Description
Crispy air fryer falafel bites served with a fresh, herby pesto dipping sauce. A flavorful and healthy plant-based appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pesto)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to a food processor. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
- Add flour, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse again until the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place falafel bites in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While the falafel cooks, prepare the pesto by blending basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve the falafel bites warm with pesto dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not over-process the falafel mixture to maintain texture.
- Chill the mixture for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best crispiness.
- Serve with pita, salad, or as a snack platter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
