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- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced The base of your falafel bites starts with canned chickpeas. They offer a creamy texture and taste. Fresh parsley and cilantro add a vibrant flavor, making the bites fresh and green. Onion and garlic bring depth. They create a lovely aroma as they cook. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour) The spices are key to flavor. Ground cumin and coriander give warmth and earthiness. Cayenne pepper adds a kick. You can adjust it based on your spice level. Baking powder helps the falafel rise, making them light. Flour binds the mix, helping it hold shape. - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray for cooking Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Olive oil spray is essential for crispiness. It ensures the falafel get that golden, crunchy outside. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need canned chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. 1. Combine ingredients in a food processor. Add all the ingredients into the processor. Pulse until they mix well. The mixture should be coarse, not smooth. This texture helps the falafel hold together. 2. Achieving the right texture. You want small chunks in the mix. This adds bite and keeps the falafel from being too mushy. 3. Importance of refrigeration. Once mixed, transfer the falafel mix to a bowl. Cover it and put it in the fridge. Chilling helps the flavors blend and firms up the mix. 4. Duration for optimal results. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This short wait makes it easier to shape the falafel. 5. Preheating the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps the falafel cook evenly. 6. Shaping the falafel bites. Remove the mix from the fridge. Shape it into small balls or patties. Aim for about the size of a tablespoon. 7. Cooking time and flipping guidelines. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Spray the tops with olive oil too. Cook for about 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. To get your falafel bites crispy, use olive oil spray. A light coat helps them brown nicely. It also adds flavor without making them greasy. Another key tip is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you place too many falafel bites in at once, they won’t cook evenly. Give them space to breathe. This way, hot air can circulate around each bite, making them crisp. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce it or skip it altogether. You can also add different herbs like mint or dill. They give a fresh twist to the falafel. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, too. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives can add unique flavors. Presentation is important for any meal. Serve your crispy falafel bites on a bright platter. Add a small bowl of tahini sauce or tzatziki for dipping. These sauces complement the flavors well. Garnish the platter with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges. This adds a zesty touch and makes it look more appealing. You can also serve them as a wrap with fresh veggies for a fun twist! {{image_2}} You can change the chickpeas in your falafel. Black beans or lentils work well. Both will give your bites a different taste and texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try chickpea flour instead of regular flour. This keeps your falafel both tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper to your mix. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also chop fresh jalapeños and mix them in for a kick. This will make your falafel bites spicy and fun! Get creative with how you serve your falafel! You can make mini falafel sliders. Use small buns and add your favorite toppings. Falafel wraps with fresh veggies are also great. Just fill a wrap with falafel and lots of crunchy veggies. These styles make your meal more exciting and shareable. To keep your falafel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps maintain their crispiness. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place your falafel bites in the basket and cook for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. The oven works too; just bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. To freeze falafel bites, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes to reheat. When your falafel is done, it should be golden brown. The outside will feel crispy to the touch. You can also look for a firm texture. If you see this, your falafel is ready to eat! Yes, you can make falafel ahead of time. Prepare the mixture and shape it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet. Cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if frozen. Falafel pairs well with many dishes. Here are some popular options: - Hummus or tahini sauce for dipping - Tzatziki sauce for a cool contrast - Fresh salad with cucumber, tomato, and onion - Pita bread or wraps for a tasty sandwich - Pickled vegetables for an extra zing Enjoy experimenting with these pairings! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious air fryer falafel bites. We started with essential ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. Then, we outlined simple steps for mixing, chilling, and cooking. I shared tips for perfect crispiness and tasty variations. Finally, we covered storage methods and answered common questions. These falafel bites are easy to make and full of flavor. Try them today, and enjoy a healthy snack or meal!

Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites

Satisfy your cravings with these Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites! Perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with flavor, these easy-to-make bites are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer. Using simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, you'll create a mouthwatering treat in no time. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your snacking game with these delightful falafel bites today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but not pureed—it should have a coarse texture.

    Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and make it easier to shape the falafel.

      Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

        Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into small balls or patties, about the size of a tablespoon.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the falafel bites in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops lightly with more olive oil to help them crisp up.

            Air fry the falafel for about 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Once done, remove and let them cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 50 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel bites on a platter with a side of tahini sauce or tzatziki for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty touch.