Vegan Fried Chickpeas Recipe
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!
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.