Baked Falafel Recipe ( Air Fryer or Oven )
Make best crispy and flavorful baked falafel at home. This vegan and gluten free falafel recipe offers a healthier twist on this beloved Middle Eastern dish. Serve them in pita bread with tahini sauce for a delicious appetizer or meal option.
Servings: 16 falafels
Calories: 120kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz . can) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 2 Tablespoons chickpea flour or oats flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or Oil Spray
Optional ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, chickpea flour, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse it until the mixture is well combined but still coarse and slightly chunky. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
IF YOU WANT TO BAKE THE FALAFEL IN THE OVEN
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the prepared falafel balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, serve the falafel warm with your favorite accompaniments such as pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad. Enjoy !
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER FALAFELS
- Spray the air fryer basket with some olive oil. Put prepared falafel balls in single layer into the basket and spray them with olive oil very lightly.
- Air fry the falafel at 350°F (175°C) for 6 minutes. Flip and fry for another 6 minutes on the other side until the falafel is golden brown and crispy. Serve and enjoy !
Notes
Once prepared, store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing : You can freeze falafel for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store it in freezer up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave for a quick fix.
Avoid storing falafel with any toppings or sauces to maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
Serving: 4falafels | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg