I recently discovered a new recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen – air fryer keto falafel. As someone who follows a keto diet, I was excited to find a way to enjoy one of my favorite Middle Eastern dishes without breaking my carb limit. Not only is this recipe low-carb, but it is also incredibly easy to make and tastes just as delicious as traditional falafel.
The idea of making falafel in an air fryer may seem unconventional, but it works wonders. The air fryer gives the falafel a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Plus, it requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option. I first tried this recipe after having dinner at a falafel stand in Manhattan, NY. It blew me away how good it tasted. Now, I can enjoy the same delicious flavor at home with this simple recipe.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including broccoli, almond meal, and a variety of spices. I love that this recipe uses almond flour instead of traditional flour, which makes it gluten-free and low-carb. The spices give the falafel a delicious flavor, and you can adjust them to your liking.
After trying the air fryer keto falafel at the food stand, I knew I had to get the recipe. I approached the owner of the stand and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me.
At first, he seemed hesitant, but after some convincing, he agreed to give me the recipe. He handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written on it. I was thrilled to have the recipe in my possession and couldn’t wait to try making it at home. Here is the list of ingredients needed for the keto falafel, as provided by the stand owner: broccoli head, almond meal, spring onions, parsley, garlic cloves, medium red onion, egg, cayenne, ground cumin, allspice, black pepper, ground flaxseeds, salt, olive oil, and sesame seeds.
Overall, I found the recipe to be easy to follow. The falafel turned out just as delicious as it did at the food stand. I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re a fan of falafel or looking for a tasty and healthy snack.
When it comes to pairing dishes with air fryer keto falafel, many options will complement the flavors and textures of this delicious dish. Here are a few of my favorite keto-friendly dishes to serve alongside falafel:
- Greek Salad: A fresh and tangy salad made with cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, and olives. The crisp vegetables and salty cheese make a great contrast to the warm and savory falafel.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy and refreshing sauce is the perfect dip for falafel. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, it adds a cool and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized flavor that pairs well with the spices in the falafel.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the falafel, but it will help to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
- Baba Ganoush: Similar to hummus, but made with roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas, baba ganoush has a smoky and savory flavor that pairs well with the spices in the falafel.
Overall, many different keto-friendly dishes can be served alongside this dish. Whether you prefer something cool and refreshing like tzatziki sauce and Greek salad or something warm and comforting like roasted vegetables and cauliflower rice, there are plenty of options to choose from that will make your meal complete.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of broccoli, florets separated
- 1 cup almond meal
- 2 spring onions
- 10 sprigs of parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 red onion, middle
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp of cayenne
- 1/4 tsp of ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp of allspice
- 1/8 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 tsp of ground flaxseeds
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of olive oil
- Sesame seeds (optional)
All of these ingredients are easily available at any grocery store. I prefer to use organic ingredients whenever possible to ensure the best quality and taste. The broccoli florets will serve as the base for the falafel, while the almond meal will provide a nutty flavor and help bind the ingredients together. The spring onions, parsley, garlic, and red onion will add a burst of fresh flavor, while the spices will give the falafel a delicious aroma and taste. The olive oil will help the falafel crisp up nicely in the air fryer. The sesame seeds are optional, but they can add a nice crunch to the falafel.
How to Make Air Fryer Keto Falafel?
- To make them, put all the chopped ingredients into the food processor and crack one egg into the mixture. Then, pulsed the ingredients in the food processor until everything was finely chopped, being cautious not to over-process, as some texture should remain in the mixture.
- Next, move the blend from the food processor to a spacious bowl, then, with your hands, craft 12-14 spherical balls, roughly the size of a walnut.
- To prepare the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Then, place the falafel balls onto the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Lightly spray each falafel with olive oil using a spray bottle.
- Bake them in the preheated air fryer for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a crunchy texture. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. That’s all there is to making delicious air fryer falafel!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When making this dish, there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided. Here are some tips to ensure your falafel turns out perfectly every time:
- Using too much liquid: When making the falafel mixture, it’s important to avoid adding too much liquid. This can make the mixture too wet, which can result in the falafel falling apart in the air fryer. To avoid this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the chickpeas and vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
- Not letting the mixture rest: After making the falafel mixture, it’s important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before forming the falafel balls. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to form into balls.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: When cooking the falafel in the air fryer, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the basket. If the basket is too full, the falafel won’t cook evenly and may not crisp up properly. It’s better to cook the falafel in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure that the falafel cooks evenly and crisps up properly. Make sure to preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the falafel.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and make delicious falafel every time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air fryer keto falafel is a delicious and healthy option for those who follow a ketogenic diet. With its crispy exterior and soft and flavorful interior, it’s a perfect meal for any time of the day. The use of an air fryer makes it even easier to cook and reduces the amount of oil needed for frying.
One of the great things about it is that it’s versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it as a main dish with a side salad or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce. You can also use it to make a delicious falafel wrap with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
It’s important to note that while this falafel is a healthy option, it’s still important to consume it in moderation. It’s also important to make sure that you’re using fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and nutritional value.
Overall, keto falafel is a great addition to any ketogenic diet. It’s easy to make, delicious, and healthy. Give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying it can be!
By the way, keto falafel can be a great appetizer for keto chicken with eggplants.
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