Crispy Vegan Fried Chickpeas – A delicious, high protein snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These chickpea donuts are easy to make, packed with plant-based protein and fiber, incredibly flavorful, and can be pan-fried, air-fried, or baked. Perfect for a gluten-free vegan snack, appetizer, or lunch!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Fried Chickpeas Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: You can pan-fry, bake, or air-fry these fritters.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients For Vegan Fried Chickpeas Recipe
For the Chickpea Fritters:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweetcorn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo or cashew cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Vegan Fried Chickpeas
1: Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, lime juice, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.
- Add the chickpea flour, diced bell pepper, sweetcorn, and parsley. Pulse a few more times to combine, ensuring the mixture is thick and moldable. Avoid over-processing.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of the chickpea can liquid (aquafaba) to bind. If it’s too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour.
2: Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
3: Cook the Chickpea Fritters
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or brush the fritters with oil and arrange them on the sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Air-Frying Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each.
- Air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These vegan fried chickpeas are perfect served with a creamy dipping sauce. Try pairing them with:
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Garlic tahini sauce
- Spicy vegan aioli
They also make a fantastic addition to:
- Veggie wraps or pita sandwiches
- Salads for added crunch and protein
- A protein-rich Buddha bowl
Variations and Customization
- Extra Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Different Veggies: Substitute bell pepper with zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Avoid the microwave to keep them crispy. Instead, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these chickpea fritters without a food processor?
Yes! Simply mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, finely chop the vegetables, and mix everything by hand until combined.
2. How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is moist but not too wet. Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
3. Are these chickpea patties suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
More Healthy Recipes You Must Try
Looking for vegan recipes for your next meal? Try some of these healthy recipes:
- Sweet Potato Crackers – The Perfect Healthy Snack
- Frozen Yogurt Banana
- Yogurt Peanut Butter Frozen Bars
Conclusion
These vegan fried chickpeas are a delicious and easy-to-make vegan recipe that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a crowd-pleaser whether served as a snack, side dish, or main course.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it! Share your creations with us on social media and tag @foodandtips.
Vegan Fried Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chickpea Fritters:
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweetcorn fresh, frozen, or canned
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo or cashew cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, lime juice, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.
- Add the chickpea flour, diced bell pepper, sweetcorn, and parsley. Pulse a few more times to combine, ensuring the mixture is thick and moldable. Avoid over-processing.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of the chickpea can liquid (aquafaba) to bind. If it's too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour.
Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Cook the Chickpea Fritters
- Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or brush the fritters with oil and arrange them on the sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Air-Frying Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Arrange the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each.
- Air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Notes
- Flour: I use chickpea flour or rice flour. I haven't tried the recipe with any other flour, however, it should work with most flours (except coconut flour or almond flour). I mentioned some in the blog post above.
- You can add some grated vegan cheese to make the patties even tastier. This step is optional.
- The recipe for the cashew dip can be found here.
- Check the alternative cooking methods in the blog post.
- The recipe makes about 8 medium-sized patties. Nutrition facts are for one patty.
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