Air Fryer Crispy Falafel

There is something deeply satisfying about biting into a falafel that is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender, herb-packed on the inside. These Air Fryer Crispy Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce bring all the bold, earthy flavors of a classic Middle Eastern street food favorite into your kitchen — with a lighter, modern twist. By using the air fryer instead of a deep fryer, you get that irresistible golden crust without the excess oil, making this dish a wholesome choice whether you are serving it as a hearty appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a beautiful main course. Packed with soaked chickpeas, fresh parsley, cilantro, aromatic cumin and coriander, and paired with a strikingly vibrant green tahini sauce, this recipe is as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in just 40 minutes, it is a dish that proves healthy eating never has to be boring.

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The secret to truly great falafel lies in using dried chickpeas soaked overnight rather than canned — they provide the right texture that holds together beautifully during cooking. Pulsing the mixture in a food processor to a coarse, sand-like consistency (not a smooth paste) is essential for that signature light, slightly crumbly interior. A brief rest in the refrigerator before air frying ensures the falafel balls hold their shape and develop an even crispier crust. Meanwhile, the green tahini sauce comes together in minutes in a blender, transforming simple pantry staples into something that looks and tastes extraordinary. This is Middle Eastern comfort food at its most vibrant and nourishing.

Ingredients

• Falafel
• 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, drained)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
• 2 tbsp fresh dill (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
• Olive oil spray
• Green Tahini Sauce
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cold water (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the falafel mixture

In a food processor, combine soaked and drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, dill (if using), cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and holds together when pressed. Do not over-process; it should not be a paste.

Step 2: Add binders

Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in baking powder and chickpea flour. Mix well.

Step 3: Shape and chill

Using damp hands, form the mixture into 16 balls or small patties. Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold together.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.

Step 5: Air fry

Arrange falafel balls in a single layer, not touching. Spray tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Make the green tahini sauce

Blend tahini, parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt in a blender until smooth and vibrant green. Add more water to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the hot falafel with green tahini sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy with pita, salad, or grain bowls.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit deine Falafel beim Luftfrittieren perfekt gelingen, ist es wichtig, die Kichererbsen wirklich über Nacht einzuweichen — niemals Dosenerbsen verwenden, da diese zu viel Feuchtigkeit enthalten und die Masse zu weich machen. Achte beim Pulsieren im Food Processor darauf, die Masse nicht zu übermixen: Sie soll grob und sandartig bleiben, damit die Falafel innen locker und außen knusprig werden. Das Kühlen der geformten Bällchen im Kühlschrank für mindestens 30 Minuten ist ein unverzichtbarer Schritt, der ihnen hilft, ihre Form beim Frittieren zu behalten. Ein leichtes Besprühen mit Olivenöl vor dem Luftfrittieren sorgt für die schöne goldene Farbe und den herrlichen Crunch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar anpassen. Wer keinen Dill mag oder keinen zur Hand hat, kann ihn einfach durch frische Minze ersetzen — das gibt den Falafel eine leicht frische Note. Für extra Knusprigkeit lässt sich ein Esslöffel Sesamsamen in die Falafel-Masse einarbeiten. Die grüne Tahini-Sauce kann nach Geschmack angepasst werden: mehr Zitronensaft für eine frischere, säuerlichere Note oder etwas Olivenöl für eine reichhaltigere Konsistenz. Wer die Falafel etwas schärfer mag, kann die Menge an Cayennepfeffer erhöhen oder frische Chilischoten zur Masse hinzufügen.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Falafel sind unglaublich vielseitig und passen zu zahlreichen Beilagen und Serviervarianten. Für ein klassisches Mezze-Arrangement serviere sie mit gehackten Tomaten, Gurken und eingelegtem Gemüse auf einer großen Platte — zusammen mit der grünen Tahini-Sauce als Dip. In warme Pitabrote gewickelt und mit frischem Salat belegt, ergeben sie ein wunderbares Sandwich. Über Quinoa, Bulgur oder Reis angerichtet und mit der Tahini-Sauce beträufelt werden sie zu einer vollständigen, sättigenden Mahlzeit. Auch als Topping für einen frischen gemischten Salat mit Granatapfelkernen und frischen Kräutern machen sie eine hervorragende Figur.

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These Air Fryer Crispy Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce are everything a great plant-based dish should be: deeply flavorful, satisfyingly crispy, naturally vibrant, and effortlessly impressive. Whether you are hosting a dinner party and want to wow your guests with a beautiful mezze spread, or simply looking for a wholesome weeknight meal that comes together in under an hour, this recipe delivers every single time. The bright, herby green tahini sauce elevates the entire dish, adding creaminess and freshness that perfectly complements the warm, spiced falafel. Once you taste this combination, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen — proof that eating well and eating deliciously are never mutually exclusive.

Perfect for baking small heart-shaped cakes, brownies, and quiches for intimate celebrations and sweet homemade desserts.

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Recipe FAQ

→ How should chickpeas be prepared for this falafel?

Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight and thoroughly drained to achieve the right texture for shaping and crispiness.

→ What is the benefit of air frying the falafel?

Air frying provides a crispy, golden exterior while using less oil, resulting in a lighter and healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

→ Can I substitute fresh herbs in the falafel mix?

Yes, dill can be replaced with mint or additional parsley to create different flavor profiles while maintaining freshness.

→ How is the green tahini sauce prepared?

The sauce blends tahini with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and water until smooth and creamy, offering a vibrant, tangy complement.

→ Are the falafel gluten-free?

The dish can be gluten-free if chickpea flour is used and allergen cross-contact is avoided; always verify ingredient sources.

→ How do you ensure the falafel holds together during cooking?

Chilling the shaped falafel patties before air frying helps them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking.