Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp falafel made from chickpeas and fresh herbs cooked in the air fryer, paired with a tangy tahini yogurt sauce for a healthy, flavorful snack or light meal. This middle eastern-inspired air fryer (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends packed fresh parsley leaves, packed fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pulse until mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed, about 10-15 short pulses.
  2. Step 2: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls or patties. Place on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the falafel lightly with olive oil spray on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Arrange falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, make the tahini yogurt sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the falafel warm with the tahini yogurt sauce for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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