Air Fryer Recipe

Beetroot Falafel

Name: Beetroot Falafel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1 large beetroot, peeled and grated; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp plain flour or chickpea flour; 1 tsp baking powder

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Serves: 4
Category: Vegetarian

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A delicious and easy-to-make beetroot falafel recipe, perfect for air frying.

Ingredients

1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 large beetroot, peeled and grated
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp plain flour or chickpea flour
1 tsp baking powder

Method

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, grated beetroot, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until coarse but well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add flour and baking powder, mixing well until it holds together when shaped.
With damp hands, form small balls or patties with the mixture, about the size of a walnut.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the falafels with oil.
Arrange the falafels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why this works in an air fryer

The air fryer uses convection to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior on the falafel while maintaining a moist interior.

Equipment notes

Assumes a standard single-drawer air fryer basket. In dual-zone models, use the larger zone to avoid overcrowding, which may require adjusting timing by a few minutes.

Common pitfalls

Falafels falling apart? Ensure mixture is well-combined and holds shape before air frying.
Falafels too dry? Reduce cooking time by 2 minutes and ensure a light oil spray for moisture.
Falafels not browning by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C, as the air fryer may be under-heating.
Falafels sticking to the basket? Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to prevent adhesion.

Variations & substitutions

Substitute sweet potato for beetroot for a sweeter flavour and slightly softer texture.
Use coriander leaves instead of parsley for a more citrusy note.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Replace chickpea flour with almond flour for a nutty flavour and gluten-free option.

Storage & reheating

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.

Nutrition

Calories: 250