Crispy golden falafel made with fresh herbs, chickpeas, and garlic—perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. These falafel balls are a healthy and flavorful vegan option, ideal for wraps, salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer with your favorite dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This falafel recipe brings together bold Middle Eastern flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, these falafel balls are naturally vegan and gluten-free (if using chickpea flour). They are perfect for meal prepping, versatile in serving options, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re assembling a pita sandwich, building a Mediterranean bowl, or simply enjoying a crunchy snack, these falafel balls deliver on taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (not canned)
• ½ large onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp flour or chickpea flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl with plenty of cold water for at least 12 hours or overnight. They will double in size.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and holds together when pressed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the baking soda and flour, then chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
5. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties using your hands or a scoop.
6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F/175°C).
7. Fry the falafel in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
8. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 falafel balls and serves about 4–6 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 12 hours soaking and 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 14 hours (mostly inactive)

Variations

• Spicy Falafel: Add more cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for added heat.
• Baked Falafel: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Falafel: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Herb Swap: Replace parsley or cilantro with dill or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of wheat flour.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftover falafel in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze cooked falafel on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crispy texture.

FAQs

What is falafel made of?

Falafel is traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with fresh herbs, spices, onion, garlic, and flour to bind.

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

No, canned chickpeas are too soft and hold too much moisture, which prevents the falafel from holding together during frying.

Why did my falafel fall apart in the oil?

This could be due to excess moisture or under-processing. Ensure the chickpeas are well-drained and the mixture is coarse but cohesive.

Is falafel vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. To make it gluten-free, use chickpea flour or a certified gluten-free flour alternative.

Can I prepare falafel mixture in advance?

Yes, the mixture can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying.

How do I make falafel less dry?

Serve it with creamy sauces like tahini, tzatziki, or hummus. Adding a bit more onion or lemon juice can also help retain moisture.

What oil is best for frying falafel?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.

Can I freeze uncooked falafel?

Yes, shape the falafel, place on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags. Fry directly from frozen, adjusting cook time.

How do I serve falafel?

Serve in pita bread, over salad, in grain bowls, or as a snack with dipping sauces like tahini or hot sauce.

Why soak chickpeas overnight?

Soaking softens the chickpeas, allowing them to blend better and cook evenly when fried.

Conclusion

Crispy Herb Falafel Balls are a timeless and nourishing dish, offering bold flavors and a satisfying texture. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe is a must-have for any plant-based or Mediterranean-inspired meal plan. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, falafel remains a healthy, protein-rich option that’s sure to please any palate.

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