Crispy Falafel Recipe

I absolutely love falafel! Those crispy, flavorful chickpea fritters are just so darn delicious. And this Crispy Falafel recipe? It’s my absolute favorite. I’ve tried countless falafel recipes over the years, but this one always comes out perfectly. The falafel are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Falafel Recipe

• Authentic Flavors: This recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional falafel.
• Crispy and Tender: The falafel are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Versatile: You can enjoy these falafel in pita bread with hummus and veggies, or serve them as an appetizer with tahini sauce for dipping.
• Make Ahead: You can make the falafel batter ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Crispy Falafel

Here’s what I use to make this delicious falafel:

• Dried Chickpeas: These are the base of our falafel. Be sure to soak them overnight before using.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the falafel.
• Parsley and Cilantro: These fresh herbs add a bright, herby flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor.
• Cumin and Coriander: These spices add warmth and earthiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
• Baking Powder: Helps the falafel become light and fluffy.
• Neutral Oil: For frying the falafel.
• Tahini Sauce: This creamy sauce is the perfect accompaniment to falafel.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Falafel: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Herby Falafel: Add more fresh herbs, like mint or dill, to the batter.
• Baked Falafel: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the falafel instead of frying them.
• Falafel Salad: Crumble the cooked falafel and add it to your favorite salad for extra protein and flavor.

How to Make Crispy Falafel

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

I start by soaking the dried chickpeas in water for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. This helps to soften them and make them easier to blend.

Step 2: Make the Falafel Batter

Once the chickpeas are soaked, I drain them and rinse them well. Then, I add them to a food processor along with the salt, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. I blend everything together until it forms a thick paste. Then, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least an hour.

Step 3: Add Baking Powder

After the batter has chilled, I remove it from the refrigerator and gently fold in the baking powder.

Step 4: Shape the Falafel

I use a cookie scoop or my hands to form the falafel batter into small balls.

Step 5: Fry the Falafel

I heat some oil in a large frying pan and fry the falafel balls until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

I serve the falafel warm with tahini sauce for dipping.

Tips and Tricks

• Chickpea Soaking: Soaking the chickpeas is essential for this recipe. Don’t skip this step!
• Food Processor Power: A high-speed blender or food processor works best for this recipe.
• Chill Time: Chilling the falafel batter helps it to firm up and makes it easier to shape.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the falafel. If it’s not hot enough, the falafel will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

How to Serve

I love serving these Crispy Falafel with:

• Pita Bread: Stuff the falafel into pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, and your favorite vegetables.
• Salad: Crumble the falafel and add it to your favorite salad.
• Appetizer: Serve the falafel as an appetizer with tahini sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make the falafel batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked falafel or the uncooked falafel batter for up to 3 months.
• Storing: Store leftover falafel in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas?
I don’t recommend using canned chickpeas for this recipe because they have a different texture and may not hold their shape as well when fried.

2. Can I bake the falafel instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the falafel at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I make these falafel gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Crispy Falafel. I hope you enjoy it!

Print