Air fryer spinach falafel recipe to check in 2023

Are you tired of the same old recipes and looking for something new to try in the kitchen? Why not give air fryer spinach falafel a try? It’s a delicious and healthy dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, spices, and herbs. It’s typically deep-fried, but with the rise of air fryers, it’s now possible to enjoy crispy falafel without all the added oil. Plus, by adding spinach to the mix, you’re getting an extra boost of nutrients.

If you’re looking to switch up your meal routine and try something new, this air fryer spinach falafel recipe is a must-try. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional falafel. Here’s how to make it.

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained immense popularity globally over the years. It is a scrumptious vegetarian or vegan dish that is made of ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with a variety of spices. The mixture is then formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried or baked to perfection.

Falafel is a staple food in several Middle Eastern countries like Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon, where it is commonly served in pita bread with a variety of fillings and sauces. It is also a popular street food and can be found in many food trucks and food stalls.

The origin of falafel can be traced back to Egypt, where it was initially made using fava beans. Over time, the recipe spread across the Middle East, and ground chickpeas became a popular alternative to fava beans.

Falafel is not only a delicious snack or meal option, but it is also a nutritious one. Chickpeas, which are the primary ingredient in falafel, are packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium.

There are various recipes and methods for making falafel, but the most important ingredient is the falafel mixture, which is seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and black pepper. Authentic falafel recipes also call for the use of dried chickpeas, rather than canned ones, which provide a more authentic and traditional taste.

As falafel continues to gain popularity globally, many variations and modern twists have emerged, including air-fried falafel, frozen falafel, and even falafel-flavored snacks. Regardless of the variation or twist, falafel remains a beloved dish that is both delicious and healthy.

What are the Benefits of Air Fryer Spinach Falafel?

Air fryer spinach falafel is a healthier spin on a classic Middle Eastern dish. Traditionally, falafel is deep-fried, making it high in fat and calories. However, with the air fryer method, you can enjoy crispy and delicious falafel without the added oil and calories.

One of the biggest benefits of air fryer spinach falafel is its nutritional value. Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Chickpeas, which are the main ingredient in falafel, are also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Additionally, air fryer spinach falafel is easy to make at home with a food processor and a handful of fresh ingredients. By making your own falafel, you can control the quality of the ingredients and customize the spices to your taste preferences.

Using an air fryer also means that you can avoid the hassle of deep-frying, which can be messy and time-consuming. With the air fryer method, you simply need to form the falafel mixture into balls and cook them in the air fryer for 13-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Another benefit of air fryer spinach falafel is its versatility. You can serve it as a snack or appetizer, or as a main dish with pita bread, hummus, and tahini sauce. It can also be added to salads or bowls for an extra dose of protein and flavor.

Overall, air fryer spinach falafel is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried falafel. Its nutritional value, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a recipe worth trying in 2023 and beyond.

Ingredients

The key to making delicious air fryer spinach falafel is the combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients. To begin, you’ll need canned chickpeas, fresh spinach, yellow onion, garlic cloves, fresh parsley, cumin, black pepper, and baking powder.

Chickpeas are the star ingredient in falafel and are used as the base for the mixture. Canned chickpeas work perfectly fine, but some prefer to use dry chickpeas that are soaked in water for 24 hours to yield a firmer texture.

The addition of fresh spinach not only adds vibrant green color to the falafel but also provides essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and calcium. Be sure to wash and dry the spinach thoroughly before using it in the falafel mixture.

Yellow onion and garlic cloves will give the falafel a punch of bold flavor while fresh parsley adds a subtle herbal note to balance out the spices. When chopping up the onion and garlic, aim for a small dice size to ensure that they blend well into the mixture.

Ground cumin and black pepper are the essential spices for that authentic Middle Eastern flavor. They can be adjusted to your taste preferences, but be sure to use enough to make the falafel stand out. Baking powder is the secret ingredient that will help the falafel puff up and become airy while cooking in the air fryer.

Finally, don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors of the mixture. Form the mixture into balls using a cookie scoop and place them on a baking sheet before cooking in the air fryer for 13-15 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce and fresh lemon juice for a delicious, healthy meal or snack.

Preparation Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your air fryer spinach falafel, it’s time to get to work on preparing the mixture and getting it ready for the air fryer.

First, drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly before placing them in a food processor. Add in the fresh spinach, yellow onion, garlic cloves, and fresh parsley. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, or keep processing for a smoother texture if you prefer.

Next, transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and season with ground cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add in the baking powder and chickpea flour, then mix until everything is well combined. For an extra kick of heat, you can also add in some red pepper flakes.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture into small balls or patties, making sure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow for air circulation.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat your falafels with olive oil using a brush or spray. Place them in the air fryer and cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly.

While your falafels are cooking, you can prepare the tahini sauce to serve on the side. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, cloves garlic, and salt until smooth. Add cold water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

When the falafels are ready, remove from the air fryer and let them cool off for a few minutes before serving. You will be amazed at how crispy and delicious they turn out, without any of the deep-frying hassle. Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce for that perfect finishing touch.