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Air Fryer Herb Falafel Balls with Tahini Drizzle

A pile of golden brown Air Fryer Herb Falafel Balls drizzled generously with white tahini sauce.

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Make crispy, flavorful herb falafel balls in your air fryer and top them with a simple, creamy tahini drizzle. This recipe uses fresh herbs for bright flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1/4 cup onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for falafel mixture)
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
  • For Tahini Drizzle: 1/4 cup tahini paste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2-4 tablespoons cold water
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking soda, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a food processor.
  2. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, slightly sticky dough. Do not over-process; you want some texture remaining.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the falafel hold its shape.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Roll the chilled mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel balls with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and firm.
  9. While the falafel cooks, prepare the tahini drizzle: Whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  10. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  11. Serve the hot air fryer herb falafel balls immediately with the creamy tahini drizzle.

Notes

  • For extra crispy falafel, you can lightly dust the formed balls with a thin layer of flour before spraying with oil.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free flour blend or substitute with 1 tablespoon of chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour.
  • Serve these falafel balls in pita bread with lettuce and tomato, or over a fresh salad.

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