Learn How to Properly Save Falafel For Later (2024)

Making homemade falafel involves soaking the dried chickpeas, shelling them, then mixing all of the different ingredients, and then frying or baking (baked falafel is delicious, by the way!). There is an easier falafel recipe using canned chickpeas, but it doesn't quite have the same consistency and flavor as you get when using dried chickpeas. The bottom line is that making a huge batch and freezing falafel is ideal for those who are busy and don't have the time to make them homemade often.

How to Freeze Uncooked Hummus

You can freeze hummus. Prepare falafel according to recipe directions, but do not bake or fry. Mold into small balls and place on cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in the freezer and allow falafel to freeze until slightly frozen, about an hour so. Remove cookie sheet from freezer and quickly place falafel ballsinto a freezer-safe bag or container. Place back into the freezer. Frozen uncooked falafel should last about 6 months in the freezer.

To thaw uncooked falafel, place in refrigerator the day before you plan to eat it.

How to Freeze Cooked Falafel

Cook falafel according to recipe instructions. You can shape them into balls or patties―either will freeze well. Allow cooling to room temperature. Place on a cookie sheet and allow to freeze for about an hour. Place in single layers in a plastic freezer bag. If you wish to place them in an airtight container, place wax paper in-between the layers to prevent sticking.

Thaw in the refrigerator and then bake or microwave. You can also reheat them directly in the oven from the freezer at 350 F for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.

Learn How to Properly Save Falafel For Later (2024)

FAQs

How do you preserve falafel? ›

You can freeze the falafel pre- or post-frying. Either way, you'll need to arrange them on a baking tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then pack into food bags and label.

How do you store leftover falafel? ›

Wrap cooked falafel individually in aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container, which helps retain texture. Consider adding a small piece of parchment paper between each falafel if freezing a stack to prevent sticking.

How long can you store falafel? ›

How to store falafel. The raw minced mixture is sometimes allowed to rest to integrate the flavours and textures, ideally refrigerated. Use the uncooked mixture within a day: cooked, refrigerated falafel should be eaten within three days.

How do you keep falafel from drying out? ›

Fry them all, allow to cool on a wire rack and then freeze in freezer-friendly bags to use later. Then, pop them in the oven directly without defrosting and bake until crispy. The moisture from freezing actually helps them from getting dry after reheating.

Can falafel be stored at room temperature? ›

First things first, falafels should not be stored at room temperature. After 2-3 hours sitting in room temperature it should be discarded. Falafels can be stored in the fridge and do pretty well in the freezer. As long as the falafels are put in a sealed container they can last for around 3 days in the refrigerator.

How long can falafel stay outside? ›

Homemade falafel, both cooked and uncooked, is perishable and should always be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of both preparing and cooking.

Where is the best place to store falafel? ›

Notes
  • Storage:
  • Fridge - Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  • Freezer - Raw or Cooked Falafel can be frozen in an airtight freezer safe container (or freezer bag) for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat - Best way to reheat falafel is in a preheated oven 200°C (425°F) for 10 - 15 minutes.
Apr 3, 2024

Is it OK to reheat falafel? ›

Leftovers and storage: Cooked falafel patties will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days (they will lose their crunch, however). Reheat in a 350 degrees F heated oven until warmed through, or in a 350 degrees F heated air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

How long should I microwave leftover falafel? ›

If you choose to, we recommend placing 3 falafel on a plate and microwaving on high for 90 seconds. Add 30 seconds for every additional falafel.

Can falafel go bad? ›

Consuming spoiled falafel can lead to food poisoning as bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli may have developed. Smell: Trust your nose – if the falafel mix smells off, it's best to throw it out. Visual inspection for mold: Look for any spots of mold or changes in color that indicate spoilage.

Can I store uncooked falafel? ›

Falafel mixture can typically be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Use within the recommended timeframe: While frozen falafel can last for several months, it's best to use them within 2-3 months for the best quality and flavor.

Can you eat falafel by itself? ›

Falafel can be a stand-alone side dish, but it's commonly served in a pita pocket, flatbread, or as part of an assortment of appetizers called a meze.

Why is my falafel mushy? ›

Oil Temperature

If the oil is too hot, the exterior may cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked and prone to falling apart. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the falafel might absorb excess oil, leading to a mushy texture.

How do you make falafel crispy again? ›

Reheat the falafel in the oven or air fryer at 350° for 5-8 minutes. They will need less time in the air fryer than in the oven. Flip them about halfway through the cooking time, until crispy again. I don't recommend reheating in the microwave, because they don't crisp up and are kind of soggy.

What is the best binder for falafel? ›

A binding ingredient can help keep it together, especially if you are using canned beans instead of dried. And the perfect binding ingredient for falafel is flour. Nothing fancy, just plain all-purpose flour. Add a few tablespoons at a time to your mixture, until you can press it easily into balls or patties.

Can you freeze raw falafels? ›

Place cookie sheet in the freezer and allow falafel to freeze until slightly frozen, about an hour so. Remove cookie sheet from freezer and quickly place falafel balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. Place back into the freezer. Frozen uncooked falafel should last about 6 months in the freezer.

Can falafels be frozen? ›

Can I freeze Falafel? Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Can you store uncooked falafel? ›

To ensure the best quality and safety, an uncooked falafel mix should be stored in the refrigerator. When kept at a consistent, cool temperature, the mix can generally remain fresh for up to four days. It's recommended to store the mix in a covered container to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5627

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.