easy Gluten-Free Snack

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s for air fryer chickpea falafel, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a staple in my kitchen. I first made these when I was craving something crispy, flavorful, and relatively healthy, and they totally hit the spot. Plus, the air fryer makes them so much easier than traditional deep-frying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These falafel are seriously addictive. They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with fresh, aromatic flavors. They’re also naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them a great option for lots of different diets. And the best part? The air fryer means less mess and a healthier result. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious falafel:

• 1.5 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) – about 240g
• 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan) – about 15g
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) – about 30g
• 12 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing) – about 30ml

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Chickpeas: Soaking & Quality

Soaking the chickpeas overnight is crucial. It softens them, making them easier to process and giving you that lovely, fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step! I usually soak mine for at least 8 hours, but overnight is best. Use good quality chickpeas – older ones can take longer to soften.

Chickpea Flour (Besan): Regional Variations & Uses

Chickpea flour, or besan, is a staple in Indian cooking. It helps bind the falafel and adds a lovely nutty flavor. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or even in the international aisle of larger supermarkets. It’s also fantastic for making pakoras and other savory snacks!

Cilantro: Freshness & Substitutions

Fresh cilantro is a must for that bright, herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan (I know some people aren’t!), you can try using parsley, but it won’t be quite the same.

Garlic: Types & Flavor Profile

I love using a generous amount of garlic in my falafel. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. I prefer using Indian garlic, as it has a stronger, more pungent flavor.

Cumin Seeds: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Cumin seeds add a warm, earthy note. For an even more intense flavor, you can lightly roast them in a dry pan for a minute or two before grinding or using them whole.

Cayenne Pepper: Adjusting the Spice Level

Cayenne pepper is optional, but it adds a lovely little kick. Start with 1/2 tsp and add more if you like things spicy!

Olive Oil: Choosing the Right Type

For brushing the air fryer basket, a good quality olive oil works perfectly. You don’t need anything fancy here – just a regular olive oil will do.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some falafel!

1. First, make sure your chickpeas have been soaking overnight. Drain them really well. Nobody wants soggy falafel!
2. Now, into your food processor go the drained chickpeas, cilantro, garlic, cumin seeds, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Pulse the mixture until it’s coarsely ground. You don’t want a smooth paste – it should still have some texture.
4. If the mixture seems too wet, add chickpea flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
5. Form the mixture into 2-inch patties. They should hold their shape, but don’t pack them too tightly.
6. Pop the patties onto a plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart in the air fryer.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
8. Arrange the falafel patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them! You might need to cook them in batches.
9. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-process the chickpea mixture. You want some texture!
• Chilling the patties is key to preventing them from falling apart.
• If your falafel are sticking to the air fryer basket, try brushing it with a little more olive oil.

Variations

• Vegan Falafel: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your olive oil if you’re being super strict.
• Gluten-Free Falafel: Naturally gluten-free, thanks to the chickpea flour.
• Spice Level Adjustments (Mild to Spicy): Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for a real kick!
• Festival Adaptations (Ramadan, Diwali Snacks): These are perfect for serving during festivals! They’re a great savory snack alongside sweet treats.

Serving Suggestions

These falafel are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

• With hummus and pita bread
• In wraps with your favorite veggies and sauce
• As part of a mezze platter
• On top of a salad

Storage Instructions

Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

What is the best way to soak chickpeas for falafel?

Soak them in plenty of water for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Make sure they’re fully submerged!

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

While you can use canned chickpeas, the texture won’t be quite the same. Dried chickpeas give you a much fluffier, more authentic falafel. If you do use canned, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly.

How do I know when the falafel is cooked through?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also gently press one to see if it feels firm.

What is the purpose of baking powder in falafel?

Baking powder helps to create a lighter, fluffier texture. It’s a little secret ingredient!

Can I bake these falafel instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried falafel, but they’ll still be delicious.