Crispy Homemade Falafel: 5 Easy Steps to Joyful Cooking!

Name: Crispy Homemade Falafel: 5 Easy Steps to Joyful Cooking!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Oil for frying

September 14, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s just something magical about making crispy homemade falafel! The aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen as those golden balls of goodness fry up is pure joy. I remember the first time I tried making falafel at home; it felt like a little culinary adventure! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just delicious—it’s also a healthy option that’s packed with flavor. Plus, you can whip it up in no time! Trust me, once you try these crispy bites, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

crispy homemade falafel - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Oil for frying

How to Prepare Crispy Homemade Falafel

Making crispy homemade falafel is a delightful process that’s as fun as it is delicious! Let’s break it down step by step so you can nail it every time. I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like a falafel pro!

Step 1 – Prepare the Chickpeas

First things first, let’s get those chickpeas ready! Drain the soaked chickpeas and give them a good rinse under cold water. This not only removes any extra salt but also helps get rid of any lingering grit. Trust me, starting with clean chickpeas is key to achieving that perfect texture!

Step 2 – Blend the Ingredients

Now, grab your trusty food processor! Toss in the rinsed chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pulse everything together until it’s well combined but still a bit coarse. You want it to hold together but not be pureed into mush. It should have a nice texture, almost like a thick dough!

Step 3 – Form the Falafel

Time to get your hands a little messy! With your mixture ready, take a small scoop and roll it into balls or shape them into patties. I like to use about two tablespoons for each ball—just the right size for frying! If the mixture feels too crumbly, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water. It should stick together nicely!

Step 4 – Fry the Falafel

Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat—about an inch deep should do the trick! Once it’s hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle), carefully add the falafel balls. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Ooh, that sound of sizzling is music to my ears!

Step 5 – Serve the Falafel

Once they’re perfectly crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the falafel and let them drain on paper towels. Now for the best part—serve them warm! I love pairing them with creamy tahini sauce or stuffing them into pita bread with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. You can even add some pickles for that extra zing! Enjoy your homemade falafel fiesta!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make, ready in just about 35 minutes!
Easy to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices—each bite is a taste sensation!
Healthy and nutritious, thanks to protein-rich chickpeas and fresh greens.
Perfect for meal prep; you can freeze uncooked falafel for future cravings!
Versatile dish—enjoy them in a salad, as a snack, or in a wrap!
Kid-friendly and a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet.

Tips for Success

Getting your crispy homemade falafel just right can be a game changer! Here are my top tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your falafel turns out perfectly every time:

Soak Your Chickpeas: Don’t skip soaking the dried chickpeas overnight! This is crucial for achieving the right texture. Canned chickpeas won’t give you the same results—trust me on this!
Don’t Over-Blend: When you’re pulsing the ingredients in the food processor, stop before it turns into a paste. You want a coarse mixture that holds together but still has some texture. It should feel a bit like a thick dough!
Test Your Oil: Before frying the whole batch, test the oil with a small piece of the mixture. If it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go! If it doesn’t, let the oil heat up a bit more.
Keep the Oil Hot: Frying at the right temperature is key! If the oil is too cool, your falafel will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through. Aim for medium heat.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before frying! You can adjust the spices, salt, or herbs to suit your preferences. A little taste test goes a long way in making sure your falafel is bursting with flavor!
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches! If you add too many falafel at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, leading to soggy falafel. Give them some space to fry up beautifully!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making falafel that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about crispy homemade falafel is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or to use up what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:

Herb Lovers: Swap out the parsley and cilantro for other fresh herbs like dill or mint for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can really brighten up your falafel!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also give your falafel a wonderful depth of flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in some finely grated carrots or zucchini into the mixture for added moisture and nutrition. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water before mixing them in!
Nutty Goodness: For a little extra crunch, consider adding some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add a delightful texture and flavor contrast!
Cheesy Twist: If you’re feeling indulgent, try folding in some crumbled feta cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a bit of cinnamon or ground cardamom for a sweet twist that plays beautifully against the savory spices.

With these variations, you can keep your falafel game fresh and exciting every time you make them. So go ahead, experiment a little, and find your favorite combo!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your crispy homemade falafel is super easy, and it ensures you can enjoy them later! If you have any leftovers (which is rare if you ask me!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just be sure to layer a piece of parchment paper between the falafel to prevent them from sticking together.

If you want to save some for later, uncooked falafel can be frozen! Simply shape the balls or patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for a quick meal on a busy day!

When it’s time to reheat your falafel, the oven is your best friend! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also give them a quick fry in a pan with a little oil for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste, but be careful not to overdo it! Microwaving is an option too, but it won’t give you that delightful crispiness—just pop them in for about 30-60 seconds.

So there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, your crispy homemade falafel will stay delicious and ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to crispy homemade falafel, you can indulge without the guilt! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which typically includes about 3 pieces of falafel:

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the nutritional benefits packed into each bite! You’ll get a hearty dose of protein from the chickpeas, along with a nice balance of healthy fats and fiber. Enjoy guilt-free munching with these little flavor bombs!

FAQ Section

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
I really recommend using dried chickpeas soaked overnight for the best texture and flavor. Canned chickpeas can be a bit too soft and might not hold together as well, making it tricky to get that perfect crispy falafel.

How can I make my falafel spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, just add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture! Start with a little and taste as you go—it’s easy to adjust to your heat preference!

What if my falafel mixture is too dry?
No worries! If your mixture feels too crumbly and isn’t sticking together, just add a splash of water or olive oil. Mix it in gently until it holds together nicely. Sometimes a little moisture is all you need!

Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a lined baking sheet, and lightly brush or spray them with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

How do I know when the falafel is done frying?
Your falafel is ready when it’s a beautiful golden brown and crispy on the outside! It generally takes about 4-5 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on them. They should sizzle and float a bit in the hot oil—trust your nose; the smell will be heavenly!

For more information on the health benefits of chickpeas, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn more about the nutritional value of falafel from NutritionValue.org.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.