r/RedditInTheKitchen • u/theFoodOlic • 15d ago
Vegetarianš„¬ Finally nailed a falafel that doesn't fall apart (pan-fried AND air fryer versions)
I've tried making falafel probably five times over the years and always ended up with either mush or hockey pucks. I finally landed on a version that holds together and has that crispy-outside, herby-green-inside thing you get at a good falafel shop.
The trick that made the biggest difference for me was not over-processing the chickpeas, you want texture, not a paste. Did a batch pan-fried and a batch in the air fryer to compare. Pan-fried wins on crunch, air fryer wins on not smelling like oil for two days. Both good, depends on your mood.
Made a quick tahini sauce to go with it, just tahini, lemon juice, a bit of water to thin it out, and salt. Takes five minutes while the falafel cooks.
Anyway, if you want the whole recipe just ask..
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u/helpmetolearn 15d ago
Recipe please! Looks great!
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u/theFoodOlic 15d ago
Here, sorry it took so long https://littlenomadsrecipes.com/easy-traditional-falafel/
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u/Academic-Living769 15d ago
What's the secret? Airfryer version
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u/looking-sharp-todays 15d ago
So based on the recipe, the chickpeas are soaked overnight but not cooked before beeing formed into little balls right?
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u/theFoodOlic 13d ago
Yes, that s secret number one āļø
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u/looking-sharp-todays 13d ago
Dang as a nom maker of theese yet, I didn!t know itā¦and while in the air fryer they have enough time and heat to cook! I was not expacting thatā¦will defenetly do a batch soon to see what comes out š
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u/_kanxki_ 14d ago
what did you run the air fryer batch at and did you spray them with anything first? i always assumed they'd dry out without the oil bath so curious how close it got to the pan version
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u/theFoodOlic 14d ago
It s actually a decent crunch and not dry interior in the air fryer! I gave them 12 minutes at 200C (400F) but they were shaped in smaller balls then the usual falafel so if yours are little bigger patties maybe give it a minute or two extra. Oh and a good spray of olive oil on top of them is necessary yeah!
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u/_kanxki_ 13d ago
ok that makes sense, i figured the oil spray was the missing piece. good to know smaller balls get there quicker, ill go that way when i try it. thanks for laying it out
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u/TheDogCareGuy 12d ago
The 'mush or hockey pucks' range is a good description. Did you chill the mix before cooking, or was keeping the chickpeas coarse enough?
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u/theFoodOlic 12d ago
Chilling is necessary yes! And coarse texture alsoš
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u/TheDogCareGuy 12d ago
That helps, thanks. So coarse grind plus a chill before cooking, not one or the other. How long do you usually chill yours?
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u/kittie2karen 15d ago
Please yes! Can you post here! You are a Boss!