Easy Falafel Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (measured before soaking)
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup mint leaves or cilantro (optional)
• 1 yellow or white onion
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying)
• 4 to 6 cups frying oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak Chickpeas: Rinse 2 cups of dried chickpeas and soak them in plenty of water overnight or for at least 12 hours to fully hydrate.

2. 2

   Prepare Ingredients: Drain the soaked chickpeas well. Roughly chop the parsley, mint or cilantro if using, onion, and garlic to prepare for blending.

3. 3

   Blend Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped parsley, mint or cilantro, onion, garlic, ground coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne or red pepper flakes, and baking powder. Pulse until a coarse, grainy texture forms. Be careful not to over-process into a paste; the mixture should hold together but still have some texture.

4. 4

   Chill Mixture: Transfer the falafel mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to help it firm up and improve binding.

5. 5

   Form Falafel Balls: Using damp hands or a falafel scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches in diameter.

6. 6

   Cook Falafel - Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the falafel balls with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the falafel is golden brown and crispy.

7. 7

   Cook Falafel - Deep Frying Method: Heat 4 to 6 cups of frying oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry falafel balls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

8. 8

   Serve falafels warm with tahini sauce, pita bread, salad, or hummus as desired.