Air Fryer Falafel

Name: Air Fryer Falafel
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 12 h 44 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Levantine
Ingredients: 250 g Dried chickpeas; 1 Small onion, coarsely chopped; 2 Garlic cloves; 20 g Flat-leaf parsley, Leaves and fine stems; 15 g Fresh coriander, Leaves and fine stems; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Baking powder; 2 tbsp Chickpea flour, if necessary; 2 tbsp Olive oil, to fill in; 150 g Tahini-Joghurt sauce, for serving

By the Kochzauber editorial team Published 10 September 2026 Editorially approved

Why this recipe works

Falafel of uncooked chickpeas

Classic falafels are not made from cooked canned chickpeas. Overnight soaked uncooked legumes produce a granular mass that binds while cooking and remains loose inside. The air fryer produces less strong crust than a frying bath; some oil on all sides is therefore important.

Vegetarian Dinners Dinner Air Fryer Recipes Pulses

Recipe

Falafel made of soaked raw chickpeas are browned outside in the air fryer and loose inside without being fried in oil.

Method

1

Soak chickpeas

Soak dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water for at least 12 hours. They are not pre-cooked.
2

Drain very well

Drain chickpeas, rinse and leave to dry on a cloth for 15 minutes.
3

Crushing mass

Mix chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, salt and baking powder pulsating to a fine, not mushy mixture.
4

Cooling and testing

Cool for 20 minutes. Can not be formed, add one to two tablespoons of chickpea flour.
5

Form Balls

Form 16 flat balls with damp hands. Preheat air fryer to 190 °C and oil falafel all around.
6

Cook in batches

In a location cook for 7 minutes, gently turn and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes brown. Serve with tahini sauce.

Kitchen know-how

Tips for Air Fryer Falafel

Soak the raw chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are already cooked and give a soft, hard-to-form mass in this recipe.

Take Drains Serious

Too much water causes the falafel to decay. Dry soaked chickpeas on a cloth after rinsing.

Only pulsate mass

A smooth hummus porridge becomes compact. The mixture should be finely grained and stick together when pressed together.

Variations

How to adapt this recipe

Roll moulded falafel in two tablespoons of sesame seeds before oiling and gently touch them when turning.

Replace coriander with further parsley and add half a teaspoon of finely abraded lemon peel.

Nutrition per serving

360kcal

48.0 gCarbohydrates

16.0 gProtein

12.0 gFat

Values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ about Air Fryer Falafel

Not for this recipe. Boiled chickpeas contain too much moisture and produce another, softer mass.

At least twelve hours in plenty of cold water. Then rinse and dry thoroughly, but do not cook.

The mixture is too wet, too coarse or not cooled. If necessary, add little chickpea flour as a binding.

Flat balls need about 12 to 14 minutes at 190 °C and are turned after seven minutes.

Pre-freeze moulded raw falafel individually and then pack. Frozen they need a few minutes extra cooking time.

Keep cooking

Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel of uncooked chickpeas