Super Bowl Food Crispy Falafel Nuggets

Name: Super Bowl Food Crispy Falafel Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour); Oil for frying; 1/2 cup tahini; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Special Planning

I love serving crispy falafel nuggets during the Super Bowl because they are always a hit with my friends and family. These golden bites are flavorful, packed with protein, and have a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with a zesty dipping sauce. Not only are they easy to make, but they also cater to various dietary preferences. Whenever I make them, I can't help but enjoy watching the smiles on everyone’s faces as they savor each nugget. It's a fun and delicious addition to any game-day spread!

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:28:37.061Z

When I first tried making falafel nuggets, I was overwhelmed by the versatility of the ingredients. I experimented with various spices and found that adding a touch of cumin and coriander really enhances the flavor. The key is to blend everything just enough without turning it into a paste. I found that a coarse texture yields the best nuggets!

Another tip is to let the mixture chill before forming the nuggets. This ensures they hold together better during frying or baking. It's fascinating to see how something so humble can be transformed into such a delightful snack, perfect for any occasion!

        Why You Will Love These Nuggets
        Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior
Versatile and can be paired with various dips
Perfect for a crowd, easy to scale up or down

      

Perfecting Your Falafel Nuggets

To achieve the desired texture for your falafel nuggets, it's crucial to properly soak and drain the chickpeas. Soaking them overnight allows them to hydrate and soften, as this helps in blending them into a fine mixture without the need for excessive flour. Ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly drained before adding them to the food processor to avoid a soggy mixture, which can lead to difficulty in forming the nuggets.

When forming the nuggets, it's ideal to keep your hands slightly damp to prevent the mixture from sticking. If you notice the mixture crumbling or unable to hold shape, incorporate a little extra water or use wet hands while shaping. Press the mixture firmly to ensure the nuggets maintain their form during frying, leading to a delightful crispiness on the outside.

Mastering the Frying Technique

Frying your falafel nuggets to a perfect crisp takes some attention. Use a deep skillet or frying pan and maintain about an inch of oil to allow for even frying. Monitor the oil temperature by conducting a simple test—when a small piece of the mixture is dropped in and bubbles immediately form around it, the oil is ready. Keeping the heat steady at medium ensures that the nuggets cook evenly without burning.

Fry the nuggets in batches, giving them enough space in the pan. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy nuggets instead of the desired crispy texture. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they reach a golden brown hue. For best results, use a slotted spoon to gently introduce the nuggets and avoid splashing hot oil.

Ingredients

For the Falafel Nuggets

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour)
Oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Crispy Falafel Nuggets.

Prepare the Chickpeas

Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground.

Form the Nuggets

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the flour, and mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour. Shape the mixture into small nugget-sized portions.

Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat around 1 inch of oil over medium heat until hot. You can test it by dropping a small piece of the falafel mixture in—if it sizzles, it’s ready!

Fry the Nuggets

Carefully add the nuggets to the hot oil, cooking in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust the water to reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy your crispy falafel nuggets with the delicious dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, you can double fry the nuggets. Also, try baking them at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier alternative! Just brush them lightly with oil before baking.

Flavorful Dipping Sauce Variations

While the tahini-based dipping sauce is delicious on its own, you can easily infuse additional flavors. For a spicy kick, consider adding a teaspoon of harissa or sriracha. Alternatively, mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or mint can elevate the sauce’s freshness and complement the herbs in the falafel. Experimenting with different citrus juices, such as lime or grapefruit, can introduce exciting flavor profiles.

If you prefer a creamier dipping sauce, blend in a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream. These additions not only enhance the creaminess but can also balance the boldness of the tahini. Adjust the thickness by varying the water content, keeping in mind that the sauce should be pourable yet able to cling to the nuggets.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These falafel nuggets can be prepared ahead of time to ease your game-day prep. Shape the nuggets and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. This allows you to make a large batch in advance, ensuring you have enough for a crowd without the last-minute rush.

When ready to serve, you can cook the frozen nuggets directly from the freezer; simply increase frying time by a minute or two to ensure they heat through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. This method is great for a healthier option while still achieving that satisfying crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the falafel nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the nuggets on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

→ What can I serve with falafel nuggets?

They pair wonderfully with hummus, tahini sauce, or even a fresh salad for a full meal.

→ How do I know if the oil is hot enough?

You can drop a small piece of the falafel mixture into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.