Easy Homemade Falafel (fried, baked and air-fryer directions)

Homemade falafel is easier than you think! Using canned chickpeas and only a handful of ingredients, this easy falafel recipe is perfect for weeknights, with traditional fried and air-fryer directions.

Recipe by Alexandra Caspero on November 1, 2023

Prep time: PT15M

Cook time: PT10M

Rating

5 stars (7 reviews)

Keywords

falafel

Ingredients

1 15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry
1/4 large onion (peeled and cut into large pieces)
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon baking soda
6-8 tablespoons flour (more if needed)
Neutral oil for frying
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup tahini
pinch cayenne
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt
Warm pita bread or homemade flatbread
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced red onion
Shredded lettuce

Cuisine

American
Mediterranean-Inspired

Steps

In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic and parsley. Pulse until very well chopped.
Add in the salt, cayenne, cumin, baking soda and 4 tablespoons of flour. Process until smooth, but not creamy. The mixture should still have some slight texture to it, but be able to be rolled into tight balls. Add the rest of the flour, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture easily holds together.
Using floured hands, scoop the falafel dough into 1-inch ball and roll, repeating with the rest of the dough. You can do this as you fry, but I find it easier to roll all at once before frying.
Heat the 4 inches of the oil in a deep pan. When hot (see the spoon test below), add the falafel balls and cook until deep golden brown and crispy, about ~2 minutes per side
Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with rest of the falafel.
To make the herb tahini sauce, place the garlic and cilantro into a mini food processor or food processor and chop. Add the tahini, cayenne, lemon juice, water, olive oil and process until smooth. Add salt to taste.
To assemble, fill the warm pita bread with tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, falafel and tahini sauce! I also add in some hot sauce.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 138 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 315 mg
Sugar: 0.3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g

Reviews

Christine on 2026-04-01 (5 stars):
Super easy recipe! I air fried after brushing with olive oil and they turned out great. Didn't get a chance to make the sauce, but definitely will try next time!
Melly on 2025-07-27 (5 stars):
Delicious! Made no changes.
Susan on 2024-11-15 (5 stars):
I have to admit that I was skeptical but my husband is a big falafel fan. The best falafel I've had!
Johan on 2024-04-18 (5 stars):
Agreed. We did two batches just to try and we all said the fried version tasted like it came out of a restaurant.
brooke on 2024-04-18 (5 stars):
OK, the falafel was great but that sauce! WOW. We ended up making a double batch we all loved it so much.
Lena on 2024-04-10 (5 stars):
Delicious
Brian on 2024-04-10 (5 stars):
I was skeptical that a recipe this easy could come out this delicious but WOW, this one is a keeper. Highly recommend frying. We did two batches, one in the air fryer and one on the stove and we all thought it was worth the calories to fry them.