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The Delight of Air Fryer Falafel: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favourite

Falafel, the beloved Middle Eastern street food, has won hearts worldwide with its delightful crunch and savoury flavour. Traditionally deep-fried, falafel can be a guilty pleasure due to its high fat content. However, the emergence of the air fryer has revolutionised the way we prepare this classic dish, allowing us to enjoy the same textures and tastes with significantly less oil. In this article, we’ll explore how to make falafel in an air fryer, the benefits of this method, and a few customizable options to suit every palate.

Understanding Falafel

At its core, falafel consists of ground chickpeas (or fava beans) mixed with herbs and spices, shaped into balls or patties, and traditionally deep-fried until golden brown. The crunch of the outer layer paired with a moist, flavourful interior makes falafel an irresistible snack or meal component, often enjoyed in pita bread, wraps, or on salads.

The Air Fryer Advantage

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, which creates a crispy exterior similar to that of deep frying, but with far less oil. This not only reduces the calorie count but also cuts down on unpleasant grease and the headaches associated with deep frying. The air frying method retains the delightful texture and flavour of falafel, giving you peace of mind about the nutritional profile.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Falafel

To whip up a batch of delicious air fryer falafel, you’ll need:

• 400g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 200g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons of flour (chickpea flour or all-purpose)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for brushing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight and then drain. Canned chickpeas can be used directly after a good rinse.

2. Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it’s combined but still slightly coarse. Add flour as needed to help bind the mixture together.

3. Shape the Falafel: Scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for about 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Falafel: Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Cook for around 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your air fryer falafel in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, or your favourite dip. They can also be served on a bed of salad for a wholesome meal.

Customisation Options

One of the best things about making your own falafel is the ability to customise it to your liking. Here are a few suggestions:

• Spices: Add chilli powder or paprika for a bit of heat. Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill for a unique flavour profile.
• Vegetables: Grate some carrots or add spinach to the mixture for added nutrients and colour.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Conclusion

Cooking falafel in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional dish with a modern, health-conscious twist. Enjoying this recipe at home can satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and flavourful while sticking to a healthier diet. So why not give air fryer falafel a try? You may find it becomes a regular feature on your dinner table, bringing a taste of the Middle East into your home.

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