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Crispy Falafels

Oil-Free Falafels

For years I assumed that the only way I could have a great falafel was to get it at a restaurant - the many attempts I made fell flat until I realized the trick was to use chickpeas that had been soaked but NOT cook. Game changer! So, thanks to my hours of frustration, here you can learn how to make falafels for yourself!

These come together super fast in a food processor and cook beautifully in an air-fryer - although an oven will work just fine in a pinch.

These falafels are great for in salads, on sandwiches, or in grain and vegetable bowls. I love them on their own with a little blob of mustard even! Feel free to make them half the size, but then decrease the cooking time.

Feel free to make a huge batch as they freeze beautifully and last for quite a while.

So with loads of uses the question isn't how to make falafels - it's why aren't you making them right now? Get on it and SMASH THEM INTO YOUR FACE.

Ratings 5 from 1 votes
Cooking Method , ,
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 20 mins
Servings 3
Calories 314
Description

This crispy falafel recipe will become a staple in your home. Perfect in salads, on a wrap, or just on it's own!

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Dry Chickpeas (soaked overnight, don't cook!)
  • 2 tbsp Tahini
  • 2 tbsp Onions (diced)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Tumeric
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh if you have it)
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
  1. Set the air fryer or oven to 370 F (or if using an oven, preheat to 375 F).

    Throw everything into a food processor and pulse that shit until everything’s coarsely chopped but combined. It’s gonna look like a slightly wet pile of goo - that’s okay.

  2. Get your hands wet (it’ll make things a little less messy) and form those beauties into 6 even balls or patties (whatever shape you want). You’re going to think - this is way too moist - but trust, it’ll cook up just fine.

  3. Pop them onto a silicon baking sheet and put it into the oven, or put them on the rack in your air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Maybe take a little peak around the 12 minute mark. If you want to flip ‘em halfway through go right ahead. The bottoms will still be golden if you don’t.

    And that’s it! Put them into a wrap or on a salad, or just eat ‘em with a blob of mustard - however you fancy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3


Amount Per Serving
Calories 314kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.7g15%
Saturated Fat 1.3g7%
Sodium 226mg10%
Potassium 691mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 44.6g15%
Dietary Fiber 13g52%
Sugars 7.7g
Protein 15g30%

Calcium 10 mg
Iron 32 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You could probably make them into smaller balls and get more out of them - but then I would check them around the 10 minute mark. They wouldn't be as fluffy on the inside.

Keywords: falafel, air-fryer, chickpeas, lunch, greek, whole food plant-based, oil-free

Thank you for checking out PB with J for all your Whole Food Plant-Based recipe needs. If you make this recipe let us know what you thought and make sure to tag us on social media!