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Crispy Homemade Falafel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

This classic falafel recipe features crispy, flavorful chickpea patties made from soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices. Perfect for air frying, baking, or deep-frying, these falafels are a versatile, protein-packed Middle Eastern dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried chickpeas (measured before soaking)
  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ cup mint leaves (or cilantro – optional)
  • 1 onion (yellow or white)
  • 6 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons coriander (ground)
  • 1½ teaspoons cumin (ground)
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Cooking Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying or baking)
  • 4 to 6 cups frying oil (for deep-frying, such as vegetable oil or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Soak Chickpeas: Place 2 cups dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them generously with water. Allow to soak in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to soften. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.
  2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the parsley, mint leaves (or cilantro), onion, chopped garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse to combine. Add the soaked chickpeas and baking powder to the mixture and blend until the mixture is finely coarse and holds together well but is not too smooth.
  3. Shape the Falafel: Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes. Then scoop out portions and shape them into small patties or balls. If the mixture is too crumbly to hold, gently mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour to bind it better. Arrange the shaped falafel on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Cooking Equipment: Depending on your chosen cooking method, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), oven to 350°F (180°C), or prepare oil heated to 340°F (170°C) for deep-frying.
  5. Cook Falafel – Air Fryer Method: Spray the air fryer basket and falafel patties lightly with olive oil. Place the falafel in a single layer and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
  6. Cook Falafel – Oven-Baked Method: Place falafel patties on a parchment-lined baking tray and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.
  7. Cook Falafel – Deep-Fry Method: Carefully drop 3 to 4 falafel at a time into the hot frying oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Once golden and crisp, remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Notes

  • Soaking chickpeas for at least 24 hours is crucial to achieve the right texture; do not use canned chickpeas.
  • If the falafel mixture is too wet or sticky to form patties, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour or breadcrumbs.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and mint brighten the flavor but can be substituted with cilantro if desired.
  • Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving a crispy texture.
  • Falafel is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: falafel recipe, air fryer falafel, baked falafel, deep-fried falafel, Middle Eastern chickpea patties, vegan appetizers

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/crispy-homemade-falafel-recipe/