This quick and easy air fryer falafel is inspired by the traditional but makes one little ingredient swap for easier falafel bites! Mix up the ingredients in the food processor in just minutes, then cook them in the air fryer. An easy vegan meal or snack that’s ready to minute!
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 191kcal
Ingredients
15ounce canchickpeasdrained and rinsed, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
Place all of the ingredients into a food processor and mix well but not perfectly smooth.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Use a tablespoon measure to shape falafel into mini balls or patties, or use a one-quarter cup of mixture and form into balls or patties.
Place the falafel in the air fryer basket. Leave space between patties and cook in batches if necessary.
Cook at 375° F for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway through the cooking time. The patties should be crispy and brown on top and bottom but softer inside. For mini size, cook for 12-14 minutes and flip over halfway through.
Oven Method
If you prefer to cook them in the oven, lay them out on a sprayed baking sheet and cook in a 375° F oven for 30-35 minutes, flip them over halfway through the cook time.
Notes
Don’t blend until smooth. You want homemade falafel to have some texture. I find short bursts work best to chop without making it overly smooth.
Leave space between the falafel in the air fryer. This allows them to cook more evenly but also makes them way easier to flip.
For perfect falafel, don’t forget to flip them so they can crisp up on both sides.
Traditional method. If you prefer using the dried, soaked chickpeas I recommend using this traditional falafel recipe instead.
Want to meal prep? Make the falafel mixture and store it in the refrigerator to make freshly cooked falafel for meals. Or you can cook them ahead of time and reheat them!