Crispy Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Lemon Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-09 · Updated 2026-06-09

Golden, crispy falafel made in the air fryer for a healthier twist, served with a bright and creamy tahini lemon dipping sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, onion, garlic cloves 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

• 15 oz, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 1 small, roughly chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• for air fryer basket olive oil spray
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp for sauce salt

Air fryers that get this right → Best Air Fryers for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 15 oz drained chickpeas, 1 small chopped onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pulse until mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed, about 20 pulses.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 12 small balls (about 1.5 inches diameter) using your hands. Preheat air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray.
3. Step 3: Place falafel balls in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray tops lightly with olive oil spray. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve warm falafel with tahini lemon sauce drizzled over or on the side for dipping.