Falafel | How to Make Falafel (Pan Fry, Baked, Air-fried)

Falafel is a quick chickpea fritter either fried or baked. It's a popular Middle Eastern street food. This is also a vegan and gluten-free appetizer. You can make these falafel in an oven or in an air fryer.

Falafel is a highly nutritious snack. that is not only delicious but also gives our body a complete boost of protein. This was a vegetarian or even better vegan substitute for regular meatballs. Traditionally they are deep fried but if you are on a low-carb diet you can bake or air-fry the falafel as well. These are vegan and gluten-free.

What is Falafel?

Authentically this is a deep-fried snack made with garbanzo beans or fava beans along with Middle Eastern spices. This is served best with tzatziki or tahini dip. You can also use this as a stuffing for your burrito or in pita bread. At times, zhoug (the spicy cilantro dip) replaces the tahini sauce also.This Middle Eastern snack originated in Egypt. It used to be a street food in Middle East countries like Arab.

How to make falafel from scratch?

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparation:

But since we need to soak chickpeas for 8 hours, it needs little planning for this. This is best made from dry chickpeas, and not with cooked or canned chickpeas. Soak the chickpeas overnight or for 8 hrs minimum.

I. Blend all ingredients

Then in a food processor or mixer, blend it roughly to a mixture with other ingredients like onion, cilantro, and spices. Don't add water during this process.

Refrigerate for 1hr and let it sit for some time. You can also keep them in an air-tight box in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 days. This is also freezer-friendly. After making balls you can freeze for future use.

II. Shape into balls or discs

The next step, divide the mixture into equal portions.. Grease palms and shape the mixture into balls of lemon-size or patties from this mixture. Make sure there is no crack left while making the roundels.

III. Deep Fry the balls - Method 1

Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop the falafel into the hot oil one by one. Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 3 - 4 minutes or cooked nice and crisp. Keep it on medium-high heat. At a time don't place more than 5 - 6 balls. Remove when it turns golden and crispy.

Baked Falafel:

Preheat the oven at 380 F. Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Now place the falafel on the tray. Bake at 380 F for 30 minutes. Flip them carefully in the midways for even cooking.

Air-fried Falafel:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F or 200 C. Then spray oil and grease the basket. Place the shaped falafel in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overlap them with each other. Now spray some oil on the falafel.

Start the air fryer at 375 F for 10 - 12 minutes. Remove and flip the falafel carefully with the help of a tong or spoon.

Each air fryer cooks differently depending on its size and brand. Keep a check on the fritters. If you need it more crispy, increase the timer by 2 - 3 minutes more up to 15 minutes.

Expert tips for the best falafel:

Shall I use dried or canned beans for this recipe?

In Middle Eastern countries, garbanzo beans or chickpeas are used predominantly to make falafel. While preparing this dish don't use canned garbanzo beans as they are already cooked and have a lot of moisture in them. Hence it will need more flour for binding the mixture to form balls out of the mixture.

Always use dry chickpeas. The drier the paste is, the easier it will be to make balls and fry. Otherwise, the balls will split in hot oil. But for this falafel recipe, you mustn't boil the beans before blending. Only one step is sufficient that is, soak it properly in water.

Also read my similar post: sesame falafel

Recipe Card for Falafel

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