Craving that perfect, crispy falafel but need it to be completely gluten-free? You have absolutely come to the right place!
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We’re skipping the deep fryer and using the magic of the air fryer to get the most incredible falafel you’ve ever tasted at home.
This Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel recipe is all about huge flavor, amazing texture, and simple, healthy ingredients.
A Little Story About This Dish
I’ll never forget my first bite of authentic falafel from a street cart. The smell of the fresh herbs and rich spices was just intoxicating!
That memory inspired a mission: to create a Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel that captured the same magic—perfectly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully fluffy and vibrant green on the inside.
This is the very recipe that brings me right back to that delicious moment, and I am so excited to finally share it with you.
Get Ready to Cook!
This simple process will give you the best homemade Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel you’ve ever had. Let’s get everything in order before we start mixing.
What to Expect
Time: About 1 hour, 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking for the chickpeas).
Difficulty: Super easy! Your food processor does nearly all the heavy lifting.
Before You Begin
The number one rule for incredible falafel is to start with dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas will turn your mixture to mush.
Soaking the chickpeas overnight is the secret to getting that perfect, fluffy interior. Don’t skip this step!
Also, chilling the mixture for at least 45 minutes is key. It helps the patties hold their shape, ensuring your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel doesn’t fall apart.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
This is everything required for your vibrant and delicious Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Dried Chickpeas | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons (or to taste) |
| Small Yellow or Red Onion | 1, quartered |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced or pressed |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro | ¾ cup |
| Ground Cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground Coriander | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
| Turmeric | ½ teaspoon (optional, for color) |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cooking Spray | As needed |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel.
1. Prepare Your Chickpeas:
First, take your soaked chickpeas, drain them completely, and give them a good rinse. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
2. Create the Base:
Place the chickpeas and salt into a large food processor. Pulse them just until you get a coarse, sandy texture. Scoop out about half of this mixture and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Blend the Herbs & Spices:
To the food processor with the remaining chickpeas, add your onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne and turmeric if you are using them. Process this until everything is finely blended and a beautiful, vibrant green mixture forms.
4. Combine and Chill:
Scrape the herby mixture into the bowl with your coarsely ground chickpeas. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 45 minutes.
5. Form and Cook:
After chilling, stir the baking powder into the mix. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
Shape the mixture into small patties or balls. Lightly coat the air fryer basket and the falafel patties with cooking spray.
6. Air Fry to Perfection:
Carefully place your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway mark. They’re done when they are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
A few extra tips will ensure your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel is perfect every single time.
For an even crispier outside, make sure your soaked chickpeas are patted thoroughly dry before you put them in the food processor. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy falafel. When forming the patties, try not to pack the mixture too tightly, as this can make them dense.
Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To bring back that amazing crispiness, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F for 3–4 minutes.
When you’re looking for your next gluten-free meal idea, these other recipes are a great starting point: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew and Gluten Free Lentil Bread, and Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to a few common questions about making the best Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel.
Why did my falafel fall apart in the air fryer?
This usually happens if the mixture is too wet. It’s crucial to use dried, soaked chickpeas—not canned—as canned chickpeas hold too much moisture and will cause your falafel to turn mushy and fall apart. Making sure to pat the soaked chickpeas dry is also a key step to prevent this.
Can I use canned chickpeas if I’m short on time?
It is strongly recommended not to use canned chickpeas for this recipe. They are pre-cooked and too soft, which prevents the falafel from holding its shape and achieving the right texture. The authentic, fluffy-yet-crispy result truly depends on starting with dried chickpeas.
Can I make this Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! The uncooked falafel mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze the uncooked, pre-shaped patties for longer storage. Place them on a tray in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to six months. You can cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel recipe that will transport your taste buds.
Serve them hot with your favorite dip, stuffed into a gluten-free pita, or on top of a fresh salad. Enjoy every crispy bite.
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Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel: A Remarkably Simple and Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 falafel patties 1x
Description
The ultimate Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel! This simple recipe uses dried chickpeas and fresh herbs to create a falafel that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy and vibrant on the inside. A healthy, flavorful, and authentic-tasting meal you can make right at home.
Ingredients
2 cups dried chickpeas (or garbanzo beans)
1 ½ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 small yellow or red onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 cup fresh parsley
¾ cup fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Cooking spray as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Chickpeas: First, take your soaked chickpeas, drain them completely, and give them a good rinse. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
2. Create the Base: Place the chickpeas and salt into a large food processor. Pulse them just until you get a coarse, sandy texture. Scoop out about half of this mixture and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Blend the Herbs & Spices: To the food processor with the remaining chickpeas, add your onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne and turmeric if you are using them. Process this until everything is finely blended and a beautiful, vibrant green mixture forms.
4. Combine and Chill: Scrape the herby mixture into the bowl with your coarsely ground chickpeas. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 45 minutes.
5. Form and Cook: After chilling, stir the baking powder into the mix. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Shape the mixture into small patties or balls. Lightly coat the air fryer basket and the falafel patties with cooking spray.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Carefully place your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway mark. They’re done when they are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
Notes
Use Dried Chickpeas Only: Do not substitute canned chickpeas. The recipe’s success depends on the firm texture that only comes from using dried chickpeas that have been soaked.
Don’t Over-Process: Be careful not to turn the chickpea mixture into a paste. Maintaining some coarse texture is key to a fluffy interior.
Chill the Mixture: Chilling the mixture is crucial for helping the falafel patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 175mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg