Easy Vegan Falafel Recipe
This easy vegan falafel is made with canned chickpeas and a handful of pantry staples. This recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare!

Traditionally, you’re not supposed to make falafel with canned chickpeas. This is definitely not meant to be the most authentic falafel, but it’s delicious and it’s super quick and easy to make. So if you’re having a falafel craving and you don’t have time to soak chickpeas, grab a can of chickpeas and give this one a try! While we were stuffing our faces with this homemade falafel Alex said “I feel like I should feel guilty for eating this because it’s so good.” (But don’t worry- it’s filled with healthy ingredients!)

Yeah, this vegan falafel is good. And it’s also super easy, requiring just a few ingredients that you probably have sitting in your pantry.
Tips for Easy Vegan Falafel
- Make sure you rinse and drain your chickpeas well before using. They don’t need to be completely dry but too much liquid can make the falafel mushy.
- I wouldn’t try to substitute dried parsley for the fresh parsley but if you absolutely have to, add 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- You can use any neutral oil when pan frying the falafel. It’s fine to use olive oil since the heat is relatively low. (Olive oil has a low smoke point.) But you could also use avocado oil or canola oil, depending on what you have available. I also like to use a non-stick pan which cuts down on the amount of oil I need.

I love that this falafel can be made in a food processor. It comes together so quickly and easily!
You can enjoy this falafel by itself or add it on top of a salad or mixed greens. It’s also delicious when turned into a falafel sandwich by tucking it into a pita!
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Easy Falafel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooked
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This vegan falafel uses canned chickpeas to make this recipe quick and easy! It makes 6 small patties, enough to serve 2 people as a main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (see note)
- 3 large cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup curly parsley, stems removed
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon za’atar seasoning (optional)
- 2–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Add the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, parsley, salt, za’atar, and 2 tablespoons of flour to the food processor.
- Pulse for 10-15 seconds until chunky. If the mixture is too wet, add the additional 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop up the mixture and press into patties
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Gently place the patties into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned
- Flip and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, adding the additional tablespoon of oil, if necessary.
- Remove from pan and place on a paper towel to cool slightly before serving
Notes
After rinsingย the chickpeas, be sure to drain them well. You don’t want any extra liquid in these patties so be sure to drain them until the liquid is gone.

If you’re vegan, serve with hummus or enjoy it as-is! If you eat dairy, try it with a scoop of this tzatziki sauce on the side!
Looking for other easy vegan recipes?
Try this easy, one pan ratatouille recipe!

Craving something sweet? Make this vegan granola bark!

Don’t forget to pin this vegan falafel so you can make it later!
Ooo I’m so excited to make this. I really love falafel but never make it at home. I’d probably add a little tahini sauce too.
I’ve definitely been there with failed recipe attempts but it certainly makes the success that much sweeter
Looks soo good! I definitely want to try this .. I think I’m overdue to pick up a food processor, for sure. I buy falafel from Trader Joe’s freezer section, but I’d love to make my own. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never made or even eaten falafel, but I like all of the ingredients, so I bet I’d like it! I do love tzatziki sauce, though ๐
Yum! I have been searching for an easy peasy recipe for falafel!
These look so good! I have been obsessed with Greek and Mediterranean food lately so I will definitely add this to my list of recipes to try. I’ll keep an eye out for the tzatziki recipe!
Mmmm, sounds good to me! Chickpeas are good in almost anything.
Yum! I like eating falafel, but I’ve never made it myself. I’ve been conquering the juicer lately. Sometimes it conquers me, but mostly I’ve made some really good juices!
I am all about the homemade falafel. I cook mine in the oven and although it doesn’t get as crispy, it is still pretty good.
I think ill try baking this for a lighter version- since I’m sure it would still taste good!
Would you bake it at 350 or 400 & for how long?
Greek food is always a favorite of mine! I can’t wait for the tzatziki recipe because I can totally put that stuff on everything.
Same! I love Greek/ Mediterranean food
I have ALLLLWAAAYYYSS wanted to know how to make falafel, and now i do! Thanks for the recipe, sounds delicious! Will you please add it to meatless monday? I am sure our readers would love to see it ๐