Air Fryer Falafel with Tzatziki Fresh Easy Recipe

September 21, 2025 by Ava

Looking for a fresh, easy recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? You’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll show you how to make crispy air fryer falafel served with creamy tzatziki. This delicious dish is plant-based, packed with flavor, and simple to whip up. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s full of vibrant tastes and healthy ingredients. Let’s dive into cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Falafel

– 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

– 1 small onion, roughly chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

To make falafel, you start with dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight helps them soften. Then, mix them with onions, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add cumin and coriander for flavor. Baking powder gives them a nice lift. Salt and pepper are key for taste. The olive oil helps them crisp up in the air fryer.

Ingredients for Tzatziki

– 1 cup Greek yogurt

– 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– Salt to taste

For tzatziki, Greek yogurt is a must. It adds creaminess. Grated cucumber gives it a fresh crunch. Garlic and lemon juice bring a tangy flavor. Add a sprinkle of salt to enhance everything.

Optional Garnishes

– Chopped fresh mint

– Extra olive oil for drizzling

– Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes

You can top your falafel with fresh mint for extra flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness. Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes create a colorful plate. These garnishes make your dish look and taste even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Falafel Mixture

To start, gather your soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add them to your food processor. Then, sprinkle in your cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mix until it forms a coarse blend. You want it textured, not mushy. The mix should still hold some shape when you press it.

Forming the Falafel Balls

Next, take about 2 tablespoons of that mixture. Roll it into a ball or flatten it into a patty. Make sure they are even in size for even cooking. Repeat this until the entire mixture is shaped. You should have about 12-15 falafel balls, ready to fry.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray your falafel balls with olive oil. This helps them get crispy. Place them in the fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crisp.

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce

While your falafel cooks, it’s time for the tzatziki. In a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until mixed well. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed. This sauce adds a cool flavor to the warm falafel.

Serving Suggestions

Once the falafel is ready, serve it warm with your tzatziki on the side. You can place them on a plate or in a bowl. For a fun twist, add some fresh veggies or pita bread. Enjoy your crispy falafel with that creamy tzatziki!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Crispy Falafel

To get crispy falafel, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure your chickpeas are soaked overnight. This softens them and helps them blend well. When you blend the mixture, do not over-process it. Aim for a coarse texture; this keeps the falafel from being too mushy. Next, lightly coat the falafel balls with olive oil before cooking. This step is key for that golden, crispy finish. Lastly, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients, don’t fret! You can swap out some for what you have. For example, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you’re in a pinch. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work too. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. You can also try using canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well. This can save time, but you might lose some texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make the same mistakes when making falafel. One common error is not soaking the chickpeas long enough. They need to soak overnight for best results. Another mistake is over-blending the mixture. This can lead to flat, dense falafel. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches to ensure each falafel gets enough hot air. Lastly, don’t skip the olive oil coating. This is vital for a crispy, flavorful outer layer. Following these tips will help you make perfect falafel every time.

Variations

Spicy Air Fryer Falafel

To kick up the heat, add some spice. You can mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives the falafel a nice kick. You can also use spicy seasoning blends for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices makes the dish fun and unique.

Vegan Tzatziki Sauce

Making tzatziki vegan is simple. Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt. Use coconut or almond yogurt for a creamy texture. Grate a cucumber and squeeze out the water just like before. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt to taste. This version is just as tasty and fresh.

Serving with Pita or Salad

Falafel pairs well with pita bread or fresh salad. For a quick meal, stuff falafel in pita with veggies. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. You can also serve it on a bed of greens. Drizzle with tzatziki for a refreshing touch. This makes for a light and satisfying meal.

Storage Info

How to Store Cooked Falafel

To store cooked falafel, let them cool first. Place falafel in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Arrange falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Storing Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is best fresh but can be stored too. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. To extend its life, do not add salt until you’re ready to use it. This helps keep the texture nice and fresh.

Reheating Instructions

When you reheat falafel, avoid the microwave. It makes them soggy. Instead, use the air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place falafel in the basket and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. They will regain their crispy texture. Serve with fresh tzatziki for the best taste!

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for falafel. However, dried chickpeas give better texture. Canned chickpeas are softer and can make your falafel mushy. If you do use them, drain and rinse well. You may also need to adjust the amount of flour or add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.

What can I serve with falafel?

Falafel pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with:

– Pita bread

– Fresh salad

– Pickled vegetables

– Hummus

– Tahini sauce

– Roasted vegetables

These options add flavor and texture to your meal.

How long will the falafel and tzatziki last in the fridge?

Falafel can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Tzatziki, made with yogurt, also lasts about 3-4 days. Keep it in a sealed jar. If you notice any change in color or smell, it’s best to discard it.

Is air fryer falafel healthier than traditional falafel?

Yes, air fryer falafel is often healthier. Traditional falafel is deep-fried, which adds extra fat and calories. Air frying uses less oil. This method keeps your falafel crispy while reducing fat content. Enjoy your delicious meal without the guilt!

In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious falafel and tzatziki sauce. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. I also covered fun variations and proper storage methods. Now, you can create this dish with confidence. Enjoy exploring new flavors and impressing your family or friends. With practice, your falafel will be crispy, tasty, and a crowd favorite. Don’t hesitate to try your own ideas and make it your own!

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil To make falafel, you start with dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight helps them soften. Then, mix them with onions, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add cumin and coriander for flavor. Baking powder gives them a nice lift. Salt and pepper are key for taste. The olive oil helps them crisp up in the air fryer. - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste For tzatziki, Greek yogurt is a must. It adds creaminess. Grated cucumber gives it a fresh crunch. Garlic and lemon juice bring a tangy flavor. Add a sprinkle of salt to enhance everything. - Chopped fresh mint - Extra olive oil for drizzling - Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes You can top your falafel with fresh mint for extra flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness. Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes create a colorful plate. These garnishes make your dish look and taste even better! To start, gather your soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Add them to your food processor. Then, sprinkle in your cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mix until it forms a coarse blend. You want it textured, not mushy. The mix should still hold some shape when you press it. Next, take about 2 tablespoons of that mixture. Roll it into a ball or flatten it into a patty. Make sure they are even in size for even cooking. Repeat this until the entire mixture is shaped. You should have about 12-15 falafel balls, ready to fry. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray your falafel balls with olive oil. This helps them get crispy. Place them in the fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crisp. While your falafel cooks, it’s time for the tzatziki. In a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until mixed well. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed. This sauce adds a cool flavor to the warm falafel. Once the falafel is ready, serve it warm with your tzatziki on the side. You can place them on a plate or in a bowl. For a fun twist, add some fresh veggies or pita bread. Enjoy your crispy falafel with that creamy tzatziki! To get crispy falafel, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure your chickpeas are soaked overnight. This softens them and helps them blend well. When you blend the mixture, do not over-process it. Aim for a coarse texture; this keeps the falafel from being too mushy. Next, lightly coat the falafel balls with olive oil before cooking. This step is key for that golden, crispy finish. Lastly, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and crispiness. If you don’t have all the ingredients, don’t fret! You can swap out some for what you have. For example, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you’re in a pinch. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work too. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. You can also try using canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well. This can save time, but you might lose some texture. Many people make the same mistakes when making falafel. One common error is not soaking the chickpeas long enough. They need to soak overnight for best results. Another mistake is over-blending the mixture. This can lead to flat, dense falafel. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches to ensure each falafel gets enough hot air. Lastly, don’t skip the olive oil coating. This is vital for a crispy, flavorful outer layer. Following these tips will help you make perfect falafel every time. {{image_2}} To kick up the heat, add some spice. You can mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives the falafel a nice kick. You can also use spicy seasoning blends for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices makes the dish fun and unique. Making tzatziki vegan is simple. Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt. Use coconut or almond yogurt for a creamy texture. Grate a cucumber and squeeze out the water just like before. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt to taste. This version is just as tasty and fresh. Falafel pairs well with pita bread or fresh salad. For a quick meal, stuff falafel in pita with veggies. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. You can also serve it on a bed of greens. Drizzle with tzatziki for a refreshing touch. This makes for a light and satisfying meal. To store cooked falafel, let them cool first. Place falafel in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Arrange falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Tzatziki sauce is best fresh but can be stored too. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. To extend its life, do not add salt until you're ready to use it. This helps keep the texture nice and fresh. When you reheat falafel, avoid the microwave. It makes them soggy. Instead, use the air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place falafel in the basket and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. They will regain their crispy texture. Serve with fresh tzatziki for the best taste! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for falafel. However, dried chickpeas give better texture. Canned chickpeas are softer and can make your falafel mushy. If you do use them, drain and rinse well. You may also need to adjust the amount of flour or add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. Falafel pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with: - Pita bread - Fresh salad - Pickled vegetables - Hummus - Tahini sauce - Roasted vegetables These options add flavor and texture to your meal. Falafel can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Tzatziki, made with yogurt, also lasts about 3-4 days. Keep it in a sealed jar. If you notice any change in color or smell, it's best to discard it. Yes, air fryer falafel is often healthier. Traditional falafel is deep-fried, which adds extra fat and calories. Air frying uses less oil. This method keeps your falafel crispy while reducing fat content. Enjoy your delicious meal without the guilt! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious falafel and tzatziki sauce. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. I also covered fun variations and proper storage methods. Now, you can create this dish with confidence. Enjoy exploring new flavors and impressing your family or friends. With practice, your falafel will be crispy, tasty, and a crowd favorite. Don't hesitate to try your own ideas and make it your own!$