Name: Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked chickpeas); 5 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp black pepper; Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste; 1 tsp baking powder (optional, see notes); Cooking spray

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Meet your new favorite weeknight wonder: the Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)! This vibrant, flavor-packed dish brings together tender chickpeas, heaps of fresh herbs, and an irresistible blend of spices, all transformed into golden, crispy bites without a drop of deep-frying oil. Whether you’re a committed vegan, gluten-free by necessity, or simply love a nourishing homemade meal, these falafels are about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of wholesome pantry staples and some fresh herbs are all it takes to whip up this recipe. Every element brings something special, whether it’s bold flavor, brilliant color, or the perfect texture for your falafel feast!

Dried Chickpeas: Essential for that authentic falafel texture—using dried (not canned or cooked) is key for a crisp exterior.
Garlic Cloves: Don’t be shy; garlic adds a savory punch you don’t want to skip.
Small Onion: A little onion sweetens the mix and balances the herbs.
Parsley Leaves: Go generous—this brings freshness and that iconic vibrant green.
Cilantro Leaves: A must for brightness and a lovely, subtle citrus note.
Ground Coriander: This spice tugs in that signature, citrusy earthiness.
Ground Cumin: Warm and nutty, cumin gives the falafel its cozy, classic flavor.
Sea Salt: Never underestimate the power of proper seasoning—taste comes alive here!
Black Pepper: A little zip goes a long way for deep flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne: Optional, but if you love a hint of heat, this spice is for you.
Baking Powder (optional): Just a little for extra lightness if you want extra fluffiness.
Cooking Spray: A quick mist ensures golden, nonstick perfection in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

This is a do-ahead step, but it makes all the difference. Place the dried chickpeas in a big bowl and cover with plenty of water—at least three inches above the chickpeas. Let them soak overnight (18 to 24 hours is ideal) so they’re perfectly plump and ready for action. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel so your mixture isn’t watery.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

Add your soaked and dried chickpeas to a large food processor, followed by garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and your chosen heat. If you have a small processor, split this up into batches. Blitz for about 20 seconds, scrape down the sides, and blend again. You’re aiming for a texture that’s combined but not smooth—think coarse sand, not paste!

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Resting the falafel mixture in the fridge for 45 to 60 minutes helps the flavors blend and makes the mixture easier to handle. You can even let it chill longer if you’re prepping ahead—just keep it covered in the food processor bowl.

Step 4: Form the Falafel Balls

Using an ice cream scooper or your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds (or flatten into disks if you prefer). Keeping them uniform helps with even cooking, and it’s fun to get hands-on here!

Step 5: Air Fry for Crispy Perfection

Spritz the falafel balls with cooking spray, and do the same to your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Heat your air fryer to 375 ºF (190 ºC), add the falafel in a single layer (work in batches for crowd-free cooking), and air fry for 15 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes. The result? Crunchy outsides, dreamy soft insides, and no heavy oil in sight—this is Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) magic!

How to Serve Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Garnishes

A simple flourish of chopped parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can brighten each bite. A drizzle of tahini or a quick squeeze of lemon juice adds just the right amount of tang to bring everything together.

Side Dishes

The classic route? Serve your falafel with warm gluten-free pita, plenty of crisp lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a pile of pickled vegetables. Consider a refreshing tabbouleh with quinoa or a simple chopped salad on the side for a full meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to mix things up, try adding your falafel to a nourish bowl with fresh greens, roasted sweet potato, and creamy avocado. Or toss them into wraps, crumble over salads, or tuck into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held bite of the Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan). Kids also love them as “dippers” for hummus!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover falafel stores beautifully! Let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or quick snacks.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked falafel. Layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This way, you can have Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) on demand for up to three months. A total game changer for busy weeks!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, warm the falafel in your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350 ºF. You can also reheat them in the oven or toaster oven. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a little of that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Do I really need to use dried chickpeas for this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)?

Yes! Using dried, soaked chickpeas is key to getting the right texture. Canned or cooked chickpeas are too soft, making the falafel dense or mushy, and they simply won’t hold together properly in the air fryer.

Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely. The mixture can be made and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. This actually gives the flavors more time to meld and makes shaping even easier when you’re ready to cook.

How can I make this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) spicier?

You’re in charge of the heat! Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes to the mixture, or even a finely diced fresh chili. Taste as you go—spices bloom as they cook.

Why did my falafel come out dry or crumbly?

If they seem dry, it might be due to over-processing, not enough moisture, or skipping the onion/herb quantities. Make sure you scoop and measure everything as listed, and don’t over-blend the mixture to avoid sucking out too much natural moisture.

Can I bake these instead if I don’t have an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them! Place the balls on a parchment-lined sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400 ºF (200 ºC) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still incredibly tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, wholesome dinner that brings the flavor and crunch without the fuss, give this Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) a try. You might just find it’s a staple you return to again and again—here’s to happy, healthy, herb-filled meals ahead!

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 20 falafel balls 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make delicious and crispy Air Fryer Falafel, a gluten-free and vegan recipe that’s perfect for a wholesome meal or snack.

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas: Soak the dried chickpeas in water for 18-24 hours. Drain and pat dry.
Blend the Ingredients: Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and spices in a food processor. Blend until well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the falafel mixture for 45-60 minutes.
Shape the Falafel: Form mixture into balls or patties.
Cook in Air Fryer: Spray falafel with cooking spray, air fry at 375 ºF for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve: Enjoy hot falafel on its own or in pita bread with toppings.