Easy to cook Lemony Falafel by Air Fryer – Low calories Recipes

Lemony Falafel is a great option for a tasty and healthy snack. They’re a great choice for vegetarians, and can be enjoyed with salad, bowls, or wraps. They’re also great for lunch, but don’t forget that they’re also good for you. You’ll thank yourself later! If you love lemony falafel, try it! You’ll be glad you did.

Lemony Falafel Recipes

Air Fried Lemony Falafel

A classic lemony falafel recipe combines a chickpea base with a tahini sauce, garlic, and red onion. The flavor is bright and citrusy, and it's great with any type of salad. You can even serve this dish as a finger-food appetizer! And as a bonus, it can be served as a snack, lunch, or dinner. Depending on the size of the balls, you can serve them with pickled beets.

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Course: lunch

Cuisine: INTERNATIONAL, Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan

Keyword: Lemony Falafel

CookingStyle: Air Fryer Cooking

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 85kcal

Author: James Anderson

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Equipment

1 Air Fryer

1 Cooking spray

Ingredients

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• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 cups chickpeas drained and rinsed
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ¼ cup chopped coriander
• ½ onion diced
• 1 tablespoon juice from freshly squeezed lemon
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Cook the cumin and coriander seeds over medium heat.
• Grind using a mortar and pestle.
• Put all ingredients, except for the cooking spray, in a food processor and blend until a fine consistency is achieved.
• Use the hands to mold the mixture into falafels and spritz with the cooking spray.
• Preheat the air fryer oven to 400° F (204C).
• Transfer the falafels to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until golden brown. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you'll love this dish! Before making falafel, soak chickpeas overnight. You can use canned beans, but you must soak them overnight. Rinse, drain, and add to a food processor. Blend until smooth and drier. Sprinkle with a little lemon juice and seasoning, if desired.

 

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

© Food And Meal

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Pin Recipe

Alternative Preparation Method: Air Fryer Lemony Falafel

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dry)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

• Start by preparing your falafel mixture just as you would for the traditional recipe. In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, fresh herbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spices. Pulse until the mixture comes together but is not completely smooth. It should have a slightly coarse texture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl. If it seems too wet, you can add a couple of tablespoons of flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour) to help bind it. Mix well.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Form the falafel mixture into small patties or balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each to allow for even cooking.
• Lightly brush the falafel with olive oil. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Cook in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Once they’re done, carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Serve your Air Fryer Lemony Falafel in pita bread, on a salad, or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for making Lemony Falafel

Cooking Tips

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemony Falafel: Creating the perfect Lemony Falafel is an art, and here are some tips to help you master it:

• Use dried chickpeas: Opt for dried chickpeas and soak them overnight. Canned chickpeas can make the mixture too wet.
• Balance your herbs and spices: The combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, and the right amount of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper is what gives your falafel a burst of flavor.
• Don’t rush the process: Let your falafel mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the mixture becomes easier to handle.
• Hot oil is the key: When frying, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the falafel. This prevents them from becoming too greasy.
• Test one first: Before frying your entire batch, test one falafel to ensure the mixture holds together well. If it falls apart, add a bit more flour to the mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Even the most experienced chefs make mistakes. Here are some common errors to steer clear of when making Lemony Falafel:

• Overly wet mixture: Using canned chickpeas without draining them properly or not giving the mixture enough time to rest can lead to a wet mixture that’s challenging to work with.
• Inadequate seasoning: Falafel should be bursting with flavor. Make sure to season your mixture adequately with spices, herbs, and lemon zest.
• Crowded pan: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can result in uneven cooking and less crispy falafel.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance Your Lemony Falafel Experience: Lemony Falafel is a versatile delight that pairs beautifully with various sides, garnishes, and beverages:

• Classic Pita Wrap: Stuff your falafel in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce for a classic experience.
• Tangy Tzatziki: Serve with a side of creamy tzatziki for a cool and refreshing contrast.
• Zesty Pickles: Accompany your falafel with pickles or pickled vegetables for an extra zing.
• Herb-Infused Couscous: Pair with a side of couscous infused with fresh herbs for an aromatic complement.
• Minty Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a glass of mint-infused lemonade, a perfect match for the zesty falafel.

Diverse Serving Ideas: Go beyond the traditional pita wrap and explore creative serving ideas for your Lemony Falafel:

• Mediterranean Salad Bowl: Create a hearty salad bowl with falafel, mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and a lemony vinaigrette.
• Falafel Sliders: Make mini falafel sliders with small buns, lettuce, and your favorite condiments for a fun, bite-sized treat.
• Falafel Platter: Arrange your falafel on a platter with a variety of dips, fresh vegetables, and warm pita slices for a communal dining experience.
• Falafel Wrap Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as a wrap for your falafel and fill them with your favorite ingredients.

FAQs about Lemony Falafel

• Can I prepare Lemony Falafel in advance? Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shape and fry the falafel when you’re ready to serve for the freshest results.
• Why did my falafel turn out too dry? Dry falafel can result from overmixing the ingredients. To prevent this, pulse the mixture in your food processor until it’s just combined and slightly coarse.
• How can I make gluten-free Lemony Falafel? To make gluten-free falafel, simply use a gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of regular flour when binding the mixture.
• Can I bake instead of frying the falafel? Certainly, you can bake the falafel in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
• How should I store leftover falafel? To store leftover Lemony Falafel, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.

Elevate your cuisine with Lemony Falafel: crispy, zesty, and oh-so-delicious. Discover the recipe and subscribe for more culinary adventures.

James Anderson

Sous Chef at Food And Meal Restaurant

I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.