Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish traditionally made with chickpeas. This recipe adds mashed sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness and extra moisture.
Using an air fryer cuts down on oil and cooking time, delivering crispy falafel bites with less mess compared to deep-frying.
These falafel bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or served with salad and yogurt sauce for a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and moisture that keeps falafel tender inside while crisping up outside in the air fryer.
- Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying by using less oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
- The combination of spices with fresh herbs brings authentic Middle Eastern flavor to these vegetarian bites.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Falafel Bites
These crunchy, flavorful Air Fryer Sweet Potato Falafel Bites combine mashed sweet potatoes and chickpeas for a nutritious vegetarian snack or appetizer.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- About 20 falafel bites
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 oz / 225 g), peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Steam or microwave the diced sweet potato until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Falafel Mixture In a food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato, chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky to hold texture.
- Add Flour and Form Bites Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in chickpea flour until the mixture is firm enough to shape. If too sticky, add a little more flour. Shape mixture into small 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls or patties.
- Air Fry the Bites Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the falafel bites lightly with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve Remove falafel bites and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or your favorite salad.
Helpful Tips
- If the mixture feels too wet, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before forming the bites to help firm up.
- Use chickpea flour to keep the bites gluten-free; substitute with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Leftover falafel bites reheat well in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store cooled falafel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these falafel bites vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses no animal products.
Do I need to soak dried chickpeas for this recipe?
No, this recipe uses canned chickpeas for convenience. If using dried, soak and cook them fully before proceeding.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
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