Air Fryer Falafel is quick and easy to make and just as good as the deep fried version.

low angle shot of air fryer falafel in a serving dish.

The best falafel is crunchy and golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of Middle Eastern flavor. And with an air fryer, you can skip the messy, greasy deep frying and jump right to the delicious part!

Why you’ll love this air fryer falafel

Falafel is a type of fritter made from ground chickpeas. It is flavored with fresh herbs, spices, onions, and garlic.

Traditional falafel is deep fried until it is golden brown and crisp. But for those of us who hate the mess of deep frying, Air Fryer Falafel saves the day.

This Air Fryer Falafel recipe starts with the same mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, but, obviously, you air fry the balls instead of deep frying them.

The result is light, fluffy falafel with a crisp outer shell and none of the heavy greasiness that can plague some deep-fried foods. They’re every bit as flavorful as deep fried falafel, but easier and healthier.

This recipe is also completely vegan AND gluten free!

Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make air fryer falafel.

ingredients you need

The list of air fryer falafel ingredients is short. All you need for this falafel recipe is just chickpeas, garlic and onion, and a bunch of fresh herbs and spices. Here’s the complete list:

Dried chickpeas—Be sure not to use canned chickpeas or already cooked chickpeas. They will not provide the right texture. Use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. If you don’t have time to soak them overnight, you can use the Instant Pot quick-soak method, or even a stovetop quick-soak method.
Garlic
Red onion
Parsley
Cilantro
Mint
Ground cumin
Baking powder (optional)
Salt & pepper
Spray oil, like olive oil spray or cooking spray (just make sure it is a nonaerosol oil spray if using a nonstick air fryer basket.) Or use any neutral oil and brush it on.

Chickpeas used for an air fryer recipe displayed in a glass bowl on a cutting board. — Soak the chickpeas.

Chickpeas cooked in an air fryer with other ingredients to make falafel. — Soak the chickpeas.

How to make it

For the complete list of ingredients with quantities and detailed prep and cooking instructions, please see the recipe card that appears at the end of this post.

It’s super easy to make this air fryer falafel recipe in the air fryer. Here’s how:

Soak the chickpeas overnight in cold water (or use the Instant Pot quick-soak method).
Combine the chickpeas with the garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, baking soda (if using), salt, and pepper and process in a food processor.
Form the mixture into balls using either your hands or a small cookie scoop.
Brush or spritz the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil and add the falafel balls in a single layer with a bit of space in between (you’ll have to cook in at least 2 batches). Brush or spritz the balls with oil.
Cook for about 7 minutes, flip, brush with more oil, and cook for another 7 minutes or so until they are crisp on the outside.
Serve hot.

Close up shot of a falafel ball on a fork.

Tips for success

First off, don’t use canned chickpeas! The texture won’t ve right and the fritters will fall apart.
If you forgot to soak the chickpeas ahead of time, you can still make this falafel recipe! Use an Instant Pot to do a quick soak, which only takes about 20 minutes.
Use a food processor to grind the chickpeas and chop the other ingredients. It’s such a time-saver!
You can make the falafel mixture into balls or into patties, whichever you prefer. Patties can be a bit easier to stuff into traditional falafel sandwiches.
You can cover and refrigerate the uncooked falafel balls for up to a day before you cook them. Cook them just as directed in the recipe.
Preheat the air fryer if you have a model that needs preheating. Heat it to 400°F for about 5 minutes before putting the falafel patties in.
Make sure to arrange the falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and leave a bit of space between balls so that they all get nice and crisp and golden brown.

Close up shot of a half of a falafel ball on a fork.

Falafel variations

This Air Fryer Falafel recipe is great as is, but you can get creative if you like. Here are some of my favorite variations.

Be traditional and deep fry them: You can use either this recipe or the recipe in my Instant Pot Falafel post for the mix and then follow the deep frying instructions in that post.
Try different flavors: Add curry powder, garlic powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, or other spices.
Make them spicy: Add cayenne, ground chipotle, or fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers.
Use different fresh herbs: I love making falafel with parsley, cilantro, and mint, but you can also try chives, dill, basil, scallions, and other fresh herbs.
Switch the beans: In addition to chickpeas, fava beans are traditionally often made with fava beans, which are a great option. Or try using cannellini beans or lentils.

Low angle shot of a platter of air fried falafel patties.

What to serve with falafel

Stuff these air fried falafel balls into warm Pita Bread or any flatbread with fresh veggies, Tahini Sauce, and Harissa Paste.

Or serve this Air Fryer Falafel as part of a Middle Eastern Mezze Platter with dipping sauces like Tahini Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce, Instant Pot Hummus, Zhoug Sauce, Muhamarra, Tzatziki, or Harissa Paste.

Or top a salad and add crispy falafel patties are also a great addition to a salad. Try it with this Tahini Dressing or Harissa Dressing.