Crispy Homemade Falafel (Easy Middle Eastern Street Food Recipe)

Falafel is one of those simple street-food favorites that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices, these crispy little bites are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether tucked into warm pita, served over salads, or dipped into tahini sauce, homemade falafel delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Falafel has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it’s been enjoyed for generations as a humble yet deeply satisfying food. Traditionally made from chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is packed with fresh herbs and aromatic spices that give it its signature green interior and bold flavor. While often associated with street food, falafel is incredibly versatile—equally at home in pita sandwiches, grain bowls, or served simply with a drizzle of tahini and a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chickpeas (Dried or Canned) – The base of falafel. Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) give the best traditional texture, but canned chickpeas work in a pinch—just be sure to drain and dry them very well.
• Onion – Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
• Garlic – Brings depth and that classic savory flavor falafel is known for.
• Fresh Parsley & Cilantro – These herbs give falafel its signature green interior and fresh, vibrant taste.
• Ground Cumin – Warm and earthy, cumin is essential for authentic falafel flavor.
• Ground Coriander – Adds a mild citrusy note that brightens the mixture.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the herbs and spices.
• Baking Powder – Helps create a lighter, fluffier interior when frying.
• Flour (or Chickpea Flour) – Just enough to help bind the mixture without making it dense.
• Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the fried falafel.
• Oil (for frying) – Neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil works best for even browning.

Falafel is incredibly versatile and works just as well as a casual appetizer as it does a satisfying main. Serve them as hors d’oeuvres on a platter with tahini, hummus, or tzatziki for dipping, or tuck them into warm pita pockets with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a generous drizzle of sauce for a classic sandwich. Falafel also makes an excellent salad topping, adding hearty texture and protein to chopped Mediterranean salads, grain bowls, or even simple greens with lemony dressing. For a mezze-style spread, pair falafel with olives, pickled vegetables, flatbread, and fresh herbs so guests can mix and match to their liking—perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or weeknight meals.