Why can't you use canned chickpeas in falafel?

Canned chickpeas are cooked and will create a mixture that is too wet. This will result in mushy falafels.

Can I cook the falafel in an air fryer?

Definitely! Just preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook for 15-17 minutes, or until golden, flipping the falafel half way through.

How do I store leftover falafels?

You can store your falafels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why are my falafels falling apart?

Your mixture could have been too wet! If your falafel mixture isn't easily moldable, you may need to add a tablespoon of flour. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon of water.

Easy Crispy Baked Falafel (Air Fryer Option!)

Description

Packed with herbs & spices, this crispy baked falafel recipe is loaded with delicious flavor. They are moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and are quick & easy to make.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Falafel:

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight or for 10-12 hours
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems, chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling before baking

Tahini Dressing:

1/3 cup tahini
1 small lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt & pepper, to taste
water, to thin

Instructions

Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of 3-4 cups water overnight or for at least 10-12 hours. The chickpeas should double to triple in size.
Once the chickpeas have been soaked, drain and pat dry. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add all ingredients to a food processor. Pulse everything together until a dough is formed and the ingredients are well-combined.
Using your hands, scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and gently roll into a ball, or shape into a patty until all of the mixture has been used. Place the falafels on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the falafels with generously with olive oil and bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping half way through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven.
Serve immediately as an appetizer with a tahini or vegan tzatziki sauce and hummus, on pita bread with veggies, or in a buddha bowl!

Notes

Dried chickpeas cannot be swapped with canned chickpeas.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full disclosure here.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 Falafel
Calories: 235
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 489mg
Fat: 6.7g
Saturated Fat: 0.8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10.1g
Protein: 11.7g

Keywords: baked falafel, air fryer falafel, fried falafel, vegan baked falafel, gluten-free falafel