Chickpea Fritters

Crispy Chickpea Fritters to warm your tummy and deliver a flavor-filled bite. These little guys are healthy, hearty and oh-so-tasty!

Table of Contents

Toggle

I can’t get enough of chickpeas. So much so my friends tease me – they say that’s all I eat. Whenever they come over they can count on me whipping up a dish with chickpeas as the star ingredient. I’ve even been known to open a can and eat them plain, or drizzle with a little lemon, flaky sea salt and call it a day (this mostly happens when I am too lazy and not in the mood to cook). Chickpeas are also a great source of plant-based protein and have a neutral enough flavor, making them versatile for all sorts of dishes. Hummus is one of the most famous and well-known dips made from blended chickpeas, and it really helped put them on the map. They are also used frequently to top salads and are most commonly found in Mediterranean recipes and Middle Eastern cooking.

So, I have no doubt you will love these chickpea fritters! They pair great with a homemade Keto Tzatziki or a simple lemon aioli dipping sauce. They come together in no time and are great for storing and enjoying at a later date. They feel naughty and indulgent (like you are eating French fries or something) but are actually nutritious and oh-so-delicious.

Are Chickpea Fritters Healthy?

Made with whole and clean ingredients, these chickpeas fritters are nourishing and loaded with plant-based protein all thanks to the chickpeas. For a slightly healthier cooking alternative, you could even bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer. You can also replace the all-purpose flour with a whole wheat one, or a gluten-free substitute, if desired.

If you prefer a vegan dish, simply swap the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or use a vegan Parmesan. Some brands I love for vegan products are Miyoko’s and Kite Hill.

More on why I love chickpeas…

Chickpeas are high in dietary fiber, particularly a soluble fiber called raffinose. This helps to balance the bacteria in your digestive system, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation.

I oftentimes use canned chickpeas because it saves so much time when cooking. Another plus with using canned chickpeas, aside from the ease and convenience, is the aquafaba it creates. Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas which is great for adding structure to foods. You can use it as an egg substitute in baking (it is very popular in vegan baked goods like cookies, cakes, and doughs), and it’s even great for making a vegan versions of classic cocktails that normally use egg whites. Once I drain and rinse off my chickpeas, I save the aquafaba in little mason jars and store in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Combine chickpeas with dry ingredients.

Form

Shape mixture into patties.

Cook

Fry patties until golden and serve with dip.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

These are great for making ahead! Prepare the chickpea batter and keep it covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to proceed, shape the fritter patties and fry them up! Once cooked, store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Keep ’em tiny

The smaller the chickpea fritters the better. The smaller ones hold together more easily than the bigger ones, so I recommend you limit to a couple of tablespoons of filling per patty.

Experiment with garnishes

Try topping your fritters with spices and flavorings! Maybe squeeze on some fresh lemon juice. You can also top with herbs like chopped parsley and cilantro or sprinkle with flaky sea salt or chili flakes for a tasty touch.

Serving Suggestions

These little chickpea fritters pair great with fresh slices of lemon, and little bowls of dipping sauce like Keto Tzatziki, this Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip, or this Tasty Cottage Cheese Dip.

These fritters make the most perfect appetizer and are best consumed hot, and fresh off the stovetop. You can also use them to make a pita sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and tzatziki. They taste great on or with a tabbouleh salad (like this Cauliflower Tabbouleh for instance) or on a beautiful Mediterranean spread. Give these cute little guys a try, they are a sure delight.