Healthy, crispy falafel with very little Oil: the kind of meal prep that makes busy weeks feel easier.
These homemade air-fryer falafels became a weekly lifesaver in our home. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavourful on the inside, they’re incredibly versatile. My kids love them tucked into wraps with their favourite sauce, tossed into salads for a quick lunch, or simply enjoyed as an easy after-school snack. Making one batch means healthier, stress-free meals ready in minutes all week long.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups overnight soaked chickpeas
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 green chilies
- 4–5 small slices fresh ginger
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cumin/coriander spice mix
- 2 tbsp Besan (chickpea flour)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step 1: Prep the Greens
Wash your spinach thoroughly and pat dry. Roughly chop the greens. If the stems are thick, remove the toughest parts.
Kitchen note: Too much moisture = mushy falafel. Dry greens help crispiness.
Step 2: Blend the Mixture
Add to a food processor or blender:
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Green chili
- Ginger
- Spice mix
- Salt
Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed. Don’t overblend into hummus—you want texture. The ideal mixture looks like damp couscous or coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Fix the Texture
If the mixture feels too wet or sticky:
→ Add 1–2 tbsp chickpea flour or plain flour
Step 4: Shape the Falafel
Shape into:
- Small balls
- Lightly brush or spray with oil for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat air fryer to 160degrees
Place falafel in a single layer. Cook: 20 minutes total and Flip halfway through at around 10 minutes.
They’re ready when:
✔ golden brown outside
✔ slightly crisp edges
Video