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My homemade air fryer falafel gets you that golden crunch without dunking them in oil. The mix of traditional chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices gives you that real-deal flavor, but the air fryer keeps everything lighter and healthier.
Golden Crunchy Wholesome
You'll nail that perfect falafel bite without drowning it in oil. This simple approach locks in those punchy herbs and warm spices for that classic taste you love.
Core Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Use dry ones soaked for a full day, don't grab canned.
- Fresh Herbs: Blend of parsley, dill and cilantro.
- Aromatics: Raw garlic and onion foundation.
- Spices: Rich depth from coriander and cumin.
- Baking Powder: Creates airy, soft insides.
- Sesame: Adds a nutty bite if you want it.
Simple Instructions
- Soak
- Cover chickpeas with water and baking soda for 24 hours, then rinse and drain well.
- Mix
- Put chickpeas, spices and herbs in food processor and pulse till roughly chopped.
- Chill Form
- Let mixture sit for 60 minutes, then mix in powder and sesame before shaping balls.
- Air Fry
- Cook at 400°F for five minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy.
Helpful Hints
Leave room between patties in your air fryer for proper cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn and cook in smaller batches if needed.
Customization Ideas
Try adding paprika or turmeric for different flavors. Swap dill for mint or make them spicier with some cayenne.
What To Expect
Those soaked chickpeas give you the real-deal texture. Your air fryer creates that crispy outside while keeping the inside soft, just like street food versions.
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Serving Suggestions
They're great dunked in tahini sauce or as part of a mixed platter. Stuff them in pita bread with tomatoes, pickles and cucumber for a full meal.
Keeping Leftovers
You can freeze cooked falafel up to three months. To get them crispy again, warm at 350°F in your air fryer or oven for ten minutes.
Alternative Cooking
If you don't have an air fryer, baking at 350°F for fifteen minutes works too. But the air fryer gives you the crunchiest results.
Nutritional Benefits
These chickpea balls packed with fresh herbs make a filling meal. They're naturally vegan and gluten-free, so they fit lots of eating plans.
Old Meets New
You get all those timeless flavors with a modern cooking twist. The taste stays authentic but with a healthier approach.
Time-Saving Tips
Cook a large batch and freeze the extras for later. Just reheat when you're too busy to cook from scratch.
Great Pairings
Try them with roasted veggies, couscous and yogurt sauce. Add warm pita and a Mediterranean salad to round out your meal.
Entertaining Option
Set up a platter with pickled vegetables, herbs and hummus. They make great finger food for any get-together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the Doritos flavor?
- Totally! Try out other flavors. Just tweak the spices to fit the chips, and coat them the same way.
- → Why aren't my tenders staying crispy?
- Spray them lightly with oil before cooking. And keep the Dorito pieces chunky, like breadcrumbs, for a better crunch.
- → Are tenders different from chicken breast slices?
- Tenders are softer strips found below the chicken breast. Slicing a breast works fine, too!
- → Why bother adding seasoning with Doritos?
- Doritos can lose flavor during cooking, so the added spices amp up the taste to keep things delicious.
- → What's the top dip to serve with these?
- You can't go wrong with ranch for dipping. They're also great in wraps, on salads, or next to fries!