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Home » Recipes » Snacks and Appetizer Recipes

Crispy Chickpea Fritters Recipe

Modified: Oct 30, 2025 by Kori Butler

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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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Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • Chickpea fritters are a must-make.
  • Let's talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to enjoy them.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Keep the good eats going.
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

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.

Ingredients needed to make vegan chickpea fritters on a marble countertop.Pin

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.
Golden brown chickpea fritters served with creamy dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin

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

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Can I make them in a food processor?

Definitely. Pulse just until combined so the mixture stays textured.

Can I make the mixture ahead?

Yes, refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer.

Can I freeze them?

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.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Golden brown chickpea fritters served with creamy dipping sauce on a white plate - a healthy vegan and gluten-free snack.Pin

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Chickpea fritters on a white square plate and dipping sauce on the side.

Easy Chickpea Fritters (Plant-Based)

Crispy chickpea fritters with lemon, garlic, and herbs-quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Pan-fry or air-fry for a lighter option and serve with a tangy lemon-dill yogurt sauce (or make it plant-based with non-dairy yogurt).
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

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

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
FRITTER TIPS: Drain chickpeas well but don’t over-dry them. A little moisture helps them mash easily and hold together. Lightly dust patties with flour for a crispier coating.
SAUCE TIPS: If the sauce is too tangy for your liking, add a tiny amount of sweetener. Salt and pepper to taste. 
VARIATIONS: Add dill, red pepper, or zucchini for color. Swap parsley for cilantro or add chili flakes for a kick.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve warm in pita bread, over greens, or as an appetizer with the lemon-dill sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fritterCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 590mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 470IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

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Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats Founder

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

More about me

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