Go Back

Crispy Chickpea & Sweet Potato Fritters

These crispy chickpea and sweet potato fritters combine creamy mashed sweet potatoes with hearty chickpeas, seasoned with warm spices and herbs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re a versatile, protein-packed vegan snack or meal addition that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish (light), Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Gluten-Free Option, Healthy, Middle Eastern-Inspired, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 12 fritters (serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a snack/appetizer)
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
  • Cooling rack (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cooked until tender
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Olive oil or avocado oil, for frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the sweet potato: Peel, cube, and boil or roast the sweet potato until soft. Mash well and set aside.
  • Process chickpeas: Roughly mash chickpeas with a fork or pulse briefly in a food processor—do not overblend.
  • Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, mashed chickpeas, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, flour, spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Form fritters: Shape mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches diameter).
  • Cook: Heat a thin layer of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry fritters 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce or salad.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, refrigerate formed fritters for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
  • If batter feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour.
  • Spice levels can be adjusted by adding or omitting chili flakes.
  • Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftover fritters keep well in the fridge for 2 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or air fryer.
  • Try adding finely grated carrot or zucchini for extra veggies.
Keyword Chickpea fritters, crispy fritters, easy fritter recipe, gluten-free fritters, healthy snacks, plant-based protein, sweet potato fritters, vegan fritters