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Falafel, a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, has been winning hearts and appetites around the world for decades. Traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, falafel is often deep-fried to achieve its characteristic crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. This delicious dish has transcended its humble roots, becoming a popular choice not just in its native regions but also in cafes, food trucks, and restaurants worldwide. As people have become more health-conscious, the demand for lighter, healthier alternatives to classic recipes has surged, paving the way for innovations like air frying.

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Wraps

Discover the delicious and nutritious world of Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Wraps! This recipe brings traditional Middle Eastern falafel into a healthier realm by using an air fryer. Enjoy the crispy texture and rich flavors of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, all wrapped in a whole wheat flatbread. Perfect for quick meals, these wraps are packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying choice for plant-based diets. Learn how to create these delightful wraps and incorporate healthier cooking methods into your kitchen routine!

Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)

2 tbsp olive oil

4 large whole wheat wraps or pita breads

1 cup lettuce, shredded

1 ripe tomato, diced

1 cucumber, sliced

1/2 cup tahini sauce (or your preferred sauce)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chickpeas: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely combined, ensuring it retains some texture. Avoid overprocessing; the mixture should be slightly chunky.

    Form the Falafel Mixture: Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in the bread crumbs until evenly distributed. If the mixture appears too wet to hold together, gradually add more bread crumbs until it can be easily shaped.

      Shape the Falafel: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, aiming for sizes similar to golf balls. This will help them cook evenly in the air fryer.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot before cooking.

          Coat Falafel with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the shaped falafel balls with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture during cooking.

            Air Fry the Falafel: Place the falafel balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there's space between them. You may need to cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and achieve a crispy exterior.

              Assemble the Wraps: Once the falafel are cooked, warm the wraps in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or use a skillet for a brief warm-up. Layer 2-3 falafel on each wrap, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with tahini sauce to enhance flavor.

                Serve: Tightly roll the wraps and place them seam-side down on a serving plate. Enjoy immediately, accompanied by extra tahini sauce on the side for additional dipping or drizzling!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 wraps

                    - Presentation Tips: Slice the wraps in half for a beautiful display, and garnish with a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the plate for a touch of elegance.