Crispy Falafel Green Tahini

There's something magical about the smell of fresh falafel—golden, crispy, and packed with aromatic herbs and spices. This Air Fryer Crispy Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce brings all the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen with a healthier twist. By using the air fryer instead of deep-frying, you get that perfect crispy exterior and tender, herby interior without the extra oil. Paired with a silky, herb-packed green tahini sauce, this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will transport you straight to a bustling mezze spread.

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The secret to perfect air fryer falafel lies in the texture of the chickpea mixture. Unlike hummus, which uses cooked chickpeas, authentic falafel starts with dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight but not cooked. This is crucial—it gives you that ideal coarse texture that holds together while staying light and fluffy inside. Combined with fresh parsley, cilantro, and a hint of dill, each bite is a burst of green, herby goodness. The addition of cumin and coriander grounds the dish in classic Middle Eastern flavors, while a touch of cayenne adds just the right amount of warmth.

Ingredients

• Falafel: 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, drained), 1 small onion (roughly chopped), 3 garlic cloves, 1 cup fresh parsley leaves (packed), 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed), 2 tbsp fresh dill (optional), 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour), olive oil spray
• Green Tahini Sauce: 1/2 cup tahini, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 small garlic clove, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup cold water (plus more as needed), 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the falafel mixture

In a food processor, combine soaked and drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, dill (if using), cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and holds together when pressed. Do not over-process; it should not be a paste.

Step 2: Add binding ingredients

Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in baking powder and chickpea flour. Mix well.

Step 3: Form and chill

Using damp hands, form the mixture into 16 balls or small patties. Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold together.

Step 4: Preheat air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.

Step 5: Air fry the falafel

Arrange falafel balls in a single layer, not touching. Spray tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Make the green tahini sauce

Meanwhile, blend tahini, parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt in a blender until smooth and vibrant green. Add more water to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the hot falafel with green tahini sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy with pita, salad, or grain bowls.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to successful air fryer falafel is proper moisture balance. If your mixture feels too dry and won't hold together, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it binds. Conversely, if it's too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour. Refrigerating the formed falafel balls is not optional—this step ensures they maintain their shape during cooking. When arranging them in the air fryer, leave space between each ball to allow hot air to circulate evenly, creating that desirable all-over crispiness. For the green tahini sauce, start with less water and add gradually; you can always thin it out, but you can't thicken it easily once it's too runny. The sauce should be pourable but still coat the back of a spoon.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For extra crunch, add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds directly to the falafel mix before forming the balls. If you prefer a different herb profile, substitute the dill with fresh mint for a brighter, more refreshing flavor. You can also experiment with the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. For the green tahini sauce, try adding a handful of fresh spinach for an even more vibrant color and nutritional boost. If you don't have an air fryer, these can be baked in a 400°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through and spraying with oil for crispiness.

Serviervorschläge

These crispy falafel are incredibly versatile. For a classic mezze plate, serve them alongside chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and warm pita bread. They're perfect stuffed into pita pockets with fresh vegetables, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of the green tahini sauce. For a modern grain bowl, place them over quinoa or bulgur with roasted vegetables, fresh greens, and a dollop of hummus. They also make an excellent addition to a salad—crumble them over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber, then dress with the green tahini thinned slightly with extra lemon juice. For entertaining, serve them as appetizers with the sauce in a small bowl for dipping, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sumac.

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This Air Fryer Crispy Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce proves that healthy cooking doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Each golden ball is a testament to the power of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and smart cooking techniques. The vibrant green tahini sauce is the perfect finishing touch—creamy, tangy, and packed with herb flavor that complements the falafel beautifully. Whether you're serving these for a weeknight dinner, weekend lunch, or as part of a larger mezze spread, they're sure to become a favorite. The best part? You can feel good about enjoying them, knowing they're made with wholesome ingredients and cooked with minimal oil. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy some of the best homemade falafel you've ever tasted.

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