Description

Hey friends! Some days, you want a meal that feels like an accomplishment. Other days, you just want something delicious, nourishing, and on the table in under 30 minutes without dirtying half the kitchen. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share Crispy Vegetable Chickpea Fritters—golden-brown patties that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with plant-based protein. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile: serve as an appetizer, sandwich filling, or a quick main course.

Ingredients

Scale

2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt & black pepper to taste
1¼ cups chickpea or rice flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 medium bell peppers, chopped
2 cups corn (fresh or canned)
4–5 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Oil for pan-frying (or air fryer/oven)
Optional: vegan cheese shreds

Chef Tips:

Toast whole cumin seeds and grind for extra flavor.
Use any bell pepper color mix for a vibrant fritter.
Optional cheese adds melty pockets of joy.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

In a food processor, add chickpeas, onion, garlic, lime juice, and spices. Pulse, don’t puree—you want some texture. No processor? Mash chickpeas and finely chop the onion and garlic, then mix by hand.

2. Mix in Veggies & Flour

Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add flour, bell peppers, corn, parsley, and vegan cheese (if using). Mix until evenly combined. Adjust texture: too wet → add flour, too dry → add a splash of water or lime juice.

3. Form Patties

Shape mixture into 12–14 patties, about ½-inch thick. Lightly wet hands to prevent sticking.

4. Cook Your Fritters

Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 min per side until golden and crispy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place on parchment-lined sheet, lightly oil, bake 20–25 min, flipping halfway.
Air-Fry: Spray fritters with oil, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 min, flipping once.

Notes

Fritters falling apart? Mixture too wet or flipped too soon. Add flour or wait for edges to brown.
Make ahead: Store mixture in fridge up to 24 hours; stir before forming patties.
Storage: Keep cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Freezer-friendly: Flash freeze patties, store up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 130 Cal Per Serving
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g