Ingredients:
• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (coriander), including stems
• 10 large fresh mint leaves
• 4 green onions
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking oil spray (olive oil spray recommended)
Directions:
1. Soak the Chickpeas: Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly after soaking.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Roughly chop the parsley, cilantro, and mint leaves. Trim the roots and dark green tops from the green onions, then roughly chop the remaining white and light green parts. Peel the garlic cloves.
3. Process the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, mint leaves, green onions, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and grainy but not pureed. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the chickpea flour, ground cumin, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse again until everything is well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help bind the mixture.
5. Shape the Falafel: Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties or balls using your hands.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
7. Cook the Falafel: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the falafel patties in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the falafel with additional cooking oil.
8. Air Fry the Falafel: Cook the falafel in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Serve: Remove the falafel from the air fryer and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tahini sauce or tzatziki, along with pita bread or a fresh salad.