Make crispy, flavorful herb falafel balls in your air fryer and top them with a simple, creamy tahini drizzle. This recipe uses fresh herbs for maximum taste.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:12 min
Total Time:27 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:Middle Eastern
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
1/4 cup onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
1 tablespoon olive oil (for the mix)
Cooking spray (for the air fryer)
For the Tahini Drizzle: 1/4 cup tahini paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cold water (or more to thin)
1 small clove garlic, minced
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but still has some texture. Do not over-process into a paste.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the flour and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until just combined.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18 to 20 balls.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the falafel balls in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the falafel balls lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
While the falafel cooks, prepare the drizzle: Whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Remove the cooked falafel from the air fryer. Serve immediately drizzled generously with the tahini sauce.
Notes
If you prefer a slightly firmer falafel, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling and cooking.
For best results, ensure your chickpeas are very dry after rinsing and draining.
Adjust the amount of fresh herbs to your preference; using more herbs results in a greener, more flavorful falafel.