Can you bake falafels in the oven?

Absolutely! Baking falafels is a cleaner, healthier alternative to frying. You still get a golden crust, especially when you brush or spray the tops with a bit of oil. It also reduces the fat content significantly.

Can you put avocado in falafel?

Yes, and it’s delicious. Avocado adds creaminess, healthy fats, and a slightly earthy note that pairs beautifully with traditional falafel spices. It also helps bind the mixture naturally.

Is it okay to bake avocado?

Definitely. While avocado is often eaten raw, baking it in recipes like falafel brings out a rich, smooth texture without losing its nutritional value. It blends seamlessly into the patties.

Are baked falafels healthy?

They’re a great choice for a nutrient-packed meal. Baked falafels are lower in fat than their fried counterparts, and this version includes fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats from avocado and chickpeas.

Baked Avocado Falafel 2025

Description

These Crispy Baked Avocado Falafel Bites are the ultimate mashup of creamy avocado and crunchy chickpea goodness. Perfect for wraps, salads, or snack plates, they’re oven-baked to golden perfection, no frying needed. Packed with herbs, spices, and everything nice, these little green gems are totally plant-based and naturally gluten-free. Easy to prep, hard to stop eating!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Falafel:

1½ cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
½ cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
½ cup fresh cilantro (or parsley)
¼ cup red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

Pita bread or lettuce cups
Hummus, tahini, or dairy-free yogurt sauce
Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickles

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Blend the Base:

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, avocado, onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
Pulse until combined but not mushy, you want a bit of texture.
Add oats, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Blend until the mix holds together when pinched.

Shape It:

Scoop out 1½ tablespoon portions and form into small patties or balls.
Place them on your parchment-lined tray.
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil for extra crispness.

Bake & Flip:

Bake for 15 minutes.
Flip each falafel carefully and bake for another 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Serve & Enjoy:

Let them cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite fixings!

Notes

No Food Processor? Mash everything by hand in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher.
Want Extra Crunch? Toss in a tablespoon of sesame seeds or sunflower seeds before shaping.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze before or after baking. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Too soft to shape? Chill the mix for 20 minutes to firm it up before forming patties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern–inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g

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