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Close-up of a loaded falafel pita filled with crispy falafel balls, fresh salad, and creamy tahini sauce on a wooden board.

Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich

Enjoy perfectly crispy, homemade falafel cooked in your air fryer, nestled in a warm pita with fresh veggies, creamy hummus, and a tangy tahini sauce. A delicious and healthier take on a classic Middle Eastern favorite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight (at least 12 hours)
  • 1/2 small yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro packed
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1-2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour, adjust as needed for binding
  • Olive oil spray
For the Creamy Tahini Sauce
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic minced
  • 2-4 tbsp cold water as needed for consistency
  • Pinch salt
For Assembling the Sandwich
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1/2 cup hummus store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe tomato thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small Whisk

Method
 

Part 1: Prepare the Falafel
  1. Drain the soaked chickpeas well. Pat them very dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for crispy falafel.
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, yellow onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking soda.
  3. Pulse the mixture until it's finely ground but not a paste. It should still have some texture. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and pulse again. The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it's too wet, add the second tablespoon of flour.
  5. Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up (optional, but helps with shaping).
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Shape the falafel mixture into small patties or balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You should get about 12-16 pieces.
  8. Lightly spray the falafel patties with olive oil spray.
  9. Place the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in batches.
  10. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Part 2: Prepare the Tahini Sauce & Veggies
  1. While the falafel cooks, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable, creamy consistency.
  3. Prepare all the sandwich assembly vegetables: slice cucumber, tomato, red onion, and shred lettuce.
Part 3: Assemble the Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich
  1. Lightly toast the pita breads in the air fryer (at 350°F / 175°C for 1-2 minutes) or on a stovetop until warm and slightly puffed.
  2. Carefully open each pita bread to create a pocket.
  3. Spread a generous layer of hummus inside each pita pocket.
  4. Add 3-4 warm, crispy falafel pieces to each pita.
  5. Stuff with the sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
  6. Drizzle generously with the creamy tahini sauce.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Falafel Pita Sandwich!

Notes

For best results, ensure chickpeas are completely dry after soaking and draining. Excess moisture can make falafel less crispy.
Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.
Adjust spices in the falafel mixture to your preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.