Mini Falafel Sliders

Mini Falafel Sliders are a delightful twist on the traditional Middle Eastern falafel, turning these chickpea patties into bite-sized sliders perfect for parties, appetizers, or casual meals. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, these falafel sliders are served on small buns or pita rounds with creamy tahini sauce, fresh veggies, and pickles.

They are vegetarian, satisfying, and packed with protein and flavor. Whether for entertaining or a fun weeknight meal, these sliders are a playful, flavorful way to enjoy falafel.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of falafel with the fun and convenience of sliders. The chickpeas are perfectly seasoned with garlic, cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs, giving them a fragrant and earthy flavor.

Baking or pan-frying keeps them crispy without excess oil, and the mini slider format makes them irresistible. I also love that they’re customizable: you can add sauces, pickled veggies, or greens to create your ideal bite every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms a traditional falafel into a versatile, crowd-pleasing finger food. Perfect for parties, lunches, or casual dinners, these mini sliders are fun to eat, visually appealing, and full of flavor. The combination of crisp falafel, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables delivers a satisfying texture and taste experience. They are also a healthier alternative to fried slider options, making them appealing for both vegetarians and omnivores alike

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 8 sliders
• Calories: Approximately 180–220 per slider
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main Course
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or cooked from dry)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Olive oil for frying or brushing
• 8 mini slider buns or small pita rounds
• 1/2 cup tahini sauce or yogurt sauce
• Sliced cucumber, tomato, and lettuce for serving
• Pickles for garnish (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Process chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices in a food processor until well combined but slightly coarse.
2. Stir in flour and baking powder. Form mixture into small patties.
3. Pan-fry or bake until golden and crispy.
4. Assemble sliders with buns, falafel patties, tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until mixture holds together but is slightly coarse.
2. Add Binding Agents: Transfer mixture to a bowl and fold in flour and baking powder. Mix well. If mixture is too wet, add 1 more tablespoon of flour.
3. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 small, uniform patties that will fit your mini buns or pitas.
4. Cook the Falafel:
   • Pan-Fry: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Prepare Slider Assembly: Slice buns or pitas, spread tahini or yogurt sauce, and layer with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles, and falafel patty.
6. Serve: Serve immediately while patties are warm and crispy.

How to Serve

Place the mini falafel sliders on a platter for parties or serve as an appetizer with extra tahini sauce on the side. They also make a great light lunch or snack when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure chickpeas are well-drained to avoid a soggy mixture.
• Keep patties uniform in size for even cooking.
• Use a light brush of oil if baking for extra crispness.
• For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembly.

Variations

• Spicy Falafel: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the falafel mixture.
• Cheese-Filled: Insert a small cube of feta cheese inside each patty before cooking.
• Mediterranean Sliders: Top with roasted red peppers, olives, and hummus.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan tahini or plant-based yogurt sauce.
• Mini Burger Style: Add avocado slices or vegan cheese for a more indulgent version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked falafel in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Skillet or oven for cooking
• Baking sheet (if baking)

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use chickpea flour or rice flour instead of regular flour.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare patties and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

Can I air fry the falafel?
Absolutely. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s a good sauce substitute?
Hummus, vegan yogurt sauce, or garlic aioli works perfectly.

Conclusion

Mini Falafel Sliders are a fun, versatile, and flavorful way to enjoy falafel. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, they make an impressive appetizer, snack, or light meal. The combination of creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly spiced patties creates a harmonious bite every time. Whether baked, pan-fried, or air-fried, these sliders are simple to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to delight vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.