Here is How to Make Easy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
The first time I tasted this air fryer falafel recipe was in a restaurant, so I was prompted to take a meal picture.
When taking the picture, my friend questioned me,” why are you doing this in public? I just whispered into her ear”, I love this recipe and definitely will give it a try. Funny though.
After lots of research, I realized that making this delicious falafel recipe can be so simple, and sourcing the ingredients can be easy.
Health Benefits of Some Ingredients Used on Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Onions
These vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds that have been confirmed to improve health in many ways.
- Onions are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
- It contains antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, lessens triglycerides, and decrease cholesterol levels.
- Onions are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that hinder oxidation, which leads to cellular damage and contributes to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Eating onions may help control blood sugar, which is most significant for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Onions are a rich source of fiber and prebiotics, which are necessary for optimal gut health.
Garlic
Garlic contains lots of healthy vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, this plant can be used as an herb to care for so many health challenges.
- It contains sulfur compounds, which are believed to bring some health benefits.
- Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.
- The supplements help prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold.
- High doses of garlic improve blood pressure for those with known high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Garlic seems to reduce total and LDL cholesterol, mostly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.
Parsley Leaves
Parsley is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean. Parsley has been used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and inflammatory diseases.
- Parsley is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense herb. It’s particularly rich in vitamins K, A, and C.
- It contains various antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C that may provide cancer-fighting benefits.
- Parsley contains powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases.
- Parsley is rich in folate, a B vitamin that protects your heart and may reduce your risk of heart disease.
Cilantro Leaves
Cilantro is a common herb that looks exactly like parsley but a slight resemblance. The plant is native to the Mediterranean, Mexico, Asia, and India. Cilantro has lots of health benefits, including its healing properties.
- Lowers anxiety and improves sleep
- Helps in healthy menstrual function
- It protects against colon cancer
- Protects against cardiovascular disease
Ingredients for a falafel recipe
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
- 2 cups dried chickpeas ( Note ”do not use canned or cooked chickpeas”)
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves stem removed
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup fresh dill stems removed
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- Oil for frying
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 7–8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 small onion, quartered
- Salt to taste
FOR TAHINI SAUCE
- Pita pockets
- English cucumbers, chopped or diced
- Baby Arugula
- Pickles
- Tomatoes, chopped or diced
Directions for a falafel recipe
- Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18-20 hours. When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
- Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic, and spices to the large bowl of a blending machine. Blend until it is well combined, forming the falafel mixture.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Put in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until ready to cook.
- Before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (½ inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
- Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside.
- Avoid packing the falafel in the saucepan; fry them in batches if necessary.
- Put the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve falafel when hot, or serve the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, or arugula. Enjoy!
