Name: Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489513H29M30S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups (400 g) dried chickpeas (not canned or cooked); 5 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped; ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1½ tsp sea salt; 1 tsp black pepper; Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste; 1 tsp baking powder (optional); Cooking spray

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make snack or meal, our Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) is an absolute game changer. With its golden crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside, this recipe transforms traditional falafel into a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing any of that iconic Middle Eastern charm. What’s more, this recipe is perfect for gluten-free and vegan diets, making it a universally loved treat that you can whip up any day of the week with confidence and joy.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, vibrant flavor, and color to your falafel. From the earthy chickpeas to the fresh herbs and aromatic spices, every component contributes something truly special.

Dried chickpeas (2 cups): The foundation of your falafel, delivering that classic, hearty bite that’s best achieved with dried, not canned, chickpeas.
Garlic cloves (5, chopped): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that wakes up every taste bud.
Small onion (1, chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and moisture, helping bind the mixture.
Parsley leaves (1 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, green vibrancy and a hint of earthiness.
Cilantro leaves (½ cup, chopped): Offers a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices beautifully.
Ground coriander (2 tsp): Offers warmth and a slightly citrusy flavor that deepens the overall profile.
Ground cumin (2 tsp): A nutty, smoky spice essential for authentic falafel taste.
Sea salt (1 ½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making them pop without overwhelming.
Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds a gentle heat that balances the herbs and spices.
Red pepper flakes or cayenne (to taste): For those who love a little kick, these bring a nice spark of spice.
Baking powder (1 tsp, optional): Helps create extra light and airy falafel, perfect if you want that pillow-soft texture inside.
Cooking spray: For perfectly crisp falafel in the air fryer without excess oil.

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

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Start by soaking your dried chickpeas. This step is crucial as it softens them just enough for the perfect falafel texture, ensuring your falafel won’t be dry or crumbly. Soak them in plenty of water overnight or for at least 18 to 24 hours to fully hydrate and expand.

Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

Once your chickpeas are soaked and lightly dried, it’s time to blend! Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarse yet well combined — you want a texture that holds together without turning into a paste. A chilled mixture (rested in the fridge about 45-60 minutes) helps it bind better and intensifies the flavors.

Step 3: Shape Your Falafel

Grab an ice cream scooper or your hands and form the mixture into balls or patties. This part is really fun and rewarding. Keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly, and don’t be shy to get your hands a little messy—it’s part of the process that makes homemade falafel so satisfying.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Lightly spray your falafel balls and air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure crispiness without sticking. Air fry at 375 ºF (190 ºC) for about 15 minutes, flipping once after 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden and crispy on the outside yet tender inside—a magical transformation! For larger batches, fry in multiple rounds to maintain that perfect crisp.

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

Garnishes

Think fresh and vibrant—sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over your falafel or drizzle tahini sauce for a nutty, creamy finish. Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty brightness that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This falafel pairs wonderfully with cool cucumber and tomato salad, pickled vegetables, or a tangy cabbage slaw. Roasted or grilled veggies also offer a hearty, colorful complement to this crispy delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Stuff your falafel into warm pita pockets for a classic sandwich experience, complete with your favorite veggies and sauces. Or serve on a bed of fluffy quinoa or greens for a nourishing, gluten-free platter that’s both inviting and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover falafel keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay nicely crispy when reheated properly, making them perfect for quick snacks or added to wraps for a fast lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked falafel balls up to a month in advance. Simply shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen—adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat cooked falafel in your air fryer at 350 ºF (175 ºC) for about 5 minutes to keep that signature crunch. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the crispy texture, as it tends to make falafel soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

It’s best to use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas are too soft and will make the falafel mixture mushy, preventing it from holding together well during cooking.

Is baking powder necessary?

Baking powder is optional but recommended if you want your falafel to be lighter and fluffier inside. Add it just before cooking rather than when blending or chilling.

What if my mixture won’t hold together?

If your falafel mixture feels too wet or crumbly, add a couple of tablespoons of chickpea flour or another gluten-free binder like cornstarch. Chilling the mix also helps with binding.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake falafel in the oven or fry them traditionally in oil. Baking at 375 ºF (190 ºC) for 25-30 minutes while flipping halfway works well, and deep frying yields a classic crispy texture.

Are there substitutions for the herbs?

Parsley and cilantro provide signature fresh flavors, but you can experiment with mint or dill if you want to switch things up. Just be mindful that it will change the traditional taste slightly.

Final Thoughts

Ready to fall in love with your new favorite snack? This Air Fryer Falafel Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan) is as delicious as it is approachable, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. Crisp, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, it’s proof that healthy eating never needs to be boring. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

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

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes active time plus soaking and resting
Yield: About 20–24 falafel balls 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Air Fryer Falafel Recipe is a delicious, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dish perfect for a healthy snack or meal. Made from soaked dried chickpeas and fresh herbs, these falafels are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a lighter alternative to traditional frying.

Instructions

Soak Chickpeas: The day before preparing the falafel, place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with at least 3 inches (7 cm) of water. Soak for 18-24 hours until fully hydrated. Drain completely and pat dry with paper towels if too wet.
Prepare Falafel Mixture: Transfer the soaked chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, spices, sea salt, and black pepper into a large food processor. Process in batches if necessary. Pulse for about 20 seconds, scraping down sides and repeating until the mixture is coarse and well combined but not mushy.
Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the falafel mixture in the food processor bowl for 45-60 minutes or longer to help it firm up.
Shape Falafel: Use an ice cream scooper to portion the mixture and shape into balls or patties by hand.
Preheat & Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the falafel balls lightly with cooking spray and also spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Preheat air fryer to 375 ºF (190 ºC).
Air Fry Falafel: Place falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the falafels after 10 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Serve: Enjoy hot as is or inside pita bread with tahini, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers.

Notes

Use dried chickpeas instead of canned or cooked for best texture.
If the mixture feels too loose, add 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour or regular flour as a binder, especially if deep frying.
Baking powder is optional but adds lightness and airiness; add it just before cooking, not when refrigerating.
For oven-baking, shape into patties and bake at 375 ºF (190 ºC) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for crispiness.
For deep frying, heat oil to 360 ºF (180 ºC), fry falafel balls or patties for about 4 minutes until golden, turning as needed. Let rest on paper towels to drain oil.
Uncooked falafel balls can be frozen for up to one month.
Total times do not include soaking and resting periods.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 18-24 hours soaking and 45-60 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern