These broccoli chickpea fritters are here to turn your meatless meals into something everyone looks forward to. Plant-based eating sounds great in theory, but in reality, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of bland, repetitive meals that leave you unsatisfied. That’s why I developed this recipe.
These fritters check every box: they’re quick to make, incredibly budget-friendly, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber that will actually keep you full. Even better? You only need a handful of ingredients and a single bowl to make these fritters, which are perfectly crispy on the outside and warm and savory on the inside.
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This recipe is also a game-changer if you’re cooking for a mixed crowd. Whether you’re fully vegan, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or just looking for a creative way to use up leftover veggies, these fritters deliver. The flavors are comforting and familiar, yet just unique enough to break you out of your usual dinner routine.
So whether you’re looking for a healthier comfort food option, a reliable meal prep staple, or just a new go-to vegan recipe that’s simple and satisfying, you’re in the right place. Ready to make some? Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Broccoli Chickpea Fritters
There are a lot of vegan recipes out there, but very few that hit the perfect balance of easy, affordable, nutritious, and delicious! These broccoli chickpea fritters check every single one of those boxes. Here are a few more reasons to love them:
- One-bowl recipe
- Tasty texture: Crispy outside and soft on the inside
- They’re simple! No specialty ingredients or complicated techniques
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile enough to be a snack or a main dish
- Perfect for meal prep
- Vegan and protein-packed
Ingredients at-a-Glance
I love this recipe because it’s so simple and flexible. Each ingredient adds just the right amount of texture and flavor to create delicious vegan fritters.
- Broccoli: Adds texture, freshness, and earthy flavor.
- Chickpeas & Aquafaba: Act as the base of these fritters to create a hearty texture with lots of protein.
- Breadcrumbs: Help to absorb moisture and give the fritters structure.
- Nutritional Yeast: Binds the ingredients together and adds a wonderfully cheesy flavor.
- Garlic, Salt, & Pepper: Adds more flavor to the fritters!
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Broccoli Chickpea Fritters, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Vegan Broccoli Chickpea Fritters Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 10-12 oz package steamable broccoli florets
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas
- 2 tbsp aquafaba (liquid from the chickpeas)
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Steam your broccoli florets and let them cool down enough to handle. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Drain the chickpeas in a strainer, reserving 2 tbsp of the liquid (aquafaba) from the can. Rinse the beans well. Add the beans and aquafaba to the bowl.
- Mash the broccoli and beans with a potato masher or fork.
- Add in garlic, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and panko breadcrumbs to the bowl. Stir well.
- Heat oil until shimmering in a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Form the mixture into 6-7 larger sized fritters (or 8-10 small fritters).
- Add to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes each side, or until browned and fully heated through.
- Serve warm with vegan cheese and ketchup or another sauce of your choice.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas + Broccoli
These fritters aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients, making them a smart, balanced meal choice.
Chickpeas: Plant-Based Power
Chickpeas are one of the best plant-based protein sources, making them ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets. Also called garbanzo beans, these are considered both a vegetable and a protein because they’re so nutritious. This extremely versatile ingredient is used in savory dishes and easily sneaks into many desserts.
Chickpeas are full of vitamins (like A, E, and C) and minerals (like magnesium, potassium, and iron) and contain plenty of health benefits. Their high fiber promotes weight control by helping you feel full longer, and aids in digestion and gut health. They’re naturally gluten-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium, and low on the glycemic index, meaning they won’t make your blood sugar spike. So these are a great source of nutrients in a variety of diets and lifestyles.
One cup of chickpeas contains approximately:
- 269 calories
- 14g protein
- 4g fat
- 44g carbohydrates
- 12g fiber
- 80mg calcium
Broccoli: Nutrient-Dense Superfood
Broccoli offers a wide abundance of nutrients and many benefits. This vegetable is full of fiber, folate, and vitamins. It is full of heart-healthy benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol and providing the body with plenty of fiber. It is extremely high in vitamin C. In fact, something most people don’t realize is that just one cup of broccoli contains nearly 90% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake!
One cup of chopped, raw broccoli contains approximately:
- 31 calories
- 6g carbohydrates
- 2g fiber
- 2g protein
Along with nearly 90% of your daily vitamin C and 80% of your daily vitamin K.
Together, chickpeas and broccoli create a meal that’s high in fiber, nutrient-dense, and naturally low in processed ingredients. These fritters are a great option if you’re trying to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Crispy Broccoli Chickpea Fritters Every Time
If you’ve ever made fritters that turned out soggy or fell apart, you’re not alone. The good news? A few simple adjustments can make all the difference.
Remove Excess Moisture
Too much moisture is one of the main reasons that fritters fail. Thoroughly drain the chickpeas before mashing and accurately measure the aquafaba. If needed, add more breadcrumbs to balance out the moisture in the mixture. When you form the patties, they should not fall apart in your hands.
Tip: Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel before mashing to remove much of the excess liquid.
Don’t Over-Mash
You want these fritters to have texture. Leave some of the chickpeas chunky so the fritters hold their shape and don’t become mushy.
Heat the Oil
If the pan and oil aren’t hot enough, the fritters will absorb oil rather than crisp. This will make their flavor and texture greasy. Preheat your pan over medium to medium-high heat. Your oil should be shimmering before you add the fritters, and the fritters should turn golden and crispy after about 4-5 minutes.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Make sure the fritters have space to cook so they fry rather than steam.
Chill the Mixture
This is completely optional, but it can really help your fritters to maintain a great texture, especially if the mixture feels too soft. If so, chill it for 20-30 minutes in the fridge to help it firm up and hold together better.
Best Cooking Methods
There is no single right way to cook these fritters; it just depends on your preference and what you have in your kitchen.
Pan-Frying (Best for Crispy Fritters)
This creates the crispiest exterior for these fritters. They get a nice, crunchy golden-brown texture, but this option uses oil for frying, so if you’re looking for a healthier option, try the air frying or baking.
Air Frying (Healthy + Convenient)
Air frying these fritters will still give them a slightly crispy texture, just not as crispy as pan frying. The great part is that this option doesn’t use oil and is easy to clean up.
Baking (Healthiest)
Baking the fritters is ideal if you want a lighter, healthier cooking method. While they will cook up softer and less crispy than pan-frying or air frying, they will maintain all the delicious flavors without the excess oil. To bake them, preheat the oven to 375ºF and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How to Serve (Meal Ideas + Sauces)
These fritters are incredibly versatile, which makes them perfect for building different meals around them.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: Stuff them into pitas or wraps with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickled onions
- Bowls: Add them to grain bowls with quinoa or rice
- Burgers: Use them as a plant-based burger patty
However you choose to enjoy these broccoli chickpea fritters, pairing them with the right sauce can turn them from good to incredible. Try them with this vegan chipotle sauce for a creamy, smoky flavor, or even a hot pepper jelly for a real flavor twist. They also pair well with hummus, spicy mayo, or a classic ketchup-and-mustard combo, so you can enjoy this like a burger.
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Tips
This recipe works incredibly well for meal prep.
In the fridge, these cooled fritters will stay fresh up to 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in a pan or air fryer for the best texture.
To freeze, these fritters store best after they are completely cooled. Then freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months.
To enjoy these as a meal-prep option, make a double batch so you can always have some on hand. Store some in the fridge to enjoy during the week, and freeze the rest so you have healthy, protein-packed meals at a moment’s notice. Use the fritters throughout the week in different meals to get a nice variety without extra cooking.
Broccoli Chickpea Fritters FAQs
If you have questions about this recipe, chances are, someone else has too! If I don’t answer your question in one of the FAQs below, be sure to drop it in the comments so I can help you on your cooking journey.
What Can Replace Breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs play an important role in the fritters by absorbing moisture, binding the mixture, and creating structure so your fritters don’t fall apart. But there are plenty of great substitutes for breadcrumbs, depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Oats are an excellent gluten-free substitute and one of the easiest swaps. Use rolled or quick oats, and if you have a food processor, pulse them a few times to create a coarse flour for the best results.
Other effective substitutes include: almond flour, crushed crackers, cornmeal, or chickpea flour. Just remember that if your mixture feels too wet or too dry, adjust accordingly with more dry ingredients or a splash of liquid.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
These fritters are very easy to make gluten-free with just one simple swap. Replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option such as panko breadcrumbs, certified gluten-free oats, or almond flour. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always worth checking the packaging to be sure.
Can I Freeze Fritters?
These fritters freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. For the best results, let the fritters cool completely after cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until completely solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Can I Bake Instead of Fry?
While baking rather than frying will result in fritters that are softer and less crispy, it is a great oil-free option. Bake the fritters at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Fritters for Dinner
These fritters are all about making plant-based eating feel simple and enjoyable. The recipe comes together quickly in one bowl and cooks to a satisfying crisp in just a few minutes on the griddle. I love these for an easy lunch or dinner and especially for meal prep. They’re freezer-friendly and perfect for making a double batch so you always have a last-minute meal ready.
The biggest challenge with eating healthier or more plant-based is often finding meals you genuinely look forward to eating. Meals that are easy enough for busy weeknights, filling enough to keep you satisfied, and flexible enough to effortlessly fit into your routine.
These broccoli chickpea fritters take a handful of affordable ingredients and turn them into something comforting and flavorful, versatile enough to enjoy throughout the week in a variety of ways, and that makes meal prep feel more exciting. So give this recipe a try, save it for later, or make a double batch for the week ahead. And if you end up putting your own spin on it, even better!
More Plant-Based Meals
For more satisfying and simple plant-based meals, try these recipes.
Share Your Fritter Favorites!
What makes you crave this recipe the most? It’s simplicity or versatility? Putting it in a bun for a delicious veggie burger? Share your favorite way to enjoy this meal in the comments below!
