Homemade Falafel is a crispy, golden-brown bite with a tender and flavorful center. It is easy to make at home and tastes even better fresh from the skillet.
I've always loved how falafel can be served so many ways. Tucked into a pita, on top of a fresh salad, or even just as a snack with tahini sauce.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love Homemade Falafel
Crispy Texture: the outside fries up golden brown while the inside stays soft and tender.
Healthy Protein: chickpeas make falafel filling and satisfying without meat.
Versatile Meal: serve as a snack, in wraps, or as the star of a salad.
Key Ingredients
Dried chickpeas: the base that gives falafel its hearty texture.
Fresh cilantro and parsley: brighten the flavor and add freshness.
Garlic and onion: add savory depth.
Ground cumin and red pepper: bring warmth and a hint of spice.
Olive oil: used for frying to get that perfect crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap cilantro with fresh dill for a different herb flavor.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for frying.
Variations
- Bake falafel on a parchment-lined sheet pan lightly sprayed with cooking oil for a lighter version.
- Shape falafel into patties and serve as veggie burgers.
Top Tips
- Soak dried chickpeas in baking soda and water overnight for best results.
- Make sure oil is hot (350°F) before frying for crispy falafel.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Storage
- Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Freeze: store in a freezer safe sealed container up to 3 months.
- Reheat: I highly recommend reheating in an air fryer for best results. Just heat at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes, or reheat falafel in the oven on a large baking sheet at 350 degrees, until warmed.
Serve with...
Serve falafel balls in pita pockets with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini dressing or as part of a mezze spread.
Related Recipes
If you love chickpeas, try these other chickpea recipes on my site:
- Sun Dried Tomato Hummus makes a delicious addition to a Mezze spread!
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a delicious side dish that is great for picnics or potluck.
- Make these Oven Roasted Chickpeas next time you have a snack attack.
- Chickpea Chicken Salad is the perfect vegetarian lunch.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Homemade Falafel Recipe with Dried Chickpeas
Equipment
- Falafel scoop
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro packed
- 1 cup fresh parsley packed
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper ground
- 4 cups olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Add the dried chickpeas to a large mixing bowl and cover completely with water and baking soda. Allow to soak up to 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add to a food processor.
- Pulse until the chickpeas have broken down into small pieces. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Process until well combined.
- Add the parsley and cilantro. Pulse until all ingredients have incorporated, scraping the sides down periodically.
- Heat a large skillet with enough olive oil to be about 2" deep over medium high heat. Portion out the falafel using a falafel scoop or two spoons.
- Fry falafel on each side 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Recipes Notes
- Be sure to use dried chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans). Canned chickpeas should not be substituted. They are already cooked and would make the falafel gummy.
- Don't hesitate to soak the chickpeas in the baking soda water. This will help them soften.
- When the chickpeas have soaked overnight, they should have increased in volume by soaking up the water in the bowl.
- If you don't have a falafel scoop, use two large tablespoons and shape the falafel between the spoons (see video).
- To bake or air fry the falafel, once shaped, place falafel on a parchment lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the falafel with cooking spray, then bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Comments
No Comments