These crispy chickpea fritters are golden, flavorful, and come together in just minutes. Fully plant-based and made with chickpeas, onion, garlic, flour, and lemon juice, this recipe is simple, healthy, and perfect for quick weeknight meals-whether pan-fried or air-fried for a lighter touch.

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The backstory.
These chickpea fritters were born out of one of my "what can I make with a can of chickpeas?" moments. A few minutes, some fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice later, I had the most delicious, crispy little patties. I've been obsessed ever since-they're quick, healthy, and hit all the right notes.
xoxo Kori
Chickpea fritters are a must-make.
Quick, plant-based, and full of fresh flavor-these chickpea fritters are an easy favorite you'll make again and again.
- Crispy outside. Lightly coated in flour and fried or air-fried until golden.
- Soft and flavorful inside. Chickpeas, garlic, and lemon juice keep them moist and herby.
- Simple ingredients. Made with everyday pantry staples and a few fresh herbs.
- Healthy and satisfying. A wholesome, protein-packed meal that's naturally plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, and completely dairy-free.
Anything crispy and golden has my full attention-but these chickpea fritters officially stole my heart.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
Each fritter is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with notes of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs in every bite. The smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth, while the dill and parsley bring brightness. Dip one into the creamy lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and it's pure perfection-cool, tangy, and refreshing.
What you'll need.

Here's what you're going to need to make these chickpea fritters:
- Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas for convenience-drain and rinse well.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: Adds savory flavor that ties everything together.
- Parsley or cilantro: Brightens the fritters with freshness.
- Fresh or dried dill (optional): Adds a Mediterranean note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- All-purpose flour (or chickpea flour): Helps bind the patties and creates a crisp coating.
- Lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness.
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Add warmth and smoky depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For frying or a light spray for air frying.
For the optional Lemon-Yogurt Dill Sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt: The creamy base for your sauce.
- Lemon juice and zest: Add brightness and tang.
- Fresh dill: For that signature herby flavor.
- Garlic: A small clove adds a savory kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Balance the flavor.
If you're as obsessed with chickpeas as I am, don't stop here-try my Coconut Chickpea Curry for a cozy, protein-packed dinner, this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad for something fresh and zesty, or dip into flavor with my Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus and Smoky Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus-each one deliciously different but equally healthy and satisfying.
Customize it your way.
This chickpea fritters recipe is easy to tweak to fit your taste.
- Add chopped red pepper or grated zucchini for color and crunch.
- Swap parsley for cilantro for a brighter flavor.
- Stir in chili flakes for spice.
- Use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
Flexible dietary swaps.
This chickpea fritters recipe adapts beautifully to fit your needs.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Oil-Free: Air-fry instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.
- Plant-Based: Use a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) in the Lemon-Dill Sauce.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium canned chickpeas and season with herbs and lemon instead of salt.

How to enjoy them.
Serve chickpea fritters warm with the lemon-dill yogurt sauce or your favorite dip. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them:
- In pita bread with tomato, cucumber, and lettuce for a quick handheld meal.
- Over mixed greens with a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
- As an appetizer with roasted red pepper or garlic yogurt dip.
- Alongside roasted vegetables or a grain bowl for a complete meal.
- Topped with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, bright finish.
Kori's tips.
- Lightly dust the formed patties with flour for an extra-crispy finish.
- Pulse everything in a food processor for faster prep, but don't over-blend.
- Double the batch-they reheat perfectly in the air fryer!
FAQ's
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Definitely. Pulse just until combined so the mixture stays textured.
Yes, refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.
Store cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer.
Yes! Freeze cooked fritters flat on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
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📖 The recipe.

Easy Chickpea Fritters (Plant-Based)
Ingredients
Fritters
- 15 ounce can chickpeas (drain but reserve 2 tablespoons of the chickpea liquid from the can, then rinse the chickpeas)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or, 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (for the mixture and frying)
Optional Lemon-Yogurt Dill Sauce
- ½ cup plain non-dairy or Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 small clove garlic minced or grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Fritters
- Mash chickpeas until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Combine the mashed chickpeas, 2 tablespoons reserved chickpea liquid (from the can), onion, olive oil, garlic, parsley, dill, 1 tablespoon flour, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Form into 8 small patties, about ½" thick, pressing together firmly. Place a little flour in a shallow dish and dip both sides of the patty in the flour to lightly coat.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. (Air fryer option: Spray fritters lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.)
Optional Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Chill 15 minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Kori's Tips
Nutrition
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