Easy Air Fryer Falafels with Canned Chickpeas

Air fryer recipes are becoming a huge fan favorite for most households! Add these air fryer falafels with canned chickpeas to the line up next time you want to try something new for dinner. You pretty much just throw everything in a food processor and minutes later you have delicious homemade falafels.

Bonus points for yourself if you have a cucumber laying around so you can whip up a quick tzatziki sauce to dip your falafels in!

The possibilities are endless with canned chickpeas, but air fryer falafels with canned chickpeas have to be on the top of my list. If you’re into canned chickpea recipes you should totally check out my spicy hummus recipe without tahini or this kale apple walnut salad garnished with crispy chickpeas!

REASONS YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

Quick Prep – To make these air fryer falafels with canned chickpeas you literally just toss everything into a food processor and call it a day! Scoop out your falafels and put them on the air fryer tray and in less than 20 minutes you have crunchy yet soft, flavorful, yummy, homemade falafels!

A Healthy Meal – I’m all about trying to keep things generally healthy for my family, and the air fryer makes that much easier sometimes. These falafels are also packed with fresh herbs, protein, and delicious spices.

Super Easy – As I said before, you re just throwing everything into a food processor then into the air fryer. I know if can be difficult to try and keep dinners interesting without being boring. These falafels with canned chickpeas are sure to impress.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE AIR FRYER FALAFELS WITH CANNED CHICKPEAS

SUGGESTED EQUITMENT YOU MAY NEED:

• Food Processor – This recipe will require a food processor.
• Cutting Board – You’ll be doing some light cutting with this recipe, so one will come in handy.
• 2 tbsp. Cookie Scoop – To get the right consistent size and shape, a cookie scoop will be ideal for forming your falafels.
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper – I have metal grates for my air fryer trays so I certainly use these almost every time I cook. These will help eliminate any big messes with the sticky falafels.
• Air Fryer – I assume because you clicked on this recipe you already have an air fryer, but these could be made in the oven as well. If you’re not part of the air fryer fam, check tis one out at least!
• Strainer – You don’t need any liquid from the chickpeas in this recipe, so straining them is needed.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE AIR FRYER FALAFELS WITH CANNED CHICKPEAS

• 1 can of chickpeas – If you’re not the type of person to always have canned chickpeas on deck, I highly suggest you begin! There are so many delicious quick, easy recipes you can whip up from a can of chickpeas!
• A Bundle of Fresh Parsley & Cilantro – The fresh herbs are the KEY to this recipes success!
• Onion – You’ll only need half an onion. Use whatever kind you have on hand.
• Spices – You will need: Cinnamon, Paprika, Cumin, Coriander, Salt, & Pepper
• Minced Garlic – I use the minced garlic in the jar, If you have fresh garlic be my guest.
• Flour – I used regular flour. I’m sure you can get away with using any type you have handy, just make sure your falafel batter isn’t too sticky in the end.
• EVOO – Use any type of oil you normally have. I just always have olive oil handy!

HOW TO MAKE THESE FALAFELS WITH CANNED CHICKPEAS

Grab a can opener, open a can of chickpeas and rinse the chickpeas in a strainer then add them to the food processor. (don’t start it yet)

Then on a cutting board take a 1/2 bundle of fresh parsley and a 1/2 bundle of fresh cilantro and cut the stems off. Cut an onion in half and toss the herbs and the 1/2 onion in the food processor with the chickpeas.

To the food processor add all of your spices; cinnamon, paprika, cumin, coriander, ground pepper, and salt. Then measure out a 1/4 cup of flour and add that into the food processor as well.

Last into the food processor add in the minced garlic and olive oil.

Turn on your food processor and blend everything together. Scraping the sides as needed. Blend until everything is well combined and you have a smooth falafel mix.

Once combined, grab a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop and scoop portions of the falafel mix onto a parchment lined air fryer tray. Flatten the scoop of falafel slightly to form a small patty shape.

Spray or brush the top of the falafels with oil on the air fryer tray and air fry on 400° for 18-20 minutes flipping half way and spraying or brushing with oil again when you flip them.

Enjoy these falafels with canned chickpeas with a quick tzatziki sauce of shredded seedless cucumber, sour cream, lemon juice and salt to taste!

THE BEST WAY TO STORE AND REHEAT THESE AIR FRYER FALAFELS WITH CANNED CHICKPEAS

You can store these cooked or uncooked in an air tight container and freeze them for about 6 months.

You can keep these cooked in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

To reheat you can toss them back in the air fryer for about 5-8 minutes to crisp them up or you can simple heat them in the microwave for about a minute and a half.

FAQ’s RELATED TO THIS RECIPE

What type of oil is best for the air fryer?

Typically since the air fryer cooks at a higher temperature you want to use an oil with a high smoke point to avoid burning your food.

Some oils with a higher smoke point that would be good for air frying:

• Canola Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Olive Oil
• Avocado Oil

Why is my falafel not crispy?

You need to oil the top and when you flip them half way you need to oil again. This will ensure crispiness on both sides. Also make sure your falafel mix isn’t too wet. If you feel the need to add more flour do so to your best judgement.

HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES I THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TOO!

• Baked Black Bean Burgers
• Almond Flour Crusted Stuffed Mushrooms
• Easy Roasted Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes
• Spicy Hummus Recipe Without Tahini

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