This recipe puts a fun twist on classic falafel by cooking the batter in a waffle iron, which creates a unique texture with more surface area for crisping.
Finishing the falafel waffles in the air fryer ensures they get golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
A simple tahini sauce drizzle adds creamy, nutty flavor that complements the spices and herbs in the falafel batter perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Waffle iron cooking shapes the falafel batter evenly and makes crisp edges that air frying enhances further.
- Air frying uses hot circulating air to cook quickly without excessive oil, keeping the falafel waffles lighter and less greasy than deep frying.
- Tahini sauce is an authentic Middle Eastern accompaniment that balances the spices and adds moisture without overpowering the falafel.
Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Waffles with Tahini Drizzle
These Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Waffles combine traditional falafel flavors cooked in a waffle iron for texture and finished in the air fryer for extra crispiness. Served with a creamy tahini drizzle, they make a perfect plant-based snack or light meal.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 8 falafel waffles
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1.5 cups / 255 g)
- 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup / 40 g)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (packed) (15 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed) (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- For the tahini drizzle:
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons water, to thin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the falafel batter In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pulse until coarsely blended but not pureed, scraping down sides as needed. Add baking powder and flour, then pulse until mixture holds together but is still a bit chunky.
- Cook falafel waffles in the waffle iron Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease with oil. Divide the falafel batter into 8 portions (about 1/4 cup each). Press each portion into the waffle iron and cook for 3-4 minutes until the falafel waffles are set and golden. Carefully remove and set aside.
- Air fry the waffles for crispiness Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place falafel waffles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Make the tahini drizzle While the waffles air fry, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve Drizzle the crispy falafel waffles with the tahini sauce and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Rinse canned chickpeas and dry well to prevent sogginess in the batter.
- Do not over-process the falafel batter; it should be coarse and hold together but not pureed to maintain texture.
- Brush the waffles with olive oil before air frying to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking.
- You can serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or a salad for a fuller meal.
- This recipe contains sesame (tahini) and chickpeas – common allergens for some people.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover falafel waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Do not freeze the falafel waffles as they may become soggy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the falafel waffles gluten-free?
Yes, use chickpea flour or other gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Why use both a waffle iron and air fryer?
The waffle iron shapes and cooks the batter evenly, while the air fryer crisps the exterior without frying in oil.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can make the batter up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before cooking.
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