Making falafel at home is easier than you might think. All you need is a bag of Trader Joe’s falafel mix and an air fryer, so anyone can make flavorful and crunchy falafel in minutes! Follow this simple guide for perfect falafel every time with just a few easy steps.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is made with Trader Joe’s falafel mix, which is simply a blend of chickpeas, spices, and breadcrumbs. You will also need an air fryer, olive oil, and any additional toppings or garnishes you want to include.
To make the falafel, you will need to mix the falafel mix with water and olive oil, and then shape the mixture into small balls. Place the balls in the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve the falafel with your favorite toppings and garnishes, such as tahini sauce, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Preparing the Falafel Mix
Begin by adding the contents of the falafel mix to a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of lukewarm water and mix until the mixture forms a thick paste. Set aside and allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes.
Once the mixture has had time to sit, use a spoon or your hands to form the mixture into small balls. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before forming the falafel, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the falafel is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
It is important to preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the falafel. This will help the falafel cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the basket.
Forming and Frying the Falafel
Once the falafel mix has had a chance to rest for 15 minutes, use damp hands to scoop out about ½ cup of the mixture. Shape it into a patty around 3 inches in diameter.After each patty is formed, spray it lightly with olive oil from a cooking spray bottle. Place the falfal patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the falafel once halfway through cooking.
When the falafel is finished cooking, it should be golden brown and crispy. Carefully remove the falafel from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Serve the falafel with your favorite dipping sauce or tahini sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Take the falafel out of the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Falafel is traditionally served in pita bread with a variety of toppings such as tahini sauce, hummus, pickled vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Alternatively, the falafel can be served as an appetizer with a creamy yogurt dip or as a side salad.
For a more substantial meal, falafel can be served over a bed of greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. You can also add falafel to a wrap or sandwich with your favorite vegetables and condiments. Falafel can also be served as a main dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Falafel Every Time
When shaping the falafel patties, be sure they are not too thick or they may not cook evenly in the air fryer. Also, because of the high heat of the air fryer, keep a close eye on the falafel while it cooks to avoid over-cooking. It is best to under-cook the falafel slightly as it will continue to cook after it is taken out of the fryer.
To ensure the falafel is cooked evenly, try to make the patties as uniform in size as possible. This will help them cook evenly and prevent some from being over-cooked while others are under-cooked. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of oil to the falafel mixture before shaping the patties. This will help them to crisp up and get golden brown in the air fryer.
Variations on the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with your falafels! Try adding minced onions or garlic to the mixture for extra flavor or top with a schmear of cream cheese for a delicious twist. For a spicy version, add a teaspoon of your favorite chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix before cooking.
If you’re looking for a healthier version, try baking the falafels instead of frying them. This will reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish. You can also substitute the chickpeas for other legumes such as black beans or lentils for a unique flavor.
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