Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

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 recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, fresh parsley leaves, fresh cilantro leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 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
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• as needed olive oil spray
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp salt (for sauce)

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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.