Air Fryer Falafel No Oil in Just 15 Minutes

Let me tell you about my little kitchen miracle—Air Fryer Falafel No Oil that’s just as crispy as the deep-fried version, but without all that grease! I used to shy away from making falafel at home because of the messy frying, but my air fryer changed everything. These golden little patties come out perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all those classic Middle Eastern flavors.

The best part? You get all the crunch without any oil—just chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices working their magic. I make these at least twice a week now—they’re that good and that easy. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to deal with splattering oil again!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

This recipe became my weeknight superhero for so many reasons:

• Crazy crispy without a drop of oil – that air fryer magic gives you perfect texture every time
• Ready in under 30 minutes – no waiting around like traditional recipes
• Packed with protein and fiber from all those wholesome chickpeas
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free – works for almost any diet
• No messy cleanup – goodbye, greasy stovetop splatters!

Honestly? I make double batches now because they disappear so fast!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy little wonders—measurements matter, so don’t eyeball it!

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight – don’t skip this!)
• 1 small onion (chopped roughly, about 1/2 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced fine – measure with your heart)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped, stems removed)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, stems removed)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (the secret flavor booster)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (for that perfect lift)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens everything up)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Dried chickpeas are non-negotiable – canned ones will make mushy falafel that falls apart. No parsley? Double the cilantro. Spice-sensitive? Cut cumin/coriander in half. For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne. If your mixture seems dry when blending, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it just holds together.

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How to Make Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

Okay, let’s get these crispy little beauties going! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Drain those chickpeas – really pat them dry with paper towels (wet chickpeas = sad falafel)
2. Pulse everything together in your food processor until it looks like coarse sand that holds together when pinched
3. Shape into small patties (about 1.5 inches wide) – I use damp hands to prevent sticking
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes – this gives that instant crisp we want
5. Arrange in a single layer with some space between each falafel (they need breathing room!)
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway – watch for that perfect golden brown color

When they’re done, you’ll hear that satisfying crunch when you tap them!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

My hard-learned secrets: If mixture crumbles, add water 1 tbsp at a time. Shape firmly – loose balls fall apart. For extra crisp, lightly spray with oil (but they’re great without!). Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed. Let them rest 2 minutes before eating – they crisp up more!

For a different twist on this classic, try our Healthy Air Fryer Falafel Recipe that packs in flavor while keeping things light.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve these crispy falafel is stuffed in warm pita with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce (1/4 cup tahini + lemon juice + garlic + water to thin). For a lighter meal, they’re amazing over a chopped salad with cucumber, tomato, and a lemony dressing. Need something heartier? Pair them with hummus, roasted veggies, and fluffy couscous for a complete Middle Eastern feast. My kids love them as “falafel nuggets” with yogurt dip—whatever way you serve them, they’ll disappear fast!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

These falafel keep beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container (I use glass) for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes—they’ll crisp right up again. Microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t stay as crunchy. Pro tip: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for instant falafel anytime!

Nutrition Information for Air Fryer Falafel No Oil

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (3 falafel) of my oil-free version – way lighter than traditional fried falafel but just as satisfying!

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 3g (0.5g saturated, 2g unsaturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g (that’s 24% of your daily need!)
• Protein: 7g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg

And the best part? Zero cholesterol and naturally gluten-free. These numbers make me feel good about eating them as often as I do!

Remember, values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used – especially if you tweak the herbs or spices to your taste.

Craving more wholesome air fryer meals? Explore our Pinterest boards for trending healthy recipe ideas you’ll love.

FAQ About Air Fryer Falafel No Oil