How to make falafel in air fryer?

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How to Make Falafel in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Falafel, the crispy, flavorful, and nutritious Middle Eastern street food, is now easier than ever to make at home with the help of an air fryer. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making falafel in an air fryer, providing you with a simple and delicious recipe to enjoy.

What You Need to Get Started

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the basic requirements:

  • Air Fryer: Any air fryer model will work, but we recommend using a 3.7-4.2 quart capacity air fryer for this recipe.
  • Falafel Mix: You can use a pre-mixed falafel mix or make your own blend using chickpeas, herbs, and spices (see below).
  • Vegetable Oil: For brushing the falafel patties before cooking.
  • Salt: To taste.

Making the Falafel Mix

If you choose to make your own falafel mix, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Homemade Falafel Mix Recipe

  • Ingredients:

    • 1 cup dried chickpeas
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt, to taste
  • Instructions:

    1. Soak the chickpeas in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
    2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
    3. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and salt.
    4. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly chunky.

Preparing the Falafel Patties

Now that you have your falafel mix, it’s time to shape it into patties:

  • Instructions:

    1. Using your hands, shape the falafel mix into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
    2. Place the patties on a plate or tray, leaving a small gap between each patty.

Cooking the Falafel in the Air Fryer

The moment of truth! It’s time to cook the falafel in the air fryer:

  • Instructions:

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Brush the falafel patties with vegetable oil.
    3. Place the falafel patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
    4. Cook the falafel for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
    5. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center of a patty. If it’s crispy and cooked through, it’s ready!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your falafel-making experience:

  • Add some crunch: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or chopped almonds on top of the falafel patties before cooking for added crunch.
  • Spice it up: Add some heat by sprinkling some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top of the falafel patties.
  • Try different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, mint, or oregano to give your falafel a unique flavor.
  • Make it vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan mayonnaise if desired.

Falafel Cooking Time and Temperature Table

Here’s a table to help you adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model and personal preference:

Air Fryer ModelCooking Time (minutes)Cooking Temperature (F/C)
3.7 quart10-12400°F (200°C)
4.2 quart8-10400°F (200°C)
5.8 quart6-8400°F (200°C)

Conclusion

Making falafel in an air fryer is a game-changer for those who love this crispy, flavorful street food. With this simple recipe and step-by-step guide, you’ll be enjoying delicious, homemade falafel in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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