Vegan Air Fryer Falafel (Gluten-Free)
Make delicious Vegan Air Fryer Falafel that’s gluten-free, crispy outside, tender inside. Quick healthy lunch ready in 20 minutes with simple ingredients!
You know that moment when you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and actually good for you? That’s exactly how I felt last Tuesday when I threw together these vegan air fryer falafel for the first time.
I’d been intimidated by falafel for years—thinking it required deep frying skills I definitely don’t have—but turns out, the air fryer makes these gluten-free beauties absolutely foolproof.
These crispy golden patties have become my go-to for fast healthy meals lunch throughout the week. They’re packed with protein from chickpeas, bursting with fresh herbs, and seasoned with warm Middle Eastern spices that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, so everyone at the table can dig in without worry.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or need a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering, this vegan air fryer falafel recipe delivers healthy cooked meals that taste like they came from your favorite Mediterranean restaurant. And the best part? They’re done in about 20 minutes once you’ve prepped your chickpeas.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans) | 2 cups | Must use dried, not canned |
| Salt | 1½ teaspoons | Adjust to taste |
| Yellow or red onion | 1 small | Quartered |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced or pressed |
| Fresh parsley | 1 cup | Packed |
| Fresh cilantro | ¾ cup | Packed |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons | Essential for flavor |
| Ground coriander | 2 teaspoons | Adds warmth |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ teaspoon | Optional, for heat |
| Turmeric | ½ teaspoon | Optional, for color |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Helps with texture |
| Cooking spray | As needed | For crisping |
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the chickpeas Place the dried chickpeas in a medium saucepan with water covering them by at least 3 inches. Heat over medium-high until you see gentle bubbles forming on the surface, then turn off the heat immediately. Let the chickpeas sit overnight or for at least 12 hours—they’ll double in size and soften perfectly for your vegan air fryer falafel mixture.
Step 2: Drain and pulse Drain your soaked chickpeas thoroughly and rinse them in a colander. If they look wet, pat them dry with a paper towel—excess moisture can make your falafel fall apart. Transfer the chickpeas to your food processor with the salt and pulse until they’re coarsely ground but not mushy—you want texture here. Scoop about half of this mixture into a large bowl and set it aside.
Step 3: Add aromatics and spices Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and optional cayenne and turmeric to the remaining chickpeas in your food processor. Process until everything’s finely chopped and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
The mixture should be bright green and smell absolutely amazing—this is where all that flavor comes from in your fast healthy meals lunch!
Step 4: Combine and chill Transfer the processed mixture from your food processor to the bowl with the coarsely ground chickpeas. Mix everything together until fully incorporated—you’ll notice two different textures combining, which gives these healthy cooked meals their signature crispy-yet-tender bite. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
Step 5: Add leavening Remove your chilled falafel mixture from the fridge and sprinkle the baking powder evenly over the top. Gently fold it in—this little addition helps create those crispy exteriors we’re after. Don’t skip this step or add it earlier, as the baking powder works best when added right before cooking.
Step 6: Shape and prep Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a #16 ice cream scoop or ¼-cup measure to portion out your vegan air fryer falafel mixture, then shape each portion into a patty using your hands—I like mine about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray and also spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Air fry to perfection Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the falafel patties in a single layer without overcrowding—you’ll likely need to work in batches. Cook for about 20 minutes total, flipping them over at the 10-minute mark to ensure golden, crispy perfection on both sides.
They’re done when they’re deep golden brown and crispy to the touch.
Alternative oven method: If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! Bake these soft food healthy recipes at 375°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. A light spray of cooking oil on both sides before baking helps achieve that desirable crispy crust.
Substitutions
No fresh herbs? Well… I hate to say it, but fresh parsley and cilantro really make these vegan air fryer falafel shine. Dried herbs won’t give you the same vibrant flavor or moisture, but in a pinch, you could use 3 tablespoons of dried parsley and skip the cilantro—just know the taste will be different.
Spice adjustments: If you’re making these fast healthy meals lunch for kids or anyone sensitive to heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper entirely. You can also reduce the black pepper by half and still get plenty of flavor from the cumin and coriander.
Onion alternatives: Red onion works beautifully if you prefer a slightly sweeter, milder flavor than yellow onion provides. You could also use shallots for a more delicate taste, though you’ll need about 2-3 medium shallots to equal one small onion.
Baking powder substitute: If you’re out of baking powder, you can make your own by mixing ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar. This works perfectly for these healthy cooked meals and maintains that light, crispy texture.
Troubleshooting
Falafel falling apart? This usually means your chickpeas were too wet after soaking or you didn’t refrigerate the mixture long enough. Make sure to pat those chickpeas completely dry and give the mixture the full 45 minutes (or longer) in the fridge to firm up before shaping.
Not crispy enough? Don’t skip the cooking spray—it’s essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior on your vegan air fryer falafel. Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause steaming instead of crisping.
Too dry or crumbly? You might have over-processed your chickpeas in the first pulse, turning them into flour rather than keeping some texture. Remember to leave half of them coarsely ground, which provides moisture and prevents these soft food healthy recipes from becoming too dense.
Bland flavor? Taste your mixture before refrigerating and adjust the salt and spices if needed. The fresh herbs should be vibrant and aromatic—if they’re old or wilted, your falafel won’t have that signature bright flavor we’re going for.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store your cooked vegan air fryer falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They make excellent fast healthy meals lunch throughout the week—just reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore that crispy exterior.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; arrange cooked falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
For meal prep magic, you can shape the uncooked patties and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding just 3-5 extra minutes to the air frying time. This way, you’ve got healthy cooked meals ready whenever you need them!
Serving Suggestions
Tuck these crispy vegan air fryer falafel into warm pita pockets with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce or tzatziki. They’re also incredible over a big Mediterranean salad with hummus, olives, and pickled vegetables for a lighter fast healthy meals lunch option.
Man, oh man, these also work beautifully as part of a mezze platter for gatherings! Arrange them alongside our crispy honey garlic tofu, fresh veggies, pita chips, and various dips. Kids love dipping these soft food healthy recipes into their favorite sauces—ranch, ketchup, or even plain hummus all work great.
Variations
Kid-friendly version: Reduce the spices by half and omit the cayenne pepper entirely for milder vegan air fryer falafel that young taste buds will love. You can also make them smaller—about 2 tablespoons each—so they’re easier for little hands to manage and cook a bit faster.
Extra protein boost: Add 2-3 tablespoons of hemp hearts or ground flaxseed to your mixture before refrigerating. This doesn’t change the texture much but adds omega-3s and extra nutrients to these already healthy cooked meals.
Herb variations: While parsley and cilantro are traditional, you can experiment with fresh dill, mint, or basil for different flavor profiles. I especially love adding ¼ cup fresh mint along with the other herbs for a bright, refreshing twist on classic falafel.
Spice it up: For those who love heat, double the cayenne or add a minced jalapeño to the food processor with the herbs and aromatics. A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the finished patties also works wonderfully for these fast healthy meals lunch options.
Vegan Air Fryer Falafel (Gluten-Free) FAQ
Can you cook falafels in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying is actually one of the best methods for making vegan air fryer falafel because it creates that crispy, golden exterior without all the oil required for deep frying. The circulating hot air crisps them up beautifully while keeping the insides tender and flavorful.
Is falafel gluten-free and vegan?
Traditional falafel made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices is naturally both gluten-free and vegan. However, some restaurants add wheat flour as a binder, so always ask when dining out. This homemade version uses only chickpeas and spices, making it a perfect option for fast healthy meals lunch that fits multiple dietary needs.
Can falafel be made without flour?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way! Authentic vegan air fryer falafel recipes use dried chickpeas as the base, which provides all the binding and structure you need. The key is starting with dried chickpeas (not canned) and giving them a quick soak—this creates the perfect texture without any flour whatsoever.
Can gluten-free eat falafel?
Most definitely, as long as the falafel is made without wheat flour or breadcrumbs. These healthy cooked meals use only chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, making them completely safe for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check any store-bought versions, as some brands do add wheat as a filler.
What cannot you cook in an air fryer?
While air fryers are incredibly versatile for soft food healthy recipes like falafel, they don’t work well for wet batters (like tempura), large whole chickens (they won’t cook evenly), or anything with loose leafy greens that might blow around. That said, these vegan air fryer falafel are absolutely perfect for air frying—the dry mixture crisps up beautifully without any mess!
These vegan air fryer falafel have honestly transformed my weekday lunch routine. They’re proof that fast healthy meals lunch doesn’t have to mean boring salads or sad sandwiches—sometimes it means crispy, herb-packed patties that taste like you spent way more time on them than you actually did.
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is once you get the basics down. You can adjust the spices to your family’s preferences, make them ahead for busy weeks, or even get the kids involved in shaping the patties. According to research on chickpea nutrition, chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making these healthy cooked meals as nutritious as they are delicious.
I love serving these alongside our wholesome oat flour pie crust for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired feast, or pairing them with our naturally sweet applesauce cookies for dessert. The combination of savory falafel and slightly sweet treats makes for a balanced meal that everyone requests on repeat.
Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro looking for reliable soft food healthy recipes, I hope these falafel become a staple in your kitchen like they have in mine. They’re everything I love about home cooking—simple, nourishing, and absolutely worth making again and again.
Vegan Air Fryer Falafel (Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Food processor
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ice cream scoop (#16) or 1/4 cup measure
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans) must use dried, not canned
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 small yellow or red onion quartered
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 cup fresh parsley packed
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon turmeric optional, for color
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- cooking spray as needed
Instructions
- Place the dried chickpeas in a medium saucepan with water covering them by at least 3 inches. Heat over medium-high until you see gentle bubbles forming on the surface, then turn off the heat immediately. Let the chickpeas sit overnight or for at least 12 hours—they’ll double in size and soften perfectly for your vegan air fryer falafel mixture.
- Drain your soaked chickpeas thoroughly and rinse them in a colander. If they look wet, pat them dry with a paper towel—excess moisture can make your falafel fall apart. Transfer the chickpeas to your food processor with the salt and pulse until they’re coarsely ground but not mushy—you want texture here. Scoop about half of this mixture into a large bowl and set it aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and optional cayenne and turmeric to the remaining chickpeas in your food processor. Process until everything’s finely chopped and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The mixture should be bright green and smell absolutely amazing.
- Transfer the processed mixture from your food processor to the bowl with the coarsely ground chickpeas. Mix everything together until fully incorporated—you’ll notice two different textures combining, which gives these healthy cooked meals their signature crispy-yet-tender bite. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
- Remove your chilled falafel mixture from the fridge and sprinkle the baking powder evenly over the top. Gently fold it in—this little addition helps create those crispy exteriors we’re after. Don’t skip this step or add it earlier, as the baking powder works best when added right before cooking.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a #16 ice cream scoop or 1/4-cup measure to portion out your vegan air fryer falafel mixture, then shape each portion into a patty using your hands—I like mine about 1/2-inch thick for even cooking. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray and also spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the falafel patties in a single layer without overcrowding—you’ll likely need to work in batches. Cook for about 20 minutes total, flipping them over at the 10-minute mark to ensure golden, crispy perfection on both sides. They’re done when they’re deep golden brown and crispy to the touch.
- Alternative oven method: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake these at 375°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. A light spray of cooking oil on both sides before baking helps achieve that desirable crispy crust.
