Easy Falafel Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to make falafel that tastes just like your favorite Middle Eastern spot, this Easy Falafel Recipe is the way to go. It’s surprisingly simple, uses wholesome ingredients, and brings the perfect blend of herbs and spices right into your kitchen. I love how crispy and flavorful these falafels turn out, and they’re great anytime you want a healthy, satisfying meal or snack.

Whether you’re serving up dinner for friends or looking for a tasty vegetarian option, this recipe works beautifully. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can bake, air fry, or deep fry depending on how you like them. Trust me, once you try it, making falafel at home will become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create falafels bursting with fresh herby flavors and the perfect crispy crunch. I always buy dried chickpeas since they give the best texture, and fresh parsley really brightens things up.

• Dried chickpeas: These soak up water and expand, providing that authentic falafel texture—don’t use canned here!
• Flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and a lovely green color.
• Mint leaves or cilantro (optional): Choose one to add a subtle herbal punch; I like mint for extra brightness.
• Onion (yellow or white): Gives mild sweetness and moisture to bind the ingredients.
• Garlic cloves: Adds depth and warm aroma.
• Coriander ground: A fragrant spice that pairs beautifully with cumin.
• Cumin ground: Essential for that earthy falafel flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick.
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes: For just a hint of heat.
• Baking powder: Helps make your falafels light and airy inside.
• Olive oil: Used if air frying to get that crisp outside; or use frying oil if deep-frying.

Variations

I love making this Easy Falafel Recipe my own by swapping herbs or playing with cooking methods. You can easily tweak it based on what you have or what you’re craving.

• Herb swaps: I sometimes swap mint for extra cilantro for a bolder flavor; my friends love that twist during summer BBQs.
• Baking instead of frying: For a lighter version, baking the falafels at 375°F for about 30 minutes works well, just brush them with olive oil halfway through so they crisp up nicely.
• Spice it up: Adding smoked paprika or a pinch of sumac brings an exciting smoky note that’s perfect if you love bold tastes.
• Gluten-free variation: Using chickpea flour as a binder if you want to avoid wheat-based breadcrumbs (not needed here but helpful if you customize).

How to Make Easy Falafel Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas Overnight

This step is key for getting the right texture. Rinse 2 cups of dried chickpeas and soak them in plenty of water overnight (or for at least 12 hours). They’ll almost double in size and soften just enough—you want them hydrated but still a bit firm so they don’t turn mushy when you process them.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

Drain the soaked chickpeas well, then toss them in your food processor with parsley, optional mint or cilantro, chopped onion, garlic, and your spices—coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Pulse in short bursts to keep some texture; you want a coarse mixture, not a smooth paste. Add baking powder and pulse a few more times. This part always feels like magic to me—the mix puffs up and gets nicely combined without being mushy.

Step 3: Shape Your Falafel

Using wet hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches wide. Try to keep them consistent in size so they cook evenly. If the mix feels too crumbly, let it rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes—it makes shaping easier and helps prevent falling apart during cooking.

Step 4: Cook Your Falafel

Here’s where you choose your favorite method. For classic falafel taste, deep-fry in hot oil (350°F) for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally. I like air frying too—it uses less oil, just brush the falafels lightly with olive oil and cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Baking is also a great option if you prefer to skip frying entirely.

How to Serve Easy Falafel Recipe

Garnishes

I always pile on fresh garnishes—crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and a dollop of creamy tahini sauce or garlic yogurt. A sprinkle of sumac or chopped parsley on top makes everything feel extra fresh and vibrant. Lemon wedges on the side give that zesty pop I personally love.

Side Dishes

Falafel pairs beautifully with warm pita or flatbreads, fattoush salad, or even a simple tabbouleh. When I’m hosting, I also serve it alongside hummus and pickled vegetables—it’s like a mini party for your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving falafel as sliders or on top of grain bowls with quinoa and roasted veggies. I once made a falafel platter with assorted dips and plenty of colorful fresh veggies for a casual get-together—it was a major hit and looked gorgeous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let your falafels cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find putting paper towels between layers helps keep them from getting soggy, especially if you plan to reheat.

Freezing

Falafels freeze really well. I recommend flash freezing them on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. That way, they don’t stick together, and you can grab as many as you want later—super handy for meal prep or snack cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop frozen or refrigerated falafels in a hot oven or air fryer for about 5–7 minutes to regain their crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them gummy. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-kitchen crunch every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Falafel Recipe has become one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something comforting, flavorful, and a little adventurous in the kitchen. I love how accessible it is—no fancy ingredients, just honest, fresh flavors that you can enjoy any day of the week. Seriously, if you’ve been hesitant about making falafel at home, give this a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!

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