The best falafel near you? It’s right in your own kitchen! This falafel recipe is crispy on the outside, a moist emerald green on the inside, garlicky, with lots of warm spices like cumin and coriander, and has the perfect fluffy texture.
the perfect falafel recipe
Falafel is the original veggie burger and this falafel recipe is the best I’ve ever had! Falafel, or Middle Eastern chickpea fritters, are deep dried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. They’re eaten wrapped in pita bread, on top of salads, or just as a snack. Drenched in the requisite thick, lemony tahini sauce, it’s simply divine.
Falafel is sold on streets all over the middle east, and in restaurants worldwide. McDonald’s Egypt even sells a McFalafel sandwich (I’m so jealous.) And over many years of enjoying falafel in different parts of the globe, I’m confident that this homemade version is the very best, outside of maybe that secret little shop in Beirut or Tel Aviv. You’re going to love the flavor and the fluffy texture, so let’s get going.
THE FOUR SECRETS TO A GREAT FALAFEL RECIPE
I adore falafel, but like many delicious foods, it can be tricky. It can be tough, or dry, under or over cooked, lacing in flavor…the list goes on. But once you know the ropes, you’ll never be without the best falafel in the world.
1. start with dried chickpeas that are soaked tender but not cooked
This is the number one secret to authentic falafel. Don’t be tempted by the convenience of canned chickpeas, they will make a mushy fritter. Cooked chickpeas make a falafel that can fall apart in the oil, and they will not have the correct texture. And luckily, actually, soaking chickpeas overnight is much easier than cooking them, so it’s a win win.
2. I personally feel that great falafel needs lots of fresh herbs
The best falafel recipes call for lots of fresh parsley and cilantro. You’ll get the beautiful surprise of a bright emerald green when you cut through the mahogany brown crust, and the herbs add tons of moisture and flavor. Falafel must be green.
3. a bit of flour helps bind the mixture so the falafel don’t fall apart as they fry
This is controversial, some say there should be no flour in falafel, but I’ve found it necessary. You can use all purpose flour, or chickpea flour to keep this falafel recipe gluten free.
4. a little baking powder
You’ll blend it into the falafel mixture and when the falafel cooks, the baking powder will release carbon dioxide gas to create a lighter, fluffier, result.
ingredients for the best falafel recipe
ingredients for the best falafel recipe- dried chickpeas that have been soaked but not cooked.
- baking soda, for adding to the soaking liquid.
- parsley and cilantro ~ these must be fresh. Lop the tops of 2 bunches and add them right to the processor.
- garlic ~ fresh garlic adds a wonderful kick.
- red onion ~ you can also use green onions but I love red onion best.
- cumin and coriander ~ these dried spices are traditional.
- lemon zest and juice
- hot pepper, optional, but I love it. I use 1/2 a jalapeño pepper but you could also add some red pepper flakes.
- flour ~ helps bind the mixture. You can use garbanzo flour for a gluten free choice.
- baking powder ~ this will create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- salt
method
The method for this falafel recipe is simple: whiz the whole lot in your food processor. If you don’t have a full sized machine you’ll need to do it in batches. Process until everything is finely ground but not so far that it becomes a paste. You want to see a little texture in the falafel mixture. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand, but will fall apart easily as well, like wet sand.
which is best, falafel balls or patties?
The shape of your falafel is up to you, and depends on how you like to eat them and how you want to fry them. This falafel recipe can be made into balls or patties. To shape the balls I use a small cookie scoop and for the patties I use a larger cookie scoop and then flatten into shape with my hands.
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round balls, portioned with a small scoop and rolled gently in your palms are best for snacking, or as part of a salad or appetizer plate. They also are best when you are able to deep fry them, so they stay nice and round. They aren’t a good choice for shallow pan frying because of their round shape.
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patties are great when you want to stuff pita pockets for sandwiches. They can be deep fried, but can also be shallow fried in a pan because of their flatter shape.
how to serve falafel
This epic falafel recipe can be served warm or at room temperature.
Serve them as is as a snack, an appetizer, or as part of a bigger mezze selection. Serve tahini sauce or yogurt based tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping; never serve without some sort of dip.
A classic way to enjoy falafel is stuffed inside a pita bread pocket. I like to fill the bottom of the pita with hummus, them some greens, topped with the falafel and some tahini sauce. You can also stuff the pita with chopped tomatoes and cucumber, or even some Israeli salad, chopped finely.
You can top a plate of freshly made hummus with falafel balls.
Probably my favorite way to use falafel is in salads, check out my Falafel Salad Bowl, it makes a main course out of these delicious fritters.
Once you’ve fried up your very own falafel, you’re going to need some of my Homemade Pita Bread to go with it!
falafel faqs
can you make falafel ahead
Your falafel mix will keep beautifully in the fridge for a day or two so you can do the work one day, and then scoop it out and fry fresh falafel when you want it. This is my best meal prep secret!
is falafel healthy
Falafel is deep fried in oil, so to that extent it is not considered a particularly healthy food. But the ingredients that make it up are very nutritious and it is an excellent replacement for less healthy meat in the diet. Eaten in moderation, falafel is part of a prudent diet. And it’s delicious 🙂
is falafel vegan
Definitely. So is the pita bread, salad, and tahini sauce that it’s normally eaten with.
can you bake falafel
Baked falafel is frankly not nearly as good. If you really can’t stand deep frying, you can shape your falafel into patties and shallow fry them on the stove. If you want to bake, do it at 375F, and brush your patties generously on both sides with oil. Bake until crispy, flipping once. It should take about 25 minutes, but watch carefully for over browning.
can you make falafel in the air fryer
Yes, you can, although I haven’t tried it personally. Again, it won’t be nearly as good as frying the traditional way, but it can be done. Set the machine to 350F and spray both the basket and the falafel patties with oil. Cook in a single layer for 8 minutes. Then flip the patties and let them fry for another 5 or 6 minutes.
can you freeze falafel
Yes. You can freeze it raw or cooked. To freeze raw falafel, form it into balls or patties, arrange them on a lined baking sheet and put into the freezer until solid. Then transfer to a freezer safe container or a heavy duty zip lock freezer bag. Use within 6 months. Thaw the frozen falafel in the refrigerator overnight, then cook as usual.
To freeze cooked falafel freeze in a freezer safe container or heavy duty zip lock bags. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat wrapped loosely in foil in a low oven until hot.
“I am SO glad I found this recipe. These were by far the best falafel I have ever made, and quite possibly the best I have ever had. Thank you, Sue! I’m new to your site… this recipe has made a devoted follower out of me !!” ~Robin
The Best Falafel Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups (500 grams) soaked chickpeas Note: use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight, but do not cook them. See instructions for soaking chickpeas below.
- 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and cut in quarters
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 small hot chile pepper, sliced , I used a Serrano
- a large handful of parsley, tender stems are ok, this will be about a packed cup.
- a large handful of cilantro, tender stems are ok. This will be about a packed cup.
- the zest of 1 lemon
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp ground coriander
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 Tbsp all purpose flour, or chickpea flour
- vegetable oil for frying
tahini sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- pinch salt
- water for thinning
Instructions
- Measure out 3 cups (500 grams) of soaked and drained chickpeas. Note: you are starting with dried chickpeas that have been soaked, but not cooked.
- Put the soaked beans, fresh herbs, onion, garlic cloves, hot pepper, lemon zest and juice, spices, salt, baking powder, and flour in the bowl of a full sized food processor. Your machine will be full. Note: if your machine is smaller, do this in batches.
- Pulse the machine repeatedly to break everything down.
- Stop the machine and scrape down the sides. Run again until the mixture is evenly blended but still has some texture, like coarse sand. It should hold together when you squeeze it between your fingers, but also fall apart easily. It should have a texture similar to wet sand. Note: you can refrigerate the mixture at this point for up to 2 days ahead of time.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop portion out the mixture and roll into balls or form patties. The mixture will be delicate, so use a gentle touch.
- If you are using a deep fryier or a deep pot for frying, heat your oil to about 340F. Use a thermometor to check the temperature. Your oil should be at least 3 inches deep. Note: You can also shallow fry patties in a pan on the stove.
- When the oil is hot, gently lower the balls or patties into the oil with a slotted spoon. Work in batches so you don't crowd your pan. Fry the falafel for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they are a nice deep brown on the outside and fluffy inside. If they are getting too dark, lower the temperature of your oil. If they are not turning golden within a minute, turn up the temperature a bit.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with tahini sauce.
- Make the tahini sauce by mixing the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and enough cold water to make a sauce. Taste to adjust the lemon and salt. Note: be sure to stir your jar of tahini thoroughly before measuring, as it separates.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi Sue,
I opted to make these for my 1 year old daughter and they were delicious. However I did run into my falafel mixture not holding together well when forming the patties so I added a bit more flour which helped. I felt they ended up very crunchy which was fine but I wanted it a bit less crunchy. Perhaps frying them for less time? I also want to try the baked method as well as a healthy alternative for my daughter. Thank you for such a simple delicious recipe.
Hi Sue. I’m dying to make these right now but only have canned chickpeas. Can I use them somehow?
Hi Kathryn – unfortunately I don’t recommend making falafel with canned chickpeas because they will make a mushier texture and might fall apart when you try to fry them. If you really wanted to try, you could try adding a bit more flour or chickpea flour to help make the mixture firmer, and handle them very gently when frying.
What temp and how long should these cook in the oven vs pan fry?
I bring this up in the post, if you want to bake, do it at 375F, and brush your patties generously on both sides with oil. Bake until crispy, flipping once. It should take about 25 minutes, but watch carefully for over browning. I do mention that baking will not be quite as tasty as either deep or shallow pan frying, but it can certainly be done!
Me and my husband love that recipe. I will like to mention that you should mention 253 grams of dry chick pea cause after soaking overnight the weight was 972 grams. So I cook the extra chickpea to use for a salad.
Sue, parsley and cilantro are listed as ingredients, but not included in the Instructions as to when to add them, although I’m assuming they are added along with the onions, garlic, lemon, etc. Is that correct?
With no reply, I am going to assume that my previous question to you is correct.
Sorry I must have missed your question Carolyn, and yes, I clarified that, they go in with all the ingredients in the food processor.
HI there ! I would like to use the old recipe with the chickpea flour. We all loved it ! Are the cups for the dried chickpeas the same as for the flour ? thanks much !
I am so glad that I found this recipe!!!!
I make mine without the pepper because my kiddo can’t handle spicy things yet. We really enjoy garlic so I do throw in extra cloves. Lastly, I have recently tried my air fryer to cook the falafel and the results were outstanding! Here is what I did. Set air fryer to 400° (we have a French door air fryer, and I do not know if that will make a difference) place falafel balls on a greased air fryer pan. Air fry for 18-20 minutes.
I’m definitely going to try the air fryer, thanks Mon!
Great recipe and easy to make. I lost my old falafel recipe and I’m kinda glad now! These do stay together a lot better with the soaked bean method and I like all the added cilantro and parsley. I halved the recipe because there’s only 2 people in my household…made enough for 2 plus pita sandwiches each. I add garlic and cilantro to the tahini sauce too.
First try and they came out perfecto! Thank you for the recipe and great instructions!