master-cooks | The Secret To Baking Crispy Falafels In The Air Fryer According To A Pro

For those looking to master the art of making crispy falafels using an air fryer, a few expert tips can make a significant difference. The key lies in selecting the right ingredients and preparing them properly. Start with dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight, as canned chickpeas tend to retain too much moisture, which can lead to a less crispy texture. Once soaked, ensure the chickpeas are well-drained before blending with fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and spices to create a flavorful mixture. The consistency of the mixture is crucial; it should be coarse enough to hold together but not too smooth. Adding a binding agent like flour or breadcrumbs can help achieve the right texture. Before cooking, preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior. Lightly coating the falafel balls with oil will enhance the crunchiness. Make sure to space them out in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cooking at a relatively high temperature ensures the falafels are crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. With these steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy falafels that are both delicious and healthier than deep-fried versions.

Keys to crispy falafel

Opting for dried chickpeas instead of canned ones results in a higher starch content, which eliminates the need for adding flour, cornstarch, or potato starch to your falafel mixture—ingredients that can lead to a drier final product. Vegan eco-chef and author Priyanka Naik suggests incorporating a small amount of baking soda or ENO (a type of Indian "fruit salt" made from sodium carbonate and anhydrous citric acid) into the batter to achieve a crispier outer layer.

The elevated pH of baking soda or ENO helps break down the natural starch called pectin found in chickpeas, allowing it to gelatinize more rapidly and yielding a crispy falafel, whether you choose to deep-fry or air-fry them. Naik recommends blending soaked chickpeas with red onion, parsley, fresh coriander, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into flat patties and air fry at 375°F until they are crispy. While the celebrity chef provides a fantastic falafel recipe, feel free to experiment by adding fresh mint for a burst of color or chopped pistachios for added crunch. Serve them wrapped in saj with a garlicky tzatziki coleslaw, or simply enjoy them as they are!

The Secret To Baking Crispy Falafels In The Air Fryer According To A Pro

Keys to crispy falafel

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