![- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp ground coriander - 1/2 tsp baking powder - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: tahini sauce for serving Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making easy baked falafel. Chickpeas are the base of this dish. They provide protein and fiber. Fresh parsley and cilantro add bright flavor. The onion and garlic bring warmth and depth. Ground cumin and coriander give that classic falafel taste. Baking powder helps the falafel puff up a bit. Flour binds everything together. You can use all-purpose flour or chickpea flour if you want a gluten-free option. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. This is key to enhancing the flavors. Finally, olive oil gives that crispy texture when baking. If you like, serve your falafel with tahini sauce for a creamy dip. Follow this full recipe to make sure you get it just right. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic. Pulse it a few times until mixed, but keep some texture. - Add the cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse until just mixed. Scrape the sides as needed. The mix should hold but feel slightly crumbly. - Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the baking sheet. Gently flatten them with your hand. - Drizzle the falafel with olive oil. This helps them crisp up while baking. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should turn golden brown and feel crispy. - Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful baked falafel! For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best texture for your falafel, avoid overprocessing the mixture. When you blend the chickpeas and herbs, pulse it gently. You want a coarse blend, not a smooth paste. This keeps it light and fluffy. Also, determine the perfect falafel size. Aim for small balls about the size of a golf ball. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. When you shape them, ensure they are not too compact. They need some air to become crunchy. You can enhance the flavor by experimenting with spices. In addition to cumin and coriander, try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices can kick up the taste and make your falafel stand out. Incorporate additional herbs for more depth. Fresh dill or mint adds a nice twist. Just chop them fine and mix them in. This will brighten the flavor and make your dish even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making crispy baked falafel. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt baked falafel to fit different diets. For a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour. This change keeps the falafel tasty and safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Just use the same amount of chickpea flour as the recipe calls for. If you're looking for vegan variations, you're in luck! The base of this recipe is already vegan. Just ensure you serve it with plant-based sauces like tahini. You can also add extra veggies to your falafel mix for added nutrients. Want to give your falafel a kick? Try making spicy baked falafel. Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. This addition gives the falafel a nice heat that pairs well with cooling sauces. For a Mediterranean-style twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes to your falafel mixture. This will give your falafel a tangy flavor that is delightful. You can chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. These variations help you explore different tastes while keeping the recipe simple. Try them out and see which ones you like best! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. To keep your baked falafel fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They last up to four days this way. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each falafel in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy your falafel again, you have two good options: the oven or the microwave. The oven keeps them crispy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For a quick meal, use the microwave. Just remember, this method can make them softer. To keep them crispy, try reheating in a skillet. This adds a nice crunch back to the outside. Enjoy your crunchy falafel again! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. How to make falafel from scratch? To make falafel from scratch, you need key ingredients. Start with a can of chickpeas. Rinse and drain them well. Then, blend the chickpeas with herbs like parsley and cilantro. Add onion, garlic, and spices for flavor. Mix in some flour and baking powder to help the falafel hold together. Shape the mixture into balls or patties, and bake them until crispy. Can I bake falafel without oil? You can bake falafel without oil, but it may not be as crispy. Oil helps create that crunchy texture. If you want to skip oil, form the falafel and bake them as is. Keep an eye on them, as they may need a little longer to brown. What to serve with baked falafel? Baked falafel pairs well with many things. You can serve them in warm pita bread. Add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle tahini sauce or yogurt on top for added flavor. You can also enjoy them on a salad or with a side of hummus. Why are my falafel falling apart? Falafel may fall apart for a few reasons. If the mixture is too wet, they won’t hold shape. Be sure to drain the chickpeas well. Using enough flour helps bind the mixture. Also, do not overprocess it in the food processor. Keep some texture for better structure. How do I know when falafel is done baking? You can tell if falafel is done by its color and texture. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they feel firm to the touch, they are likely done. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. You now have a clear guide to making delicious falafel. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Whether you prefer gluten-free or spicy versions, there’s an option for you. Store your falafel safely and reheat it right to keep it crisp. Enjoy your homemade falafel as a tasty snack or meal. With these tips, you can make perfect falafel every time. Now, it's time to get cooking and share your creations!](https://dailydishlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/105e670d-6b88-46d5-acd9-26b7b59cff64-300x300.webp)
Easy Baked Falafel
Elevate your meal with these delicious crispy baked falafel! Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, this recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to create a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside. Click through to discover this tasty recipe and serve it in a warm pita, drizzled with tahini sauce for a delightful meal everyone will love!