It is no longer a secret that falafel is one of the most loved foods in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) kitchens. The taste of falafel is a perfect blend of spiciness, crunchiness, and freshness. These qualities of a falafel snack are not so common in Western snacks. It is one of the reasons why falafel is not liked if cooked in a deep fryer at home.
Most of the time, deep frying feels messy, oily, and even unhygienic. Despite all this, you can finally make crispy homemade falafel right in your air fryer. You may also consider using an oven as a substitute. However, no deep fryer is needed. The final results are crunchy falafel with a golden outlook.
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern snack made from ground chickpeas, or sometimes fava beans, blended with herbs, garlic, onion, and spices. The mixture is shaped into small balls or patties and then cooked until crisp on the outside and tender inside. Traditionally deep-fried, falafel can also be baked or air-fried for a healthier twist.
Why Not Use A Deep Fryer? | Crispy Homemade Falafel
It is common for a deep fryer to use a lot of cooking oil. This could be for deep-frying any food. However, it makes the food greasy, and also, the smell doesn’t leave the kitchen. Furthermore, the deep cleaning of the kitchen removes the smell but requires effort.
Baking or air frying are better options due to these reasons. They use comparatively much less oil. They also give your falafel a very light texture. You may find many people who prefer eating the baked version.
Crispy Homemade Falafel Ingredients
Use simple items that you can find in most kitchens. Avoid canned chickpeas. They don’t work well. Use dried ones.
- 4 pieces of garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
- Half a cup of cilantro (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- Half a cup of parsley (fresh condition)
- 1 cup of fully soaked dried chickpeas
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for brushing)
How To Make the Mixture | Crispy Homemade Falafel
Wash and soak the chickpeas overnight. Drain them in the morning. Don’t boil them. You need to gently mix garlic, cilantro, parsley, and chickpeas in a blender. Also, you need to add all the spices listed in the recipe. You must pulse it until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
It should not feel smooth. Some chunks give a better texture. Move the mix to a large bowl. Add baking powder and flour. Mix by hand or with a spoon. You must keep it cold in the fridge for a duration of 45 minutes overall. This helps the falafel shape better.
How To Cook Without Frying
Oven Method:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a tray with parchment. You also have to somehow form small balls or patties using your hand-kneading skills. Brush them with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Flip halfway. They should turn golden brown.
Air Fryer Method:
Heat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray falafel with a little oil. Air fry for 12–14 minutes. Flip after 7 minutes.
Taste & Texture
The outside feels crunchy. The inside is soft, herby, and warm. You can taste the garlic, herbs, and spices in each bite. This method still gives you the true, crispy homemade falafel flavor.
Falafel Food Combinations
You can always pair up falafel with other food options. Here are fun combos to try:
- Falafel on pita with hummus, tomato, onion, and lettuce
- Falafel wrap with cabbage, pickles, garlic sauce, and fries
- Falafel salad bowl with greens, cucumber, tahini, and olives
- Rice plate with falafel, grilled vegetables, and yogurt
Sauce Ideas
The sauce makes falafel better. Try these options:
Tahini Sauce
- You need to take a glass of lime juice and mix it with tahini, garlic, and water until the texture is smooth.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Blend yogurt with lemon juice, crushed garlic, and a bit of salt.
Spicy Chili Sauce
- Use red chili paste with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Use any of these on your crispy falafel pita or wrap.
Nutritional Breakdown
The falafel snack is known for having an enormous amount of plant protein. It is good for people who avoid meat. However, it has a rich heritage and recipe consisting of fiber, iron, and vitamins.
Here’s an idea of what you get per 3 baked pieces:
- Calories: 180–220
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 9g (less with baking)
- Carbs: 25g
- Use chickpea flour to make gluten-free falafel.
Storage Tips
Place leftover falafel in a box with a lid. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can also heat falafels again in the oven as a nighttime snack. You must freeze uncooked falafel by placing shaped balls on a tray. Once frozen, you must move it to a bag. The frozen ones can be cooked whenever needed.
Extra Ideas To Try
Want to change things up a bit? Here are easy tweaks:
- Add chili flakes for heat
- Try lemon zest in the mix
- Use mint with parsley for a fresh taste
- Toss in chopped spinach or grated carrot
- Roll falafel in sesame seeds before baking
These changes give a new texture and taste to your falafel.
How To Serve Kids
Kids love small bites. Cut the falafel into small pieces. Serve with ketchup or plain yogurt. Make mini wraps with soft pita and cheese. Falafel is also easy to pack in lunchboxes. Add sliced veggies and a small sauce container.
What About Parties?
Make smaller falafel balls. Serve them on toothpicks with dipping sauce. Offer a build-your-own pita station with toppings and sauces. Guests love picking what they like. Use falafel as a burger patty. Add tomato, lettuce, and sauce in a bun. It works great for BBQ and casual meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are falafels made of?
They are made of chickpeas, herbs, garlic, onion, and spices. Some versions use fava beans.
What does falafel taste like?
It tastes herby, nutty, and slightly spicy. It has a crispy shell with a soft middle.
Is falafel healthy for you?
Yes, it has lots of fiber and protein. Baked versions have comparatively less fat.
Is falafel Lebanese?
Falafel is common in Lebanon. Many other countries also enjoy it, like Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
Fun Facts About Falafel
- Some believe falafel came from Egypt long ago.
- Chickpeas are also called garbanzo beans.
- Falafel is often eaten during fasting days.
- Many shops in the world sell only falafel.
Crispy Homemade Falafel? Way Easier Than You Think
It is not rocket science to perfectly cook crispy homemade falafel. It is way too easy to cook if you follow the ingredients and recipe without any changes. You don’t need fancy kitchen cutlery, high-end ovens, or too many sauces. All you need are just basic items, good herbs, and love for cooking falafels.
You can bake them or air fry them using any air fryer. Air frying doesn’t remove the crunchiness aspect of the falafel. You can make your own customized falafel wrap. It could be served on rice or enjoyed as a simple evening snack. You don’t need to put much effort into culinary plating, but you can still dress it up with tahini sauce.
Final Thought
Falafel is known for bringing people together at the dining table. It’s a Middle Eastern recipe that is simple and easy to replicate. Falafel is also known for its wholesome flavor, making it the best snack for joyful occasions. The best part is that you can get the signature falafel taste without even needing to do deep frying.
However, you can serve it in many different ways. You can make a big batch, freeze some, and enjoy the taste of homemade cooking. Visit Shawarma Kebab for the pleasure of authentic Mediterranean taste and finger-licking falafels.