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This air fryer falafel method is great if you want a faster and healthier twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite. Using a pre-made falafel mix keeps things straightforward while still giving you a crunchy outside with a soft inside. I found this way when I wanted falafel without the hassle of deep frying and it quickly became a hit for busy evenings at home.
I really appreciate how the air fryer cuts down on the mess and still nails that crunchy bite I love. It’s a total game changer for a quick snack or a light meal that feels a bit fancy but takes hardly any effort.
What You Need
- Trader Joe’s Dry Falafel Mix: a tasty combo of spices and chickpeas that makes mixing up falafel easy without extra fuss
- Water: helps the mix stick together so the falafel don’t fall apart while cooking
- Grapeseed Oil Spray: gives a light crisp finish without making them greasy. Pick a neutral oil spray for the best even coating
How To Make It
- Mix the Batter:
- Pour the dry falafel mix into a bowl. Slowly add water while stirring until you get a thick dough that’s easy to shape. Take your time here because the water wakes up the chickpea flour and spices for the right taste and texture.
- Let It Rest:
- Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it sitting for 30 minutes at room temp. This step soaks the ingredients and makes the inside softer after cooking.
- Prep the Air Fryer:
- Spray the basket lightly with grapeseed oil so the falafel won’t stick and will turn nicely golden. A greased basket means you can flip easily without breaking them.
- Shape Falafel Balls:
- Use a small spoon or your hands to make balls about 1-2 inches wide. Try to keep them a similar size so they cook evenly. Leave space around each ball in the fryer so air flows well. You might need to do multiple loads depending on your fryer size.
- Air Fry:
- Set the air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the falafel balls for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each one. You can spray a bit more oil if you want extra crunch. Cook another 5 minutes until golden and firm on the outside.
- Enjoy:
- Take the falafel out and serve while warm. They go really well with pita, fresh veggies, and dips like tahini or hummus.
One thing I really like is how the spices pop when you air fry instead of deep frying. It tastes fresher and lighter but still has great texture. At first my kids were unsure about cooking falafel this way but they asked for seconds which made me happy.
Keeping Leftovers
Swap Ideas
Serving Suggestions
This falafel dish nails crispy on the outside and tender inside in under an hour. It’s an easy, tasty meal you can whip up any weeknight.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What's the best way to stop falafel from sticking in the air fryer?
Coat the air fryer basket with grapeseed oil before adding the falafel balls. This keeps things from sticking and helps get a nice brown crust.
- → Can I swap the store mix for one I make at home?
Absolutely! Just blend chickpeas with herbs and spices, then follow the same soaking and mixing steps to get a great result.
- → How big should I make each falafel ball to cook right?
Make balls about 1 to 2 inches across. That size cooks evenly inside and stays crunchy on the outside.
- → Do I really need to turn the falafel midway?
Yep, flipping after five minutes helps both sides get that golden crispness and keeps the texture just right.
- → What goes best with falafel when serving?
Serve falafel alongside pita, smooth hummus, tahini sauce, or fresh salad toppings to boost the Middle Eastern taste.
- → How long should the falafel mixture rest before cooking?
Let the batter sit covered for around 30 minutes. This helps the dry mix soak up water and makes the falafel taste better and hold together well.