Go Back
Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich: Easy Vegetarian Delight

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • olive oil spray as needed
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1-2 tablespoons water for sauce consistency
  • 4 pieces pita bread
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 English cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important for preventing a watery falafel mixture.
  • Combine Ingredients for Falafel: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt.
  • Pulse to Combine: Pulse the mixture a few times until it's well combined but still has some texture – you don't want a completely smooth paste. There should still be small pieces of chickpea visible.
  • Add Binders: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix. The mixture should be firm enough to shape.
  • Form the Patties: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape it into small, flattened patties, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and better crispiness.
  • Spray and Load: Lightly spray both sides of each falafel patty with olive oil spray. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You will likely need to cook them in batches.
  • Air Fry: Cook the falafel for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The falafel should be deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
  • Prepare the Sauce: While the falafel cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust water for desired consistency.
  • Warm the Pita: Lightly warm the pita bread. You can do this in the microwave for a few seconds, on a dry skillet, or even briefly in the air fryer after the falafel is done.
  • Slice Veggies: Thinly slice the English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Shred or chop the Romaine lettuce.
  • Assemble: Carefully open one side of the warm pita bread to create a pocket. Spread a generous amount of the tahini yogurt sauce inside.
  • Fill: Add a layer of fresh Romaine lettuce, then tuck in a few crispy air-fried falafel patties. Top with sliced English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with a little more tahini yogurt sauce if desired.
  • Serve Immediately: Serve your crispy vegetarian sandwich right away for the best texture and flavor. This makes a fantastic quick Mediterranean lunch or a light dinner.