Top tips for the BEST authentic falafel recipe, crisp outside and tender in the middle - combining chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices with a simple step-by-step tutorial and FOUR cooking methods: fried, pan-fried, baked, or air-fried falafel!
You can do this step the night before!Transfer the dried chickpeas to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Leave them to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours). Then drain and rinse them well.
In a food processor, roughly chop the onion and garlic.
Add the chickpeas and pulse into a crumb consistency before adding the cilantro and parsley and pulse a few more times into a homogenous mix.Be careful not to over-process it into a paste. There should be some texture.
Transfer the falafel dough back to the large bowl and combine with the falafel spice and salt, mixing with a spoon.
When you're ready to cook the falafel, add the baking powder and mix. Cover and chill the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (an hour if you have the time) before frying.
To form the falafel, you can use a specific falafel scoop or a spoon (and hand-shape them into balls or slightly flattened disks). Be gentle, so they stay fluffy.I like to use about 1 ½-2 tablespoons of mixture per falafel, but you can adjust the size to preference, like making large falafel burger patties (and the cooking time, accordingly).Once you've formed your falafel balls, proceed with the coking method of your choice.
Deep Fried
In a large, heavy-based skillet, add 1 ½-2 inches of oil (you need enough to cover the falafels) and heat over high heat until it gently bubbles).Heating the oil to 350°F/180°C is best. To test if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the falafel dough. It should sizzle immediately and brown within a minute.
Carefully lower 5-6 balls/patties into the oil (cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook them for 3-4 minutes, flipping and continuing to cook until golden brown all over.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil onto a layer of paper towels to drain.
Pan Fried
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of a large, heavy-based skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
Once hot (the oil should shimmer), add the falafel patties (best if flattened, not balls) and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a layer of paper towels to drain.
Oven Baked
Preheat the oven to 475ºF/240ºC.
Spread the falafel patties onto a greased or parchment paper-lined baking tray (best if they're flattened, not balls). You can also place them in small muffin tins. Generously brush or spray with oil.Adding the oil is technically optional but will help to achieve the crispy outside.
Bake the falafels for between 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway. When ready, they should be golden brown and crispy.
Air Fried
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.
Spread the falafel patties into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them (cook in batches if necessary). Then brush or spray them with oil.
Air fry the falafels for 8-10 minutes or until brown and crispy. No need to flip halfway.The cooking time will vary based on the size of the patties.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Allow them to cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze: Flash freeze the patties until solid, then transfer them to a Ziplock for 3-4 months. You can reheat them from frozen or thaw them first.Make ahead: You can store the falafel mixture in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and add the baking powder before shaping and cooking them.
Video
Notes
Use RAW chickpeas: Tinned beans result in the wrong texture and falafel that fall apart.
Avoid overcrowding: No matter which cooking method you use, overcrowding will affect crispiness/even cooking.
Don't forget the baking powder: This is responsible for the fluffy texture of falafels but should be added just before cooking.
The falafel dough consistency: Depending on whether it feels dry or wet crumbly, add either a few drops of water or a sprinkle of chickpea flour. Increase until the mixture is a paste that sticks/holds when formed, but be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make them dense. Ensure to thoroughly drain the soaked chickpeas to avoid adding flour.
Don't skip the chill step: This will help the mixture hold better and make it easier to shape while also improving the flavor. You can chill it up to 24 hours in advance.
Check the blog post for tips, serving recommendations, and answers to top FAQs!