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Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Falafel – Gluten Free and Vegan

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas or fava beans, which are blended with herbs and spices, rolled into balls, and traditionally deep-fried until golden brown. However, many food enthusiasts are now seeking healthier cooking methods to enjoy this tasty treat. Enter the air fryer—a revolutionary kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.

In this article, we’ll share a delightful recipe for perfectly crispy air fryer falafel. Not only is it gluten-free and vegan, but it also keeps the authenticity of traditional falafel intact while delivering an enjoyable texture and flavour.

Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 400g canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed, or 200g dried chickpeas soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a touch of heat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons plain gluten-free flour (or chickpea flour)
• Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas

If using dried chickpeas, drain and rinse them after soaking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse them to reduce sodium content.

2. Make the Falafel Mixture

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but not pureed—aim for a coarse yet uniform consistency.

3. Add Flour

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and sprinkle in the gluten-free flour. Mix it in using your hands until fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together when formed into a ball; add a touch more flour if it feels too wet.

4. Form the Falafel Balls

Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on a plate or a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy texture.

6. Cook the Falafel

Arrange the falafel balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the falafel with olive oil for an extra crispiness. Cook the falafel for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are evenly golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve your perfectly crispy air fryer falafel in pita bread with fresh salads, tahini sauce, or hummus, or enjoy them on their own as a delightful snack!

Tips for Success

• Soaking Chickpeas: If you choose to use dried chickpeas, ensure they are soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight for optimal texture and ease of blending.

• Flavour Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Adding ingredients like mint or dill can provide a unique twist.

• Storage: Any leftover falafel can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

Creating perfectly crispy air fryer falafel at home is effortless and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish without the guilt of deep frying. With its gluten-free and vegan credentials, this recipe is suitable for various dietary preferences and is sure to impress both family and friends. So, grab your air fryer and indulge in the delightful flavours of homemade falafel today!

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