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Crispy and Delicious: Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Do you want a healthy, vegan, and tasty snack that doesn't taste like a punishment? We got you! Today we'll be sharing a sassy recipe that will make your taste buds dance. That's right, we're making falafel! And not only that, we're going to guide you through the process of making this Middle Eastern classic using a game-changer kitchen appliance: the air fryer. So get ready to crunch and munch on our air fryer falafel recipe!
What is Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It's a staple food in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, where it's often served inside pita bread with vegetables, pickles, and sauces. Falafel is usually vegan and gluten-free, making it an ideal option for a plant-based and/or allergen-friendly diet.
It's origin
The origin of falafel is contested, as multiple cultures claim to have invented it. Some say it comes from Egypt, where it was eaten as a meat substitute during Lent. Others argue it's a Yemeni invention, and that the word "falafel" comes from the Arabic word "filfil," meaning pepper. Today, falafel is popular all over the world, and in some cities, you can find it in every corner street.
Ingredients to make this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
2 cups of cooked chickpeas (or one can, drained)
1/2 of a small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of coriander
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Cooking spray
Steps to make it
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, lemon juice, salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture becomes a paste (it's okay if there are some chickpea chunks left).
Form the mixture into small balls or patties (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each).
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and coat the basket with cooking spray.
Place the falafel balls/patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other (you might need to cook them in batches).
Spray the falafel with cooking spray and fry them for about 10 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Serve the air fryer falafel with pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and any other toppings you like.
Pro tips and variations:
If you don't have cooked chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse them well and pat them dry before using them.
If the falafel mixture feels too wet or sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it's easier to handle.
To make the falafel spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper to the mixture.
If you want a crunchier texture, you can roll the falafel balls/patties in some panko or breadcrumbs before air frying them.
You can also bake the falafel in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 25-30 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
Congratulations, you made it to the end of our air fryer falafel recipe! We hope you enjoyed learning a bit about the history and ingredients of this tasty snack, and that you give our version a try. Don't forget to experiment with different toppings and sauces to make it your own. If you have any suggestions or feedback, feel free to leave us a comment below. Happy air frying!
For more delicious Snack and Appetizer options: Snacks / Appetizer Main Page.
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