Description
Delicious and crispy falafel recipe that can be air-fried, oven-baked, or deep-fried to perfection. These flavorful chickpea patties are packed with herbs and spices, making them a popular Middle Eastern dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Falafel:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, measured before soaking
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 cup mint leaves or cilantro (optional)
- 1 onion, yellow or white
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for air frying, or 4 to 6 cups frying oil for deep-frying
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Place 2 cups dried chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Drain and rinse before using.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, 1/2 cup mint leaves, 1 onion, 6 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons coriander, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add chickpeas and 2 teaspoons baking powder; blend until finely coarse, not smooth.
- Shape the Falafel: Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes, then scoop and shape it into small patties. If too crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spray basket and falafel with oil. Air fry in a single layer for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Oven-Baked: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place falafel on a parchment-lined tray, brush with olive oil, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until golden brown.
- Deep-Fry: Heat oil to 340°F (170°C) in a deep pot (fill halfway). Fry 3–4 falafel at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning for even browning. Drain on paper towels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 falafel
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
