By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On May 3, 2023

Get ready to fall in love with the perfect gluten-free falafel recipe! Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, this recipe is a true falafel masterpiece. Enjoy it as a snack or a meal, and let the all-natural vegan ingredients tantalize your taste buds. Wrap it in a gluten-free pita for the ultimate falafel experience. Try it with our mouth-watering tahini dip, aka tartoor sauce, to elevate your taste buds.

What is Falafel? Falafel are fried balls made out of chickpeas. They are made with spices and deep-fried until the outer layer is crispy. There are different variations of falafels online and in the stores, but this recipe is authentic and doesn’t use any flour (a more traditional falafel recipe).

These recipes will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests, from creamy and smooth gluten-free hummus to irresistible gluten-free, vegan recipes offering a range of flavors and textures that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for the best gluten-free New Year's Eve appetizer or a quick snack, these recipes are simple to prepare and flavorful. So get ready to whip up some delicious eats!

Satisfy your craving for fresh, warm, and delicious gluten-free artisan bread with this mouthwatering course on Udemy!

Gluten-Free Falafel Recipe

Several friends have been looking for a good gluten-free falafel recipe. One that’s authentic, full of flavor, and doesn’t fall apart when frying.

This gluten-free falafel recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and includes tips and tricks so your gluten-free falafel turns out perfect each time.

Looking for another crispy, fried meal? Make Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders. 

Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Falafel

Texture - There's something special about the texture of these gluten-free falafels. They're a true delight for the senses and crunchy on the outside with a perfectly seasoned and tender interior.

Naturally Vegan - These falafels are also naturally vegan, making them a great choice if you are following a plant-based diet or looking for a meatless meal option.

The dip - And don't forget about the dip! This recipe includes a delicious tahini dip that combines all the flavors and takes the falafels to the next level.

Versatile - You can enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack or place them inside a gluten-free pita for a filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The options are endless!

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Falafel

Ingredients For GF Falafel

Dried Chickpeas - Soak the chickpeas in water overnight. Do not use canned or cooked chickpeas; you need soaked chickpeas. This recipe does not use any gluten-free flour, like chickpea flour. The ingredients tend to bind together with not needing it.

Onion – White or yellow onion both work in this gluten-free falafel recipe.

Garlic – Fresh garlic works best, but you can use pre-minced garlic if needed.

Green Chile Pepper – Both jalapenos and serranos work. This is optional and adds flavor.

Fresh parsley – Make sure you grab parsley at the store, not cilantro (my husband has accidentally done this before). If you like cilantro, you can add ¼ cup of fresh cilantro in addition to the parsley.

Ground Cumin – For flavor.

Ground Coriander – Optional but adds to the authentic flavor profile.

Salt – Enhances the other flavors, and who doesn’t like a little salt with their fried gluten-free falafels?

Black Pepper – Adds flavor.

Baking Soda or Baking Powder - Helps the gluten-free falafel become airy and soft rather than tough and dense.

Oil – For frying. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Ingredients For Tahini Sauce

Tahini paste – A paste made from ground sesame seeds, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.

Water – Used to thin out the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

Lemon juice – Adds a tangy, citrusy flavor to the sauce and balances out the richness of the tahini.

Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce and brings out the other ingredients.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Falafel

Food processor - This is essential for blending the chickpeas, onion, garlic, chile pepper, parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, and baking soda together to create the coarse falafel mixture.

Saucepan - You'll need a saucepan to heat the oil for frying the falafel balls. Ensure it's deep enough to hold about 2-3 inches of oil.

Small cookie scoop or your hands - You'll need something to form the falafel balls before dropping them in the hot oil. You can use a small cookie scoop or shape them by hand.

Paper towels - It's important to drain the falafel balls on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil.

Whisk - To make the tahini sauce; you'll need a whisk to combine the tahini paste, water, lemon juice, and salt together until it becomes smooth and creamy.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Falafel, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Falafel

1. Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, chile pepper (optional), parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, and baking soda to the bowl of a food processor. Run the food processor until everything is well combined, and you get a coarse falafel mixture, about 1 minute.
2. Fill a saucepan with about 2-3 inches of oil, and heat it to 340-355°F.
3. Form falafel balls and drop them in hot oil using a small cookie scoop or your hands. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry for 3-5 minutes or until they’re crispy and brown in color.
5. Place the falafel on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat until all the falafel mixer is cooked.
6. To make the tahini sauce: Whisk the tahini paste with water and lemon juice in a small bowl. The mixture will thicken and become loose as you continue to whisk it. Season with salt. If it’s too thick, thin it with a little water.
7. Drizzle gluten-free falafel with tahini sauce, and serve warm.

Tips for making Gluten-Free Falafel

Use chickpeas - Canned or cooked chickpeas do not work in this recipe. So, the night before, soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water as they will expand. Drain and rinse them before you add them to the food processor.

Use correct cooking oil temperature - It is important that your oil is hot enough for frying (340-355°F). If the oil is not hot enough, the falafel balls will break apart as they are fried. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly and will be raw on the inside.

Add cilantro (optional) - Feel free to also add ¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves to the mixture for extra flavor and color.

Use a high smoke point oil - Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, corn, vegetable, or sunflower oil.

Serve with - A simple cucumber tomato salad, tahini sauce, and gluten-free pita bread.

Freeze mixture - You can freeze it for up to 3 months, skip the baking soda, and add it to it right before frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Falafel Usually Gluten-Free?

People new to a gluten-free diet often ask, is falafel gluten-free? Traditional falafel is made from gluten-free ingredients and is gluten-free.

If you see a store-bought gluten-free falafel label that reads, “Falafel, Gluten-Free,” check the manufacturing disclaimers to ensure it wasn’t processed in a facility or fried in oil that also fried gluten foods. Some recipes call for flour. This recipe doesn’t use flour.

Some restaurants may use wheat flour as a filler or binder, which would make it not gluten-free.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free Falafel Recipe In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can make this gluten-free falafel recipe in an air fryer. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Form the falafel mixture into small balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each.
3. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the falafel from sticking.
4. Place the falafel balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
5. Cook the falafel in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Check the falafel for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
7. Once they are done, remove the falafel from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note that cooking time may vary based on the size of your air fryer and the number of falafel balls you are cooking at once. You may need to cook them in batches.

Does Canned and Cooked Chickpeas Work For These GF Falafel?

To make falafel, you must use dried chickpeas that have been soaked in water for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.

Canned and cooked chickpeas don’t work. The structure of chickpeas breaks down as you process or cook them. Your gluten-free falafel will fall apart when you fry it if you use cooked or canned chickpeas.

Why Do My Gluten-Free Falafels Fall Apart?

If your gluten-free falafel fell apart during frying, it’s usually because of one of two things.

First, did you make sure to soak DRIED chickpeas overnight? They need to be soaked for at least eight hours.

Also, they should have dried chickpeas, not cooked or canned. Second, if the oil isn’t’ hot enough, they won’t do what I call “flash fry,” and they will start to dissolve before the oil has had time to create the crunchy outer layer.

What Substitutions / Replacements / Variations Can I Make To These Gluten-Free Falafels?

Different spices and fresh herbs - You can experiment with different spices and fresh herbs to change the flavor profile of the falafel. For example, you could add smoked paprika, turmeric, or dried oregano.

Different legumes - Instead of chickpeas, you could make falafel with other legumes, such as fava beans, black beans, or lentils.

Can you store leftover falafel?

Falafel is best when served warm and fresh. Leftover falafel tends to dry out a bit. If you have any leftovers, I recommend only keeping them in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat before serving.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Falafel Mixes In Stores?

Yes, several brands offer gluten-free falafel mixes that can be found in stores. Some of these brands include:

• Orgran
• Trader Joe's
• Ziyad Falafel Dry Mix

It's always important to carefully read the ingredient list and allergen information to ensure the mix is gluten-free.

Can I Make My Own Gluten-Free Falafel Mix In Advance?

Yes, you can definitely make your own gluten-free falafel mix in advance. To freeze the mixture later, omit the baking soda and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Add the baking soda to the mixture just before frying.

What Sauce Do You Serve Falafel With?

I’ve included a recipe for Tahini sauce. You can dip the gluten-free falafel in the tahini sauce or drizzle the tahini sauce over the falafel before serving. If I don’t use gluten-free hummus to make wraps with gluten-free falafel and gluten-free pita bread, I’ll spread the pita bread with the tahini sauce.

Are GF Falafels Better Baked vs. Fried?

Traditionally, falafel is deep-fried in oil. However, baked falafel is a healthier alternative that is also delicious. It really does come down to your personal preference. 

What Can I Serve With My GF Falafels?

• Gluten-free pita bread - You can serve the falafels in a gluten-free pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
• Salad - You can serve the falafels on a fresh greens bed with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette.
• Sauce - Serve the falafels with a side of tahini, hummus, or tabouli sauce for dipping.
• Roasted or pickled vegetables - Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower, eggplant, bell peppers or pickled turnips, pickled beets, and pickled cabbage.
• Rice pilaf - Cook up a side of rice pilaf made with gluten-free rice, onions, and spices.
• Burger - You can make falafel patties, shape the GF falafel mix into a pattie shape and place them on a gluten-free hamburger bun.

Continue to Content

Yield: 16 falafels

Gluten-Free Falafel

Print

Get ready to fall in love with the perfect gluten-free falafel recipe! Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, this recipe is a true falafel masterpiece.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the gluten free falafel:

• 1 cup (8oz) dried chickpeas - soaked in water overnight (do not use canned or cooked chickpeas)
• 1 small yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 green chile pepper (jalapeno or serrano), optional
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• ½ tablespoon ground coriander, optional
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda or baking powder
• oil for frying

For the tahini sauce:

• ¼ cup tahini paste
• ¼ cup water (cold or at room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, chile pepper (optional), parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, and baking soda to the bowl of a food processor. Run the food processor until everything is well combined, and you get a coarse falafel mixture, about 1 minute.
2. Fill a saucepan with about 2-3 inches of oil, and heat it to 340-355°F.
3. Form falafel balls and drop them in hot oil using a small cookie scoop or your hands. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry for 3-5 minutes or until they’re crispy and brown in color.
5. Place the falafel on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat until all the falafel mixer is cooked.
6. To make the tahini sauce: Whisk the tahini paste with water and lemon juice in a small bowl. The mixture will thicken and become loose as you continue to whisk it. Season with salt. If it’s too thick, thin it with a little water.
7. Drizzle gluten-free falafel with tahini sauce, and serve warm.

Notes

• Canned or cooked chickpeas do not work in this recipe. So the night before, soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water as they expand. Then, drain and rinse them before you add them to the food processor.
• Your oil must be hot enough for frying (340-355°F). If the oil is not hot enough, the falafel balls will break apart as they are fried. On the other hand, if it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly and be raw on the inside.
• Feel free to add ¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves to the mixture for extra flavor and color.
• Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, corn, vegetable, or sunflower oil.
• Serve with a simple cucumber tomato salad, tahini sauce, and gluten-free pita bread.
• You can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months, skip the baking soda, and add it right before frying.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 274mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.