Name: Oven Baked Falafel: 7 Secrets to Crispy Perfection
Prep time: 18 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked dried chickpeas; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon chickpea flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup parsley leaves; 3/4 cup cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup fresh dill; 1 small yellow onion, quartered; 7 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional); Kosher salt to taste; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; Extra virgin olive oil, for coating; Tahini Sauce; Hummus; Pita pockets; Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, or sliced cucumber and tomatoes; Baby arugula; Pickles such as pickled turnips

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Oven Baked Falafel has transformed my meals into a delightful experience, offering a healthy and delicious twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite. This recipe uses soaked dried chickpeas, which are blended with fresh herbs, spices, and a hint of sesame seeds, resulting in falafel that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Whether you’re enjoying them in pita bread with tahini sauce or as part of a vibrant Mediterranean salad, these oven-roasted falafel are sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Falafel

This healthy baked falafel recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Here are a few reasons to try it:

Gluten-free option available, perfect for various diets.
Quick oven-baked falafel come together easily for weeknight meals.
Perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Low-fat oven-baked falafel that still satisfies cravings.
Enjoy them as oven-baked chickpea balls with fresh herbs and spices.

These are ideal for serving as appetizers or a main course.

With its Mediterranean roots, this dish suits a vegetarian diet and adds a colorful touch to your dinner table.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Falafel

Gather these items:

2 cups uncooked dried chickpeas
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon chickpea flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup parsley leaves
3/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh dill

1 small yellow onion, quartered
7 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Kosher salt to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Extra virgin olive oil, for coating
Tahini Sauce
Hummus
Pita pockets
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, or sliced cucumber and tomatoes

Baby arugula
Pickles such as pickled turnips

How to Make Oven Baked Falafel Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl, cover with at least 2 inches of water, and soak overnight for at least 18 hours until softened.
Step 2: Drain and pat dry the soaked chickpeas once they break apart easily. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, chickpea flour, baking powder, parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, garlic, black pepper, cumin, coriander, optional cayenne, and salt. Pulse in 40-second bursts until the mixture is well combined but not pureed.
Step 3: Transfer the falafel mixture to a container, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and firm up.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Stir sesame seeds into the chilled mixture. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into balls about 1/2-inch thick (roughly 1 tablespoon each). Arrange them evenly on the oiled baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
Step 6: Bake for 8 minutes, then flip each falafel and continue baking for an additional 7 to 12 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Let the falafel cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot as part of a mezze platter, or stuff them into pita pockets with tahini, hummus, arugula, and salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Oven Baked Falafel

Keep these in mind:

Perfect served warm in pita bread with tahini sauce or hummus.
Enjoy alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For extra crispiness, allow the falafel to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.

Experiment with spices for a unique flavor, such as adding smoked paprika or lemon zest.

Oven Baked Falafel: 7 Secrets to Crispy Perfection - Oven Baked Falafel - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Oven Baked Falafel

Here are some serving suggestions:

Wrap them in pita pockets with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
Serve with a side of hummus and a Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad.
Enjoy as part of a larger mezze platter with various dips and pickled vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat Oven Baked Falafel

For storage, let the falafel cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method ensures they remain crispy, making them perfect for oven-baked falafel for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Falafel

What’s the secret to perfect Oven Baked Falafel?

The secret lies in soaking the chickpeas properly. This helps create a better texture and allows the flavors to develop fully. Ensure not to over-process the mixture; it should be well combined but not pureed. This will ensure you achieve those crispy oven falafel that everyone loves!

Can I make Oven Baked Falafel ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the falafel mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shape the falafel into balls just before baking to maintain their freshness and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Oven Baked Falafel?

To avoid dry or crumbly falafel, ensure your chickpeas are soaked long enough and not boiled. Also, be careful not to overbake them; they should be golden brown and crispy without being dry.

Variations of Oven Baked Falafel You Can Try

Explore these creative twists on the classic:

Add chopped spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.

Incorporate different spices such as sumac or za’atar for a unique flavor profile.
Try adding grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and flavor.
Make them spicy by adding more cayenne or chili powder for a kick!

Oven Baked Falafel: 7 Secrets to Crispy Perfection - Oven Baked Falafel - additional detail

For more information about healthy eating, check out my journey and our privacy policy. If you want to learn more about the benefits of chickpeas, visit Healthline.