How to Make Chickpea Fritters

Looking for a healthy, plant-based snack or light meal? These crispy chickpea fritters are packed with vegetables and flavor. Perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or a quick dinner idea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in plant-based protein and fiber
• Great way to use pantry staples and extra veggies
• Quick and easy to make in one bowl
• Budget-friendly and meal prep-friendly

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup oat flour or all-purpose flour (add more if mixture is too wet)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Olive or avocado oil, for pan frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
2. Add grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, garlic, parsley or cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and flour.
3. Mix everything well until a sticky batter forms. If it’s too wet, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Use your hands or a scoop to form small patties (about 2 tablespoons each).
5. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive or avocado oil.
6. Cook fritters in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, in wraps, or over salads.

How to Make Chickpea Fritters

Recipe by The Slow Table TeamCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)

• 1/2 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)

• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 cup oat flour or all-purpose flour (add more if mixture is too wet)

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• Olive or avocado oil, for pan frying

Directions

• In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
• Add grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, garlic, parsley or cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and flour.
• Mix everything well until a sticky batter forms. If it’s too wet, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Use your hands or a scoop to form small patties (about 2 tablespoons each).
• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive or avocado oil.
• Cook fritters in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, in wraps, or over salads.

Tips for Success

• Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini to avoid soggy fritters.
• These can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oat flour.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt mixed with lemon and herbs.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Use as a filling in pita bread or wraps with hummus and greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake chickpea fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F and place patties on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I freeze chickpea fritters?
Yes, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

What can I use instead of flour?
Try almond flour or chickpea flour as alternatives, but you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.