Have you jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet? If not, you’re in for a treat! Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason—they create crispy, delicious food with way less oil than traditional frying. My air fryer falafel bites crispy delights recipe is a perfect example of this magic! These little bites are not only healthier, but they also pack a flavor punch that’s hard to resist. I remember the first time I tried falafel at a cozy little Mediterranean restaurant. The crispy outer layer and soft, flavorful interior made my taste buds dance! Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that dish at home, and with my air fryer, I can indulge without the guilt. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

How to Prepare the Air Fryer Falafel Bites Crispy Delights Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer fired up! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it ensures those falafel bites start cooking perfectly right from the get-go. You want that crispy exterior, and a hot air fryer is key!

Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

Now, grab your food processor and toss in the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse it all together until you get a coarse mixture—think of it as a chunky dough that holds together but still has some texture. You don’t want it too smooth; a little chunkiness adds that delightful bite!

Step 3: Shape the Falafel Bites

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time for some fun! Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12 to 15 bites, depending on how big you make them. Make sure they’re packed tightly so they hold their shape while cooking.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

Now, here’s a little secret to achieving that golden, crispy perfection: brush each falafel ball lightly with olive oil. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to crisp them up beautifully in the air fryer. Don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 5: Air Fry the Falafel Bites

Carefully place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Ooh, the aroma is just divine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Healthier alternative to traditional frying with less oil.
• Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices.
• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—just divine!
• Great for meal prep or as a fun snack for gatherings.
• Vegan and gluten-free options available, so everyone can enjoy!

Tips for Success

To make sure your air fryer falafel bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along my cooking journey:

• Don’t overblend: When pulsing the mixture, aim for a coarse texture. If it’s too smooth, your falafel may not hold together well.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a nice kick!
• Let them rest: If you have time, let the shaped falafel balls sit for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd: Give the bites some space in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches to ensure they crisp up nicely.
• Check for doneness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your falafel towards the end of the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying these crispy air fryer falafel bites, it’s nice to know they’re not just delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving (which is about 4 pieces):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and preparation methods, so they might vary a bit depending on what you use. But one thing’s for sure—you’re indulging in a snack that’s as nutritious as it is tasty!

FAQ Section

Can I make these falafel bites gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make your falafel bites gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour or almond flour. Both options will help bind the mixture without compromising on flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that crispy goodness before serving again!

What can I serve with air fryer falafel bites?

These falafel bites are super versatile! I love serving them with a creamy tahini sauce or a tangy yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast. You could also pair them with a crisp salad or tuck them into pita bread with some fresh veggies. The possibilities are endless, and they make a fantastic addition to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your crispy air fryer falafel bites fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, but trust me, they rarely last that long in my house! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the falafel bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain that wonderful crispiness. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out. Enjoy those tasty bites as if they were just made—because they deserve it!

Air Fryer Falafel Bites: 5 Crispy Delights You’ll Love

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A simple recipe for making crispy air fryer falafel bites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
3. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms.
4. Add flour and mix until combined.
5. Shape the mixture into small balls.
6. Brush each ball with olive oil.
7. Place falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
8. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Notes

• Serve with tahini sauce or yogurt.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Use a food processor for best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 pieces
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: air fryer falafel bites, crispy falafel recipe, vegan snack