Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Chickpeas
- Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl with plenty of water overnight (8-12 hours). They will expand significantly. Drain them thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel before proceeding.
Prepare Falafel Mixture
- In a food processor, combine the drained and dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, roughly chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but still has some texture, not a smooth paste. It should hold together when squeezed.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the falafel to hold its shape during air frying.
- Using a falafel scoop (if you have one) or your hands, form the chilled mixture into 12-16 small patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Air Fry Falafel
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the falafel patties with olive oil spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them and air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Make Zesty Tahini Sauce
- While the falafel cooks, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced small garlic clove, salt, and ground cumin in a small bowl.
- Gradually add the cold water, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed, aiming for a pourable but not watery sauce. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Assemble Wraps
- Warm the tortillas or pita breads according to package directions or lightly in a pan/microwave.
- Spread a generous amount of Zesty Tahini Sauce on each warm wrap. Layer with shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Place 3-4 warm, crispy falafel on each wrap. Drizzle with extra tahini sauce if desired. Serve immediately with optional pickled turnips or hot sauce.
Notes
For the best texture, always use dried chickpeas soaked overnight; canned chickpeas will result in a much softer, sometimes mushy falafel texture. Chilling the falafel mixture is a critical step as it helps the patties hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling during air frying. Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispness.
