Can Falafel Be Frozen? A Guide to Storing and Reheating Falafel
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, in a pita, or on a mezze platter. Whether you’ve made a big batch at home or bought some from your favorite restaurant or store, you might be wondering: Can falafel be frozen?
The good news is that yes, falafel can be frozen! Freezing falafel allows you to store leftovers or prepare ahead of time, saving you time and ensuring you always have a tasty meal on hand. Let’s dive into the best methods for freezing, storing, and reheating falafel so it stays delicious!
Why Freeze Falafel?
Falafel is often enjoyed fresh and hot out of the fryer, but freezing it can help reduce food waste and allow you to have a quick and convenient meal ready whenever you crave it. Freezing also helps preserve the texture and flavor, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad after a few days in the fridge.
Whether you’ve made a large batch from scratch or purchased some pre-made falafel, freezing is an excellent option to extend the shelf life.
How to Freeze Falafel
The key to freezing falafel properly is ensuring that it maintains its texture and flavor. Follow these simple steps for the best results:
1. Cool the Falafel Completely
Before freezing falafel, it’s crucial to let it cool completely. Hot falafel can create condensation when placed in the freezer, which can lead to sogginess and a loss of texture. Let your falafel rest at room temperature for at least 15–20 minutes.
2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place your cooled falafel on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. This step is important because it prevents them from sticking together during freezing, allowing you to easily grab just the amount you need later.
3. Freeze the Falafel
Put the baking sheet with the falafel in the freezer and allow them to freeze for about 2 hours. This step is called “flash freezing,” and it ensures that each falafel is individually frozen and easy to store.
4. Transfer to a Freezer Bag or Container
Once the falafel is frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date so you can track how long the falafel has been frozen.
5. Store in the Freezer
Store the falafel in the freezer for up to 3 months. After that, the quality may start to decline, but they will still be safe to eat.
How to Reheat Frozen Falafel
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen falafel, there are a few ways to reheat it to maintain its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
1. Oven or Toaster Oven (Best Method)
To reheat your falafel in the oven and preserve its crispy texture, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the frozen falafel on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel is heated through and crispy on the outside.
The oven method is ideal because it heats the falafel evenly and keeps the exterior nice and crunchy.
2. Pan-Fry (For Extra Crispiness)
If you want to give your falafel a crispy, golden finish, pan-frying is a great option:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the frozen falafel (no need to thaw) and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until heated through and crispy.
Pan-frying adds an extra layer of crunch to the falafel, giving it that just-fried texture.
3. Microwave (Quick but Less Crispy)
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the falafel:
- Place the frozen falafel on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat for 1–2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to ensure they don’t overcook.
While the microwave method is the quickest, it doesn’t retain the crispy texture as well as the oven or pan-frying methods. However, it’s still a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Can You Freeze Raw Falafel Dough?
Yes, you can also freeze falafel dough before frying. This is a great option if you want to make the falafel ahead of time and cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Falafel Dough: Make the falafel mixture as usual, without frying it.
- Shape the Falafel: Form the dough into balls or patties.
- Flash Freeze: Place the shaped falafel on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours.
- Store in a Freezer Bag: Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove excess air.
When you’re ready to fry, you can cook the falafel directly from frozen—no need to thaw first! Just fry for an extra minute or two to ensure they’re cooked through.
Conclusion
Yes, falafel can absolutely be frozen! Whether you’ve made a big batch of homemade falafel or have store-bought leftovers, freezing is an easy and effective way to keep your falafel fresh. Just make sure to cool the falafel completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When it’s time to enjoy your frozen falafel, reheating in the oven or pan-frying will give you that crispy, golden texture you love.
Now, you can enjoy your falafel at your convenience without worrying about it going bad—perfect for meal prep or simply saving some for later!