Crunchy meatless meal
These are the top reasons why we love making it at home:
- Meatless and wholesome - made from chickpeas, it’s an excellent source of protein and fiber.
- Vegan and dairy free - a delicious choice
- Versatile - enjoy it in pita bread, with vegetables, as a salad topping
- Easy to store for later - it can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later.
Air fryer, oven or deep-frying?
Falafel can be prepared in an air fryer, in the oven, or deep-fried in oil. Each method has its pros and cons. Read on to find out which ones.
Air fryer offers the best balance between a “healthy” cooking method and a crispy exterior. This recipe uses minimal oil, cleanup is easier than with a pan and oil, and thanks to Tefal Air Fryer technology, the falafel turns out perfectly cooked — crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.
Pan-frying naturally requires the most oil, but it’s the best option for achieving an extra crispy exterior and juicy interior. However, it also comes with the most cleanup. Fry when the oil temperature reaches 170 °C (340 °F) for about 3–4 minutes.
Baking in the oven is, in our opinion, the least successful method, as the falafel loses its signature crispiness. The advantage, however, is that you can make a larger batch at once, which is convenient for serving more people. Bake for about 20 minutes at 200 °C (390 °F), turning them halfway through.
Storing and make ahead
The best falafel is, of course, the freshly made kind — warm, crispy, and fragrant.
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry — falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving, simply reheat them in the oven or a pan to make them pleasantly crispy again.
For longer storage, they can also be frozen. Arrange the shaped, uncooked falafel on a baking tray and place them in the freezer until fully frozen. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container with a lid. Properly stored this way, they can last up to 2 months.
When ready to use, simply bake them straight from the freezer — no need to thaw, just extend the cooking time.
What to serve with falafel
Although these crispy balls are delicious served simply with a seasonal salad, we love enjoying them in a flatbread or tortilla with fresh and creamy fillings — it’s truly the perfect combination of flavors and textures. We like these sides:
- Hummus
- Beetroot Hummus
- Spelt Yogurt Flatbread
- Skillet Flatbread
- Yogurt Ranch Dressing
How to make these incredible falafels at home (video)
Check out this short video for an easier way to make falafel at home.
Next, try these meatless meals
- Baked Vegetable Frittata
- Savoy Cabbage Rolls with Lentils
- Cauliflower curry
- Zucchini Fritters
- Broccoli Fritters
- Carrot Fritters
- Potato Spinach Curry
Made in paid collaboration with Digital House d.o.o. for SEB d.o.o.
METHOD
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chickpeas
First, pour the chickpeas into a bowl and cover them with water. Set aside overnight or for at least 8 hours. Always use dried chickpeas for falafel.
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falafel mixture
Place roughly chopped spring onions, garlic, parsley, spices, and three tablespoons of olive oil into a blender or food processor. Blend into a smooth mixture, then add the drained chickpeas, the remaining two tablespoons of oil, baking powder, sesame seeds, and optionally some chickpea flour for a smoother texture. Blend into a uniform, smooth mixture. Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
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shape and fry
Shape 18 falafel balls and place them on a large plate or baking tray. Lightly spray them with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. We use the Tefal Easy Fry Silence. Cook for 15 minutes, then serve with your choice of side dish.
