Go Back
+ servings
healthy falafel recipe

healthy falafel recipe

Lexi Finke
This falafel recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious! It's made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 15 pieces
Calories 48 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Air-Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked in water for 24 hours minimum 6 hours
  • 1 white onion roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions
 

  • Start by soaking dried chickpeas (not canned) in a large bowl covered by about 3 inches of water. The chickpeas will absorb most of the water while soaking. Soak for 24 hours, or a minimum of 6 hours.
  • After your chickpeas are throughly soaked, drain the remaining water and add them to the food processor.
  • Also in the food processor, add onion, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, baking powder, and spices (the rest of the ingredients). Pulse until throughly blended.
  • Once processed, use your hands to gently form into 1 inch balls or patties. Spray with non-stick olive oil spray. Place in the air-fryer or on an air-fryer sheet and cook for 5-8 minutes at 400 degrees F.
  • Once finished, they should be crispy and golden brown on the outside and green on the inside. Serve with hummus, in a pita, on a salad, and more!

Oven-Baked Instructions:

  • If you don't have an air-fryer, you can bake these as well. I find they are crispier in the air-fryer but great in both!
  • Follow instructions until everything is processed and formed in to balls. Add to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake fo 25 minutes at 375 degrees.

Notes

It's important to use dry chickpeas (soaked) versus canned. Dry chickpeas will yield a much better taste, and canned chickpeas can make the falafel mushy. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 48kcalFat: 1.5gProtein: 2.4gCarbohydrates: 7.2g
Keyword air-fryer falafel, air-fryer recipes, easy falafel recipe, falafel, falafel recipe, healthy falafel, healthy falafel recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!