Put the dried chickpeas into a large bowl.
Add enough water to cover the chickpeas, it should be at least 2 inches above the chickpeas. Soak the chickpeas for 18-24 hours and once the time has passed, drain and place in a kitchen towel to dry out.
Place half of the chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, white onion, garlic cloves, salt, cumin, coriander, black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, baking powder into a food processor outfitted with the blade attachment. Pulse the chickpea and herb mixture until it resembles coarse grains of sand. Then add the rest of the chickpeas.
Place the falafel batter into a bowl and cover it tightly with a plastic wrap. Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Wet your hands with a little water and scoop a tablespoon of the falafel batter into your hands. Shape the patty in any shape you desire but keep the thickness to 1/2-inch.
Place each shaped falafel onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and continue scooping and shaping the rest of the batter until all of it s gone.
Place the oil into a deep skillet, set it over medium heat, and let it reach 350°F.
Carefully lower 4-5 falafel into the oil and fry them for 3-5 minutes or until they are crispy and golden-brown.
Drain the falafel on a paper towel-lined plate and continue frying the rest of the shaped falafel.