How to Air Fry Falafel

Soak dried chickpeas (not canned) in water for 12–24 hours, drain, and pulse in a food processor with onion, garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of flour until coarsely textured. Do not over-process — the mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be a paste. Refrigerate 30 minutes before forming.

Form into 1.5-inch balls or patties (patties tend to cook more evenly). Spray the air fryer basket and the falafel liberally with cooking spray — this is critical for a crispy exterior. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) and spray again after flipping. Without enough oil, the surface stays dry and chalky.

Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes total, flipping once at the 7-minute mark. They are done when the exterior is deep brown and crispy and the interior is cooked through (no raw chickpea taste). Cooking from refrigerator-cold may add 2 minutes to the total time.

Frozen store-bought falafel cooks at 375°F for 10–12 minutes without needing to thaw. Shake or flip at 5–6 minutes. Quality varies significantly by brand — look for brands with simple ingredients and avoid those with many fillers.

Serve in pita with hummus, tahini sauce, cucumber, tomato, and pickled red onion. Falafel is also great over salads or rice bowls. Best eaten within 20 minutes of cooking; they soften as they cool. Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

What temperature for air fryer falafel?

Air fry falafel at 375°F (190°C). This temperature produces a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and herby. Too high a temperature (400°F+) can dry out the chickpea mixture before the outside crisps properly.

How long to cook falafel in air fryer?

Falafel balls or patties cook in 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip them at the halfway point (6–7 minutes). They are done when the exterior is deep golden-brown and firm to the touch. Larger falafel balls may need an extra 2 minutes.

How to get crispy falafel in air fryer?

A light mist of oil spray on all sides is essential for crispy falafel — air-fried falafel without oil will be dry and pale. Do not overcrowd the basket. Serve immediately after cooking; falafel softens quickly as it sits. Chill the mixture 30 minutes before shaping for firmer falafel.