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; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp flour (more as needed); Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Festive Inspiration

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Food Crispy Falafel Nuggets for game day. They're easy to prepare and always a hit with friends and family. The crispy exterior combined with the wholesome, flavorful interior makes them irresistible. Whether served with a tangy tahini sauce or a spicy yogurt dip, they elevate any gathering. Plus, they’re a great alternative to deep-fried snacks, allowing everyone to indulge without the guilt. I guarantee these nuggets will be the star of your Super Bowl spread!

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:45:34.647Z

When I first made these falafel nuggets, I was amazed at how easy it was to create a crunchy, satisfying snack that everyone could enjoy. After experimenting with various spices and herbs, I found the perfect balance that ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. Making your own means you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, which is essential for impressing your friends.

One important tip I discovered is to allow the falafel mixture to chill in the fridge before shaping it into nuggets. This helps them hold their shape while frying and enhances the texture. Trust me, this little step makes a huge difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy outside with a tender, flavorful inside
Packed with wholesome ingredients and spices
Perfect for sharing during the big game or any gathering

      

Perfecting Your Falafel Nuggets

Achieving the ideal texture for your falafel nuggets comes down to the right balance of ingredients. The chickpeas, once soaked, should be dry enough to hold their shape but damp enough to blend well. Avoid over-processing the mixture; it should be coarsely ground to give the nuggets a more rustic texture. Pulsing just until combined, but not smooth, helps create that appealing crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

If you're cooking for a large crowd, don’t hesitate to scale up this recipe. You can double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the same technique. Just ensure you have enough frying oil and a large enough skillet to accommodate multiple batches without overcrowding. Overcrowding reduces the oil temperature, leading to sogginess instead of crispiness. A properly heated oil (around 350°F) will create a stunning golden crust.

Dipping Sauces and Serving Suggestions

Enhancing the flavor of your crispy falafel nuggets is easy with the right dipping sauces. A classic choice is tahini sauce, which adds a nutty, creamy contrast. Mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of water until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water, depending on your preference. For a little heat, a spicy yogurt dip infused with Sriracha or harissa pairs beautifully, balancing the earthiness of the falafel.

Presentation matters too! Arrange the nuggets on a large platter surrounded by an array of colorful vegetable sticks, such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. This not only looks appealing but also provides a refreshing crunch that complements the falafel. For added flair, sprinkle some chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving to make it pop.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These falafel nuggets can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent option for busy game days. Once shaped, you can freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, you can fry them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

If you're looking to keep things light, consider baking the falafel nuggets instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly brush the nuggets with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Baking offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste, thanks to the right seasoning and texture maintenance.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your falafel nuggets:

Falafel Nuggets

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp flour (more as needed)
Oil for frying

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your falafel nuggets:

Prepare the Mixture

In a food processor, combine soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Pulse until coarsely ground, scraping down the sides as needed.

Chill the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add baking powder and flour. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Shape the Nuggets

Once chilled, take small portions of the mix and shape them into nugget-sized pieces.

Fry the Nuggets

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the nuggets in batches for about 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce like tahini or yogurt.

Enjoy your crispy falafel nuggets!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider using panko bread crumbs or double frying the nuggets for added crispiness.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the spices in your falafel nuggets to suit your taste. For instance, adding smoked paprika can lend a delicious depth of flavor, while fresh herbs like cilantro can provide a refreshing twist. If you want to experiment further, consider incorporating grated zucchini or shredded carrots into the mix for added moisture and nutrition. Just be cautious to adjust the baking powder and flour accordingly to maintain the proper texture.

If chickpeas are not available, you can substitute with canned beans; just make sure to drain and dry them. Lentils are another great option; however, they must be cooked beforehand and blended until they reach a texture similar to that of the chickpeas. This opens up more avenues for variation and helps accommodate different dietary preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your falafel nuggets are falling apart during frying, it usually means the mixture is too wet. Consider adding a bit more flour or chilling the mixture for another 15-20 minutes to help it firm up. Additionally, make sure you’re using enough oil in the skillet to create a proper frying environment rather than steaming the nuggets.

If you find that the fritters are too dry after frying, you might have overcooked them or not added enough moisture in the initial mixture. A quick fix is to serve them with a dip that has some fat, like yogurt or tahini, which can enhance richness and help balance the texture.

Serving Size Adjustments

Serving size can be adjusted depending on the number of guests and the type of occasion. If these nuggets are part of a larger platter with various other snacks, plan for about 4-5 nuggets per person. However, if they’re the main attraction, you may want to offer 6-8 per guest. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy without feeling too full before the game starts.

When deciding how many to prepare, take into account the hunger levels of your guests and how long you expect the gathering to last. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This makes the nuggets crispy again without losing their flavor or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they crisp up on both sides.

→ Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

While dried chickpeas yield the best texture, you can use canned chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before use.

→ How do I store leftover nuggets?

Store any leftover falafel nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer before serving.

→ Can I freeze the falafel nuggets?

Yes! Freeze the uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen but will take a few extra minutes.