Crispy homemade sweet potato falafels are easy, flavorful, and loaded with fresh herbs. You can use canned or dried chickpeas and cook them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven. It’s a simple, gluten-free, healthy recipe!
Easy homemade sweet potato falafels
Sweet potatoes are a household favorite, and these falafels, along with turkey taco stuffed sweet potatoes and sweet potato shepherd’s pie, have become a weekly go-to, especially with my Ironman training. I am really focusing on hitting nutrition goals to fuel my training session, and these sweet potato falafels make a weekly appearance. They’re packed with fiber, carbs, nutrients, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
If you’ve never made homemade falafels, now’s the time to try! These falafels stand out because they incorporate sweet potatoes, offering a unique, nutritious twist on the traditional recipe. They’re bursting with flavor and achieve extra crispiness without deep frying.
These homemade sweet potato falafels are bursting with herbs, flavor, and an irresistible crispiness. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility: (1) You can use either canned or dried chickpeas, providing the flexibility that many other recipes lack; and (2) There’s no need for deep frying or pan frying—you can achieve the perfect texture by baking them in the oven or using an air fryer.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, these gluten-free, healthy falafels are easy to make and sure to impress. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Why you’ll love this easy recipe:
- No Frying Oil: These extra crispy falafels are made without oil in the oven or air fryer.
- Use Canned or Dried Chickpeas: Making it the easiest falafel recipe on the internet.
- Flavorful: Packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices.
- Healthy Twist: Made with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and fresh herbs.
- Weeknight Recipe: Perfect for busy weeknights, these falafels offer a convenient and satisfying meal option.
- High Protein: These crispy sweet potato falafels have 10 grams of plant protein per serving.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: They’re naturally gluten-free and made without dairy.
- Vegan: Falfels are the perfect plant-based recipe!
- Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly: You can easily prep the falafel mixture in advance and freeze uncooked falafel balls for future use.
- Try this Greek chickpea pasta salad or these healthy zucchini fritters next!
Ingredients needed
This extra-crispy sweet potato falafel recipe calls for eight simple ingredients. They’re naturally gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Sweet Potato: You need one regular Garnet or Jewel sweet potato to add moisture to the falafel mixture. I have not tested this recipe with a Japanese white-fleshed potato.
- Chickpeas: Unlike most recipes on the internet, you can use canned or dried chickpeas for these falafels. Ensure the chickpeas are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
- Herbs: You need parsley and cilantro for the best, fresh, flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for optimal taste, and mince finely for even distribution.
- Cumin: Provides earthy and warm flavor that’s classic to falafels.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
- Baking Soda: Helps the falafel mixture rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Flour: This serves as a binder to hold the falafel together. Depending on preference or dietary needs, you can use oat, chickpea, gluten-free, or regular flour.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these quick and easy sweet potato falafels.
- Food Processor or Blender
- Baking sheet
- Microwave
- Fork + spatula
- Baking dish or air fryer
How to make sweet potato falafels from scratch
Homemade sweet potato falafels are the best hassle-free, healthy weeknight dinner recipe! They’re easy to make in a few simple steps in the oven or air fryer. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet. If using an air fryer, read step #8
Step 2:
You can use canned chickpeas or dry chickpeas. If using dry chickpeas, soak them overnight. Soaking dry chickpeas yields better texture, but canned is quicker. Note that canned chickpeas may result in a softer interior. If you use dry chickpeas, soak them in a bowl of water for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours at room temperature.
Step 3:
Now, let’s prep the sweet potato. You can cook it quickly in the microwave by piercing it with a fork several times and steaming it for 3-5 minutes until very fork-tender. You can also steam it traditionally in a pot with water; leave about 1 inch below the steamer basket, boil it, and then add sweet potatoes to the basket. Steam for 25-35 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4:
Allow the sweet potato to cool for 5 minutes, then cut it open, scoop out the insides, and discard the skin.
Step 5:
Make the falafel dough by combining the sweet potato flesh, chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, black pepper, baking soda, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse 2-3 times until the mixture easily sticks together but remains coarse (avoid a paste-like consistency). My #1 TIP!! Then add the flour and mix it with a spatula.
Step 6:
Shape the mixture into approximately 15 falafel balls using a meatball scooper or your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with avocado or olive oil spray or drizzle them with olive oil. If air frying, proceed to Step #10.
Step 7:
Bake the falafel in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned and crispy on the bottoms. Optionally, flip them halfway through baking for golden brown on both sides. The falafel should be crisp outside and soft inside.
Step 8:
You can also air fry the falafels by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Place the raw falafels in the basket, spray the tops with avocado or olive oil spray, and air fry for 10-15 minutes until crispy on the outside.
Step 9:
Serve the falafel with hummus and tzatziki, in a gyro, with a side salad and rice, or on their own as an appetizer. Enjoy!
Expert recipe tips for homemade falafel:
- Don’t Over-Pulse the Dough: THIS IS SO SO IMPORTANT. You want to pulse the ingredients until crumbly. Do not mix until it is a paste, or else the falafels will become dense.
- Dried Chickpeas are Best: If time allows, opt for dried chickpeas for superior texture, but canned chickpeas work well for a quick fix. I left notes on how to prepare both ways on the recipe card.
- Sweet Potato Tips: I like using (1) microwaved sweet potatoes or (2) leftover meal-prepped sweet potatoes. If you happen to have leftover sweet potatoes and don’t know what to make, try this sweet potato falafel recipe!
- Baking vs. Air Frying: Both work fantastically, so you pick which one you want to do! I personally love air frying because it makes the food extra crispy. I left notes in the recipe card on how to prepare both ways.
- Serve Fresh: Falafel is best served fresh and hot, straight from the oven or air fryer. For a delicious meal, serve with your favorite sauces, salads, or pita bread.
- Reheating: This is actually super important. If making ahead, reheat falafels in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving to crisp them up again. Don’t reheat them in the microwave.
What to serve with falafel:
There are so many delicious side dishes that pair well with crispy falafels. Here is a list:
- Pita Bread: Serve falafel in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Try the halloumi gyros and add falafel:
- Hummus: Enjoy falafel with a side of creamy hummus for dipping or spreading on the pita bread. Try this hummus recipe made in a blender!
- Tzatziki: Pair falafel with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumber, garlic, and herbs. We love this 5-minute tzatziki recipe.
- Tabbouleh: Serve falafel alongside tabbouleh, a flavorful salad made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice.
- Pickles: Add some tangy flavor with pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, turnips, or cabbage.
- Rice: Serve falafel with a side of fluffy rice, either plain or seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Salad: Accompany falafel with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or tahini dressing. We love this cucumber carrot salad and Greek spinach salad.
- Tahini Sauce: Drizzle falafel with tahini sauce, a creamy condiment made from sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, and water.
- Yogurt Sauce: Pair falafel with a yogurt-based sauce flavored with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is falafel?
Falafel is a tasty Middle Eastern dish made by mixing ground chickpeas or fava beans with herbs, spices, and sometimes onions. The mixture is shaped into balls or patties and then cooked by frying or baking. This gives it a crispy outside and a soft inside. It’s super delicious and enjoyed all around the world!
Why are they green if they are called sweet potato falafels?
The green color in this sweet potato falafel recipe comes from the fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, used in the recipe. Don’t worry; they are still made with sweet potato.
Can I use canned chickpeas for sweet potato falafel?
Yes, you can! Canned chickpeas are convenient and work well in sweet potato falafel. They make the process quicker and easier. However, some people prefer the texture and taste of falafel made with soaked dried chickpeas, which can be firmer. It’s a matter of personal preference!
How do I serve falafel?
Falafel can be enjoyed in many ways! You can stuff it into pita bread with veggies and sauces to make a yummy sandwich. Or, you can serve it on a plate with dips like hummus and tzatziki. Another option is to add falafel to salads or bowls for extra protein and flavor. There are so many tasty ways to enjoy falafel!
Can you air fry falafels?
Yes, you can air fry falafel! Preheat your air fryer, shape the falafel mixture into balls or patties, lightly oil them, then air fry for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Enjoy your delicious and healthier falafel!
Can I make falafel ahead of time?
Yes, although falafel is best enjoyed 5 minutes after baking or air frying, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness before serving.
Are falafel gluten-free?
Traditional falafel made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices is gluten-free. However, if breadcrumbs or flour are added as binders, they may not be gluten-free, so check the ingredients if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy. This recipe is 100% gluten-free.
Can I freeze falafel?
Yes, falafel can be frozen either before or after cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be reheated or frozen in the oven or air fryer.
How to store and reheat sweet potato falafel:
Storing: Place leftover sweet potato falafel in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after cooling completely.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Add them to the air fryer at 400 for about 3 – 5 minutes for quicker reheating. DO NOT microwave; they will get soggy.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Greek Chickpea Soup
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Greek Feta Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Sweet Potato Falafel Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 14 oz can chickpeas, drained (or 1 heaping cup dried chickpeas soaked in water overnight)
- ¾ cup parsley, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour, chickpea, gluten-free all-purpose flour, or all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray, for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet. If using an air fryer, read step #10
- Type of Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas or dry chickpeas. If using dry chickpeas, soak them overnight. Soaking dry chickpeas yields better texture, but canned is quicker. Note that canned chickpeas may result in a softer interior.
- Soaking Dry Chickpeas: In a medium bowl, add dry chickpeas and cover with water. Allow them to soak for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Cook Sweet Potato in Microwave: Pierce the sweet potato with a fork several times. Steam in the microwave for 3-5 minutes until very fork-tender. Allow the sweet potato to cool for 5 minutes, then cut it open, scoop out the insides, and discard the skin.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine sweet potato flesh, chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, black pepper, baking soda, and salt. Pulse 2-3 times until the mixture easily sticks together but remains coarse (avoid a paste-like consistency). Fold in the flour with a spatula so you do not over pulse the dough.
- Make the Falafels: Shape the mixture into approximately 15 falafel balls using a meatball scooper or your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. If air frying, proceed to Step #10.
- Baking: Bake the falafel in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned and crispy on the bottoms. Optionally, flip them halfway through baking for golden brown on both sides. The falafel should be crisp outside and soft inside.
- Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the raw falafels in the basket, spray the tops with avocado or olive oil spray, and air fry for 10-15 minutes until crispy on the outside.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Leave a Reply