Name: The Best Crispy Falafel at Home: Easy & Flavorful Recipe!
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: PT-485116H37M37S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, NOT cooked); 1 small onion, roughly chopped; 4 cloves garlic; 1 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro, or a mix of both); 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Oil for frying (or baking/air frying); Pita bread or flatbread; Chopped veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions); Fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or cilantro); Tzatziki, hummus, or tahini sauce

Description

This easy falafel recipe gives you perfectly crispy falafel balls with a soft, herb-packed interior. Enjoy them in pita bread, salads, or as a delicious snack with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Falafel:

1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, NOT cooked)
1 small onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro, or a mix of both)
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice
Oil for frying (or baking/air frying)

For Serving (Optional):

Pita bread or flatbread
Chopped veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions)
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or cilantro)
Tzatziki, hummus, or tahini sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Soak chickpeas overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain and rinse well before using.
Make the Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarse but holds together.
- Transfer to a bowl, add baking powder, and mix well. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Shape the Falafel:
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball).
Cook the Falafel:
- Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry falafel for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-Frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with pita, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauce.

Notes

Ensure chickpeas are soaked but NOT cooked.
For gluten-free falafel, use gluten-free flour if needed for binding.
Falafel can be frozen both cooked and uncooked for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Frying, Baking, Air-Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern