Falafel Bites

Introduction

Falafel, the popular Middle Eastern fritter made from chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a beloved dish in many parts of the world. When you think about falafel, you imagine it served in a pita, topped with tahini sauce, tomatoes, and lettuce. However, in this recipe, we will make delicious falafel bites that are perfect for air frying, resulting in a lighter, crunchier version without compromising on flavour!

Why Air Fry?

Air frying offers a fantastic alternative to deep-frying as it significantly reduces oil consumption while still allowing you to achieve that much-desired crispy texture. It's perfect for those looking to cut down on calories or fats but still enjoy their favourite fried foods.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of chickpeas (400g), drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients for falafel bites

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor: For blending the ingredients.
  • Air fryer: To cook the falafel bites to crispy perfection.
  • Baking sheet or plate: For holding shaped falafel before air frying.
Air fryer ready for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and flour.
  2. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Ensure it's mixed well, but be careful not to over-process into a smooth paste.
  3. Season with salt and pepper and transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps bind the mixture, making it easier to shape.
  4. Once chilled, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties. If they don’t hold together well, you can add a bit more flour.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  6. Brush or spray the falafel bites with olive oil to ensure they become golden brown during cooking.
  7. Place the falafel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
  8. Remove the falafels and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Finished air-fried falafel bites

Serving Suggestions

Serve your falafel bites with a side of hummus or tahini sauce. They also make a great addition to salads or wraps. For a true Middle Eastern flair, pair them with pickled vegetables and tabbouleh.

Tips and Variations

  • Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as mint or dill, for different flavour profiles.
  • To add a little heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chilli into the mix.
  • If you're using dried chickpeas, remember to soak them overnight and cook them first before proceeding with the recipe.

Conclusion

Making falafel at home has never been easier with the help of an air fryer. This recipe ensures you enjoy all the flavours of traditional falafel in a healthier, easy-to-make format. Whether you're catering for a plant-based diet or simply looking to try something new, these falafel bites are sure to please everyone's palate. So go ahead and give them a try for your next meal or party snack!