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If you’ve ever craved that crispy, herby, and utterly satisfying Middle Eastern classic without the guilt of deep frying, you’re in for a treat. This Oven Baked Falafel Recipe is a game changer—light, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of crunchy outside and tender inside using simple kitchen staples, turning chickpeas and fresh herbs into a delightful meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but essential, working in harmony to build delicious layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy chickpeas to the bright zing of lemon and the vibrant green herbs, each one plays a vital role in creating perfect falafel patties that bake beautifully in your oven.
- 2 (15oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed: The hearty base that gives falafel its signature nutty flavor and protein-packed goodness.
- 1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture, carefully squeezed dry to prevent sogginess.
- 1 bunch parsley, stems removed (about 1 loosely packed cup): A fresh and herbal punch to brighten every bite with vibrant green color.
- 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed (about 1 loosely packed cup): Earthy and citrusy notes that complement the parsley perfectly.
- 4 garlic cloves or 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Brings that unmistakable savory warmth that falafel is known for.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: A touch of acidity that lifts and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and fragrant, cumin is the spice that makes falafel truly sing.
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in the patties as they bake.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The binder that brings everything together for perfect falafel shaping.
- Spray cooking oil (olive oil or other neutral oil): Just enough oil to give the patties a golden, crisp finish without deep frying.
How to Make Oven Baked Falafel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray your baking sheet with cooking oil. This simple step ensures the falafel won’t stick and helps them develop that golden crust during baking. It’s a small touch that makes clean-up easier and guarantees perfectly crispy edges.
Step 2: Mince and Drain the Onion
Add the roughly chopped onion to a food processor and pulse 5 to 6 times until finely minced. Then, place the minced onion in a clean tea towel or dish rag and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step is crucial because excess moisture can make the falafel mixture too wet and prevent it from holding together well.
Step 3: Blend the Herbs and Spices
Return the squeezed onion to the food processor and add the parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, baking soda, and flour. Pulse 6 to 8 times to combine all those fresh, spicy flavors into a fragrant, textured base. This mixture is where the magic happens – it smells incredible already!
Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Form the Mixture
Next, add the drained chickpeas to the food processor and pulse until everything is finely minced and uniform but still has some texture. You want it just right – not too smooth like a paste, but not chunky either. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture into your hand and gently shape into patties. If you have an ice cream scoop, use it for even portions before flattening into patties. Lay each one on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Oil and Bake the First Side
Give the tops of the patties a light spray with cooking oil to help them crisp up as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes, letting the heat work its magic and start to brown the edges. The smell now is absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 6: Flip and Finish Baking
Carefully flip each falafel patty over – they might be a little delicate now, so handle gently to avoid breaking. Spray the other side lightly with oil, then bake for another 10 minutes until both sides are golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Oven Baked Falafel Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing complements falafel quite like fresh garnishes that add brightness, creaminess, and crunch. Try topping your falafel with chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, a sprinkle of sumac, or a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. Fresh herbs like mint or additional cilantro add an extra hit of freshness that lights up every bite.
Side Dishes
Whether for lunch or dinner, oven baked falafel pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving with warm pita bread, a crisp salad loaded with lemony vinaigrette, or even grain bowls with couscous or quinoa. Roasted vegetables or a simple yogurt-cucumber salad make excellent companions, turning your meal into an exciting, wholesome feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning your falafel into sliders with mini buns and pickled veggies, or stuff them into pita pockets with colorful slaws and sauces for a handheld delight. You can also crumble leftover falafel over grain bowls or salads to add a boost of flavor and satisfying texture. The Oven Baked Falafel Recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion or craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any falafel left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their flavor and prevents them from drying out, so they stay delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked falafel by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this Oven Baked Falafel Recipe whenever you want without extra prep time.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated falafel, it’s best to warm them in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that signature crunch and texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried chickpeas for canned in this Oven Baked Falafel Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender but not mushy. This will give you better texture and flavor, though the convenience of canned chickpeas works perfectly well here.
Is it possible to make this falafel gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour or rice flour. This keeps the patties together without affecting the taste much, so your Oven Baked Falafel Recipe remains delicious and suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I bake falafel patties without oil spray?
A light spray of oil helps the falafel develop that golden, crisp crust so it’s highly recommended. If you prefer no oil, the texture might be softer and less crispy. You can brush them lightly with oil if you want to control the amount more precisely.
How do I prevent the falafel from falling apart?
Draining the onion thoroughly and allowing the food processor to finely pulse the mixture helps. Also, using the flour and baking soda as a binder is key. If the mixture feels too wet, a little extra flour can help firm it up before shaping.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it relies on plant-based ingredients. It’s a fantastic source of protein and flavor without any animal products, ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Oven Baked Falafel Recipe enough for anyone wanting that delicious falafel experience without deep frying or unnecessary fuss. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for any time you want a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy falafel!
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Print
Oven Baked Falafel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oven Baked Falafel recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried falafel by baking the patties to a perfect golden brown. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, this dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, ideal for serving with pita, salads, or dips.
Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 2 (15oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, stems removed (about 1 loosely packed cup)
- 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed (about 1 loosely packed cup)
- 4 garlic cloves or 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Baking
- Spray cooking oil (olive oil or other neutral tasting oil work best)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil to ensure the falafel patties do not stick during baking and set it aside.
- Process and Drain Onion: Place the roughly chopped onion in a food processor and pulse 5 to 6 times to finely mince. Transfer the minced onion to a clean tea towel or dish rag and squeeze over a bowl or sink to drain as much liquid as possible. Return the onion to the food processor.
- Combine Herbs and Spices: Add parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, baking soda, and flour to the food processor with the onion. Pulse 6 to 8 times to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Chickpeas and Mince Mixture: Add the drained chickpeas to the food processor and continue pulsing until all ingredients are finely minced and start to come together. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides for even mixing.
- Form Falafel Patties: Using about 3 tablespoons of the mixture per patty, shape into round patties with your hands. Alternatively, use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture, then flatten into patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Oil and Bake First Side: Lightly spray the tops of the falafel patties with cooking oil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to start crisping the bottoms.
- Flip and Bake Second Side: Carefully flip each falafel patty using a spatula, being gentle to avoid breaking as they can be loose initially. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with your favorite sides such as tahini sauce, pita bread, or salad.
Notes
- Draining the onion thoroughly removes excess moisture, which helps the falafel hold together better.
- Using a food processor ensures an even mince and better blending of flavors.
- If the falafel mixture is too loose, you can add a little more flour to help bind it.
- You can freeze formed patties before baking for a quick meal later.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like hummus, tahini sauce, or fresh vegetables.
