Crispy Air Fryer Falafel: A Delightful Recipe with Tahini Sauce

Introduction to Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish, traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with spices, and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior. However, with the introduction of the air fryer, creating crispy falafel has become a much healthier and easier task. Air fryer falafel not only boasts the same delicious crunch but also offers a significantly lower fat content compared to its fried counterpart. In this blog post, we will guide you through making the perfect air fryer falafel, complemented by a delectable tahini sauce.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Falafel

To prepare air fryer falafel, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (or 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

For the tahini sauce, you will need:

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• Water to thin
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Falafel

To begin, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture reaches a coarse, crumbly consistency. It is essential not to over-process; a few visible chickpea pieces add to the texture of falafel.

Next, transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture helps in forming better patties. After chilling, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While preheating, lightly brush the falafel with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the Tahini Sauce

While your air fryer falafel is cooking, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water while stirring until you achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy yet pourable.

Once the falafel is cooked, serve them hot with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. They can be enjoyed in a pita pocket, on a salad, or as an appetizer. This air fryer falafel recipe is not only crunchy but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Experience the delight of homemade falafel without the guilt of deep-frying!