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- 1 can chickpeas - Small red onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1/4 cup fresh parsley - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 cup flour (chickpea flour for gluten-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray To make crispy falafel bites, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Chickpeas are the base. They give falafel their classic taste and texture. Use a can of chickpeas for ease. Just drain and rinse them before using. Next, chop a small red onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These add great flavor. Fresh herbs are key too! Use 1/4 cup each of parsley and cilantro. They bring brightness and freshness to your bites. For spices, you need ground cumin and ground coriander. Each adds warmth and depth to the mixture. If you like spice, add cayenne pepper. It's optional but gives a nice kick. For binding, use 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This helps make the falafel light and airy. You also need 1/4 cup of flour. Chickpea flour is a great choice for gluten-free options. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, grab cooking spray. It helps the falafel bites crisp up in the air fryer. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create tasty, crispy falafel bites! First, get your food processor ready. We will blend the main ingredients together. - Combine one can of chickpeas, a small red onion, and two minced garlic cloves. - Add in a quarter cup of fresh parsley and a quarter cup of fresh cilantro. - Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cumin and one teaspoon of ground coriander. - Don’t forget half a teaspoon of baking powder and a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat! - Add salt and pepper to taste. - Pulse everything until you have a coarse mixture. You want it blended, but not a puree. Now, it’s time to shape our falafel. This part is fun! - Transfer your mixture to a bowl and stir in a quarter cup of flour. - Mix until it’s fully combined. If the mix feels too wet, add more flour slowly. - Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball or shape it into a patty. - Keep rolling until you use up all the mixture. Place them on a tray or plate. Let’s cook our falafel bites! - First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. - Arrange the falafel bites in the basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not crowded. - Spray the tops of the bites lightly with more cooking spray. - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway to ensure they cook evenly. - Once they are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy these delicious bites as a snack or part of a meal! To make your falafel bites crispy, use cooking spray. This spray helps them brown nicely. Spray both the basket and the tops of the bites. This step is key for that golden crunch everyone loves. Flipping the bites halfway through cooking is also important. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides, giving you that perfect crunch. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. When you pile too many bites in, they steam instead of fry. This makes them soft instead of crispy. Another mistake is not adjusting the flour consistency. If your mixture is too wet, the bites won’t hold their shape. Always add enough flour to make the mixture firm enough to form balls or patties. To boost the flavor of your falafel, add more spices. Extra cumin or coriander can take your bites to the next level. You can also incorporate ingredients like lemon zest for some zing. Fresh herbs, like dill or mint, can add a nice twist. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite mix! {{image_2}} You can make your falafel bites gluten-free easily. Use chickpea flour as your base. This flour is made from ground chickpeas and works great. It gives a nice texture and holds everything together. If you don’t have chickpea flour, try other gluten-free flours. Almond flour or rice flour can work well too. Just make sure you adjust the amount, as different flours absorb moisture differently. Want to spice things up? Try adding extra cayenne for a spicy kick. Just a little can make a big difference. You can also explore Mediterranean flavors. Toss in some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a new twist. These additions bring a burst of flavor and make your falafel bites unique. Serve your crispy falafel bites with a drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt. Both add creaminess and balance the spices. You can also pair them with fresh salads or wraps. Try stuffing them in pita bread with veggies for a tasty meal. The options are endless, so have fun mixing and matching! To store leftover falafel bites, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them crisp, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This towel absorbs any extra moisture. For long-term storage, freeze falafel bites after they cool down. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back their crispy texture. To keep falafel bites fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking them in the container to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheating in the air fryer also helps to crisp them up again. Enjoy your tasty snacks any time! Yes, you can make these falafel bites ahead of time. Here are my best practices: - Prepare the mixture: You can blend the chickpeas, herbs, and spices the day before. - Store properly: Keep the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. - Shape later: When ready, just shape and air fry them. This saves time for busy days. If your falafel mix is too wet, don’t worry. Here are some solutions: - Add more flour: Gradually mix in a little more flour until you get the right texture. - Chill the mix: Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes helps firm it up. - Check moisture: Make sure your chickpeas are well-drained. This keeps the mix from being soggy. You’ll know the falafel bites are done when: - Color: They should be golden brown. - Texture: The outside feels crispy, while the inside stays soft. - Cooking time: Aim for 12-15 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway for even cooking. Crispy falafel is easy to make with simple ingredients and steps. You combine chickpeas, onion, and herbs for flavor. Adding the right flour helps hold it all together. Using an air fryer gives a healthy crisp. Remember to adjust your mix for the perfect texture. Think about adding spices or herbs for extra taste. With care, you’ll avoid common pitfalls. Store extras properly to enjoy your falafel later. By following these tips, you can have delicious bites ready whenever you want. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites

Create delicious Air Fryer Crispy Falafel Bites at home with this easy recipe! Just blend chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, then air fry until golden and crispy. Perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer, these falafel bites are sure to impress your guests. Ready in just 35 minutes, you won’t want to miss out. Click through for the full recipe and tips! #Falafel #HealthyRecipes #AirFryerRecipes #VegetarianEats
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small red onion, roughly chopped

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 baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

1/4 cup flour (chickpea flour for gluten-free)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms, but not a puree.

    Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour. Mix until fully combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour until you can form a ball.

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

        Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball or patty shape. Repeat until the mixture is used up, placing the formed falafel bites on a tray or plate.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the falafel bites in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches.

            Spray the tops of the falafel bites lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

              Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking for even crispness.

                Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

                  Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy falafel bites with a drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt and a side of fresh vegetable salad for a colorful and delicious meal. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with additional chopped herbs for an attractive presentation.