1-First Step: Soak the Chickpeas Place 2 cups of dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. The water level should sit at least 3 inches above the chickpeas to allow for expansion. Soak for 18 to 24 hours at room temperature. This extended soaking softens the chickpeas without cooking them, which is crucial for achieving the proper falafel texture. Never skip this step or try quick soak methods, as they produce inferior results. After soaking, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

2-Second Step: Process the Mixture Add the soaked, drained chickpeas to your food processor along with the chopped garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, ground coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse the mixture for approximately 20 seconds, then stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Repeat this pulsing and scraping process until you achieve a coarse meal consistency. The texture should resemble fine breadcrumbs with small, visible pieces of herbs and onion. Avoid over processing into a smooth paste or puree, as this creates dense, heavy falafel. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still have some texture.

3-Third Step: Chill the Mixture Transfer the processed falafel mixture to a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes. This resting period serves two important functions: it allows the flavors to meld together and helps the mixture firm up for easier shaping. The chilling step is not optional for the best results.

4-Fourth Step: Shape the Falafel Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. If you plan to add baking powder for lighter falafel, stir it in now. Using a small ice cream scoop, cookie scoop, or your hands, form the mixture into balls or disk shapes. Disks often work better in air fryers because they cook more evenly and develop crispier edges. Aim for patties about 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inches thick. A falafel press can help create uniform shapes if you have one. Lightly spray each shaped falafel with cooking spray. This promotes even browning and that golden exterior everyone loves.

5-Fifth Step: Air Fry the Falafel Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15 minutes total, flipping the falafel at the 10 minute mark to ensure even cooking on both sides. The falafel are done when they appear golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The exterior should be crispy while the inside remains tender.

6-Sixth Step: Serve and Enjoy Transfer the cooked falafel to a serving plate and enjoy them hot. These versatile patties work wonderfully on their own as a snack or incorporated into various dishes. Try them stuffed into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce. They also make excellent additions to grain bowls, wraps, salads, or mezze platters alongside hummus and vegetables. For a complete Mediterranean inspired meal, serve alongside our salmon and summer veggies in foil for a nutritious spread that feeds a crowd.