Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is loved for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Traditionally, falafel is made with chickpeas and flour, making it high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. However, with a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly version of falafel that is low in carbs and just as satisfying.
The Best Keto Falafel
This easy keto falafel recipe has become one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s incredibly versatile, and the flavor and texture of these falafel balls are simply outstanding. They have a perfectly balanced blend of seasonings, with a soft yet crunchy texture that is addictive. These falafels are surprisingly filling, yet light at the same time. In fact, I dare say they are just as good as the regular ones. But don’t take my word for it – give them a try and see for yourself.
When I serve these crispy falafel balls to family and friends, they disappear in no time. The best part is that no one can even tell they’re low carb! These falafels are so simple to make, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time. They cook to crispy golden perfection in the oven in 35 minutes, or in the air fryer in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Keto Falafel
To make these keto falafel balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup of cilantro
- ½ cup of fresh parsley
- 8 ounces of cauliflower
- ½ cup of almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum
- ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of salt
As you can see, most of the ingredients are basic and likely already in your pantry or easily available at the grocery store.
If you want to try another comforting recipe that uses similar ingredients, I highly recommend giving this keto cauliflower soup a try. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Picking the Best Flour for Keto Falafel
When it comes to choosing the best flour for keto falafel, almond flour is the top choice. If you have an almond allergy or prefer not to use it, avoid substituting with coconut flour as it will make the falafel dry and crumbly due to its absorbent nature. Instead, you can use an equal amount of walnut flour or sunflower seed flour as low-carb alternatives that will work just as well in this recipe.
How to Make Keto Falafel
Making keto falafel is an incredibly easy process that involves three simple steps: mixing, shaping, and baking.
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop the cauliflower into florets and blend them in a food processor until you achieve a chunky texture. Avoid overprocessing the cauliflower as we’ll be running it through again later. Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl.
Next, add the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to the empty food processor and blend until finely chopped. Add the cauliflower back to the food processor, along with the almond flour, egg, xanthan gum, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Blend until everything is just combined.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Falafel
Transfer the mixture from the food processor into a bowl. Gently shape the falafel mixture into tablespoon-sized balls. Arrange the falafels evenly on the prepared baking tray and bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes.
You can enjoy the falafels straight from the oven or allow them to cool before serving with your favorite low carb dipping sauce.
Keto Falafel in the Air Fryer
Alternatively, you can also make these falafel balls in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). After shaping the falafel balls, lightly grease the air fryer basket with baking spray and place the falafel in a single layer on the tray. Give them a light spritz with baking spray and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Remember to flip the falafel halfway through cooking.
How to Store & Reheat Your Falafel
This recipe makes 10 falafel balls, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To freeze the falafel, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching. Freeze them for a few hours until they are frozen, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply arrange the frozen falafel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for around 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these keto falafel balls contains just 2 net carbs. It’s hard to believe that something so delicious can be so low in carbs.
Here’s the full nutritional breakdown for 1 serving:
- 52 Calories
- 3.5g Fat
- 3.8g Carbs
- 1.8g Fiber
- 2g Net Carbs
- 2.5g Protein
These keto falafel balls make a fantastic addition to your collection of quick and easy keto snacks and appetizers. They’re incredibly tasty, and everyone who tries them falls in love.
I hope you enjoy this keto falafel recipe as much as I do. If you give it a try, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
More Keto Recipes
If you’re looking for more easy keto recipes to try, I have a few recommendations that you might enjoy:
- Keto Meatloaf
- Keto Chicken Stir Fry
- Keto Chicken Nuggets
- Keto Hush Puppies
- Keto Tuna Casserole