Craving falafel but short on time? Our Easy Mug Falafel Slider delivers crispy chickpea patties in under 5 minutes—no frying pan required.
We’re talking golden-brown texture, zesty spices, and a fluffy pita hug—all cooked in your microwave with minimal cleanup. Yes, you can have falafel faster than waiting for delivery!
Let’s break down the ingredients, microwaving hacks, and creative toppings to make your mini Mediterranean feast foolproof.
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Easy Mug Falafel Slider
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: SnackCuisine: Middle Eastern1
5
minutes2
minutes150
kcal8
minutesThis easy mug falafel slider recipe makes it simple to whip up a tasty meal in minutes. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade falafel experience using your microwave. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, these sliders are packed with protein and flavor, and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
canned chickpeas
rinsed and drained
tahini
flour or chickpea flour
ground cumin
garlic powder
ground coriander
pinch of salt
pinch of black pepper
chopped fresh parsley
slider bun
(such as lettuce
tomato
and sauce of choice).
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mash the chickpeas with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add tahini, flour, cumin, garlic powder, coriander, salt, pepper, and parsley to the mug, then mix until combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the shape of a patty in the mug.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until cooked through.
- Let it cool for a minute before removing it from the mug.
- Place the falafel patty on the slider bun, then add your favorite toppings and sauce, serve, and enjoy..
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add ingredients like chopped onion or bell pepper for extra flavor. If you prefer a crispy texture, consider pan-frying the falafel patty after microwaving.
What is a Mug Falafel Slider?
Imagine a crispy chickpea patty hugged by a soft pita, layered with tangy yogurt or hummus—all cooked in a mug. This isn’t your aunt’s 3-hour falafel recipe. We’re condensing traditional methods into microwave magic. For a quick twist on this classic, consider trying an easy mug falafel salad, which combines all those wonderful flavors in a fresh, healthy way.
Microwaving Falafel: Speed &Amp; Convenience
At a family reunion last summer, my Uncle Peter (the guy who once tried to grill ice cubes) demanded falafel but refused to wait. Cue our microwave experiment: chickpea batter in a mug, nuked for 90 seconds. Shockingly, it worked. Now it’s our go-to hack when cravings strike mid-Netflix binge.
Microwaving skips oil splatters and preheating. The mug acts as both mixer and mold, cutting cleanup time faster than Uncle Pete’s infamous “5-minute naps.”
Ingredients for Easy Mug Falafel Slider
You’ll need 7 core ingredients—most already lurk in your pantry. No fancy spices or rare legumes required. We keep it real, just like Aunt Martha’s questionable Jell-O salads. Utilizing fresh herbs can elevate any dish, and for those short on time, microwaving fresh herbs for 10 seconds can create quick, flavorful crushed seasonings.
Essential Components &Amp; Pantry Swaps
- Chickpeas: ¼ cup canned (drained) or cooked. No chickpeas? Mashed white beans work in a pinch.
- Chickpea flour: 2 tbsp binds the mix. Swap with all-purpose flour + ½ tsp baking powder if needed.
- Spices: ½ tsp each cumin and coriander. No coriander? Double the cumin and add a paprika sprinkle.
Got garlic powder? Toss in ¼ tsp. Feeling wild? A lemon zest pinch adds brightness. Microwaving lemon zest for just 15 seconds can elevate flavor without extra prep time. It’s an easy way to incorporate vibrant citrus notes into your dishes. We raided three spice racks to confirm these ratios—your taste buds can thank us later.
Ready to transform that mug into a flavor missile? Let’s nuke our way to slider greatness…
How to Make Mug Falafel Sliders in the Microwave
We’ve all been there: hangry, impatient, and one chickpea away from ordering takeout. Let’s fix that. Grab your favorite microwave-safe mug (mine’s the “World’s Okayest Cook” one from a thrift store) and let’s build your slider. If you’re also looking for a quick and delicious snack, easy 2 minute BBQ chickpeas can be made in no time. With just a few ingredients, you can whip them up to satisfy your cravings effortlessly.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Mash & Mix: In your mug, crush ¼ cup chickpeas with a fork until chunky. Stir in 2 tbsp chickpea flour, ½ tsp each cumin and coriander, ¼ tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp water, and a lemon squeeze.
- Shape & Cook: Press mixture into a 1-inch thick patty. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. If it jiggles, add 15-second bursts (max 90 seconds total).
- Rest: Let it sit 1 minute—this firms up the texture better than my yoga instructor’s downward dog.
Avoiding Sogginess: Texture Tips
Microwaved falafel can go from crispy to mushy faster than ice cream in July. Drain chickpeas thoroughly—pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a narrow mug to concentrate heat upward, mimicking frying’s crisp effect. To maintain that desired texture when using frozen falafel, consider covering them with a damp paper towel. This little trick helps retaining moisture, preventing the falafel from drying out in the microwave.
If your patty feels damp post-cooking, place it on a paper towel for 30 seconds. This absorbs steam like a sponge, saving you from slider sadness. Cooking sausage patties in the microwave can be a quick and convenient method. Just be sure to follow the recommended cooking times to ensure they’re heated through without becoming soggy.
Also See: Coconut Clusters With Beach Mood (Microwave Made)
Flavor Profile Of Microwave Mug Falafel
Expect earthy chickpeas punched up by zesty cumin and floral coriander. The microwave softens spices slightly compared to frying, so we amp up the garlic and lemon. It’s like your favorite food truck falafel took a cozy nap in a mug. For a quick side dish that complements these bold flavors, consider making quick microwave garlic green beans. This easy preparation will add a fresh, garlicky crunch to your meal.
Serving Ideas for Maximum Enjoyment
- Sliders: Slide patty into mini pita with tahini, pickled onions, and shredded cabbage.
- Dip Squad: Serve with garlic yogurt (mix 2 tbsp Greek yogurt + ¼ tsp garlic powder) or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Salad Topper: Crumble over greens with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil drizzle.
Pro tip: Warm your pita 10 seconds in the microwave—it’ll hug the falafel like a fleece blanket. This technique is also great for enhancing an easy mug falafel pita, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly. A warm pita transforms into a cozy vessel for savory falafel, making each bite even more delightful.
Also See: Microwave Mochi Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Ingredient Substitutes & Dietary Tweaks
Food allergies? Diet preferences? We’ve got swaps faster than a DJ changes tracks.
Gluten-free, Vegan, and Low-sodium Options
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF oat flour instead of chickpea flour. Check spice blends for hidden gluten.
- Vegan: Skip yogurt toppings—smear with hummus or avocado crema (blend ¼ avocado + 1 tbsp lime juice).
- Low-Sodium: Rinse canned chickpeas for 1 minute, or use no-salt-added beans. Boost flavor with smoked paprika or rosemary.
For a fun twist, add 1 tbsp grated beet or carrot to the mix. It adds sweetness and color—like confetti for your taste buds. Microwaving carrots can enhance their natural flavors while keeping them tender. Try a simple microwave carrots recipe to bring out the best in this vibrant vegetable.
Now that your slider game is strong, let’s tackle storing leftovers without turning them into chew toys. With the right techniques, those leftovers can be quickly transformed into gourmet meals using just your microwave.
Storing &Amp; Reheating Mug Falafel Sliders
Even single-serve recipes sometimes leave us with a rogue slider or two. (We won’t judge if you “accidentally” made a double batch.) Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh without sacrificing that hard-earned crunch.
Microwave-safe Storage Methods
Use glass or ceramic containers with vented lids for fridge storage. Plastic works if labeled “microwave-safe”—no one wants melted Tupperware confetti in their falafel. Separate patties from pitas and toppings. Trust me, storing everything together turns your slider into a sad, soggy mess—like my first attempt at “meal prep Sundays.”
- Fridge: Store components airtight for up to 2 days. Dab patties with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual patties in parchment paper. Place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thawing? Skip the fridge—microwave straight from frozen.
Reheat refrigerated patties at 50% power for 20 seconds. Frozen? Start with 45 seconds, flipping halfway. Add 10-second bursts until warm. Your future self will high-five you. Please note that not all patties are equal, especially when it comes to DIY options like our easy mug falafel slider.
Up next: Let’s troubleshoot common microwave mishaps so your sliders stay as reliable as grandma’s lasagna recipe. It’s essential to know which foods do not fare well in the microwave. Many people microwave certain items incorrectly, leading to less-than-ideal results or even safety hazards.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Falafel!
With just a microwave and a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a crispy, flavorful falafel slider ready in minutes. We love how this recipe brings Middle Eastern street food vibes to your kitchen without the deep-frying fuss.
Tag us CanYouMicrowaveWiki if you try it – we’re always excited to see your mug cooking creations! Got a twist on our recipe? Throw in some harissa or swap chickpeas for lentils and make it your own.