If you’re thinking of a typical Middle-Eastern “fast food,” there might be one that instantly pops up in your mind. Yes, falafel!
Falafel is a popular deep-fried snack made of fava beans, chickpeas (or both), lots of green herbs (mostly parsley and cilantro), and aromatic spices.
The mixture is then shaped into a small ball or patty and finally deep-fried (or baked) until golden brown.
Falafels are enjoyed in various ways. You can snack them right away, alongside salads, served with tahini or hummus, or stuffed into pita bread. Everyone has their favorite way!
Although it might not happen that often, there can be a time when you have some leftovers. In that case, can you reheat falafels, so they stay crispy on the outside and moist on the inside?
Can You Reheat Leftover Falafel Successfully?
First thing first, deep-fried snacks are always best enjoyed fresh after being cooked. But, if you happen to fry way too many, of course, you can store and reheat them for the next day’s meal.
Keep in mind that reheated falafel won’t taste as delicious as freshly made ones. They tend to get hard, and even worse, they might get burnt after reheating.
So, how do you reheat cooked falafel balls while still preserving the flavor and texture?
Read on to find our ultimate tips for heating up leftover falafels and make them as tasty as day one!
How To Reheat Falafels In the Oven
Reheating cold falafels in the oven works perfectly in preserving their crunchy exterior without making them hard. It’s also great when you have to heat up a big batch.
Here is how to do it.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
2. Place the fritters in a baking tray in a single layer. Don’t stack them.
3. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to help retain the moisture and prevent the fritters from getting burnt as they reheat.
4. Bake for about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the quantity.
5. Check if they are already warmed up nicely. If not, reheat for a few more minutes.
You can also heat up falafels in a toaster oven with similar steps as in a conventional oven. You should get the same final results. Again, the oven is the best way to reheat falafel, especially frozen falafel balls because of the even heat distribution which will prevent soggy falafels. You can also use an air fryer to warm up your falafels.
How To Reheat Falafel In On A Stovetop
This reheating technique is the quickest option. It is also an excellent option to heat up a small portion.
However, this method comes with some side notes. Since falafels are already deep-fried, deep frying them again tends to make the balls more oily.
Furthermore, you can end up with burned balls if you don’t re-fry them properly.
In a nutshell, here are some tips for reheating falafels in a skillet without making them oily and burnt.
1. Put the fritters when the oil is hot. If you add them while the oil is still cold, they will soak up the oil and become oily.
2. Use medium heat, so you can control the heat easily. Don’t use high heat to avoid burning the fritters.
3. If the balls are large, cut them in half, so the heat reaches the interior. Otherwise, the outside will be heated up well, but the inside remains cold.
And this is how to reheat falafels on the stovetop.
1. Pour enough oil into a frying pan or skillet. The oil should not be too little, nor too much.
2. Heat the skillet on medium heat. Add the fritters carefully when the oil is hot enough. Be careful not to splatter the oil on yourself.
If you reheat a big batch, don’t overcrowd the pan. It is best to work in several rounds.
3. Fry for a few minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown.
4. Finally, take them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
FAQs
Can you reheat falafels in a microwave?
Yes. However, microwaving isn’t the best option as it tends to dry out, harden, and break the fritters. If you have no time nor better options, of course, you can use a microwave to reheat frozen falafels. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel, and reheat them in short intervals.
What can I do with leftover falafel?
You can refrigerate or freeze it for next time. Then, you can use the balls for your meals throughout the week. You can serve them as fillings for sandwiches, tacos, burgers, wrap, or pita bread.
If you want a lighter meal, enjoy them with salads.
How do you store leftover falafel?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, or they can also be frozen for long-term storage.
Can you make falafel ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the mixture in large quantities, fry some, and keep the remaining in the fridge for a few days. Make sure they are stored in a sealed, airtight container.
Are falafels vegan or vegetarian?
Yes. This deep-fried snack is naturally vegetarian and vegan because it comprises fava beans, chickpeas, herbs, and aromatic spices.
The Bottom Line
Just like any other deep-fried snack, falafels taste most delicious when enjoyed immediately after cooking. In case you have leftovers, of course, you can still save them for another time.
Your microwave should be the last option unless you have no better choice. Instead, reheat falafels in an oven, toaster oven, or on a stovetop. This way, you’ll make them crispy again while keeping the inside soft.
Follow our tips to reheat leftover falafels the right way, so they will be as pleasant as when they just came out from the deep fryer!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
