Chickpea Patties (Easy + Vegan)

Name: Chickpea Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400g (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained*; 4 tablespoons aquafaba*; 1/2 cup brown onion, finely chopped; 1 cup (125g) finely grated carrot; 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil, to cook

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The most delicious and easy vegan chickpea patties, seasoned with spices, herbs, and carrot. Tender inside, crispy outside—perfect with your favourite dipping sauce.

Vegan patties on a plate with dipping sauce ad basil.

If you're looking for a tasty, meatless appetiser that's quick and easy to make, these chickpea patties are perfect for you. Made from canned chickpeas, curry powder, your favourite herbs, and grated carrot for a sneaky veggie boost, they take just 30 minutes to prepare. They're a great source of plant-based protein and can be seasoned and flavoured in countless ways.

Best of all, no food processor or special equipment is required! Just one bowl, your hands, and a sheet pan. These wholesome patties are perfect as mini burgers, dipped into your favourite sauce, or served with any side dish you like.

Ingredients you’ll need

You only need 7 ingredients plus make this chickpea patties recipe:

Chickpeas: For convenience, we use canned chickpeas, and a small amount of the liquid from the can, known as aquafaba, is used to bring the mixture together.
Onion: Adds great flavour. You can use brown or red onion, depending on your preference.
Herbs: Basil adds fresh flavour, but coriander (cilantro) works well too.
Cumin: Adds a beautiful, aromatic spice with a mild kick.
Salt: Sea salt is essential for flavour; without it, the patties would be bland.
Carrot: Grated carrot adds flavour and is a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables.
Tahini: Since the patties don’t contain egg, tahini is used as a binder.
Breadcrumbs: Classic unseasoned breadcrumbs work best, however if making the patties gluten free, quick oats also does the job.
Olive Oil: To cook the patties, giving them a slightly crispy exterior.

The complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Chickpea Patties

One great thing about chickpea patties is that they’re vegan, so you can taste the mixture as you go!

Make the Patty Mixture: Add the chickpeas to a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until well combined.

Blended mixture in a food processor jug.

Form the Patties: Gently form the mixture into 12 patties, each about one inch thick. Pack the mixture together a bit, but don’t squish it too tightly.

Cook: Heat oil in a skillet and fry the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and firm. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Enjoy: Top each patty with a spoonful of tahini or avocado sauce (if using) and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips and Variations

No Food Processor? No Problem: While food processors are convenient, you can easily make chickpea patties without one. Just mash or crush the chickpeas with a potato masher or a fork.
Handle with Care: Similar to making falafel, avoid packing the mixture too tightly when forming the patties. Shape them gently but firmly to keep them tender instead of dense and heavy.
Add Your Favourite Spices: Feel free to swap out the cumin in this recipe for your favourite spice blend. Curry powder, Montreal chicken seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning all work well.
Incorporate More Vegetables: Finely chopped or minced onion, celery, capsicum (bell pepper), and other veggies are great additions! If you add a lot of vegetables, you may need to adjust by adding a egg and panko to help the mixture bind.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve chickpea patties just like you would a grilled chicken breast, turkey patty, or hamburger patty. They’re great on a bun with all your favourite toppings, or try one of these ideas:

In a Salad: Pair the patties with a colourful and nutritious Apricot Grain Salad or Kale Crunch Salad. Cut the patties into chunks and scatter them through the salad, or serve them on the side.
In Pitas: Stuff a pita with shredded lettuce, fresh tomato, feta, and chickpea patties. Don’t forget to add a drizzle of creamy Avocado Green Goddess Dressing for extra flavour!
With Veggies: Serve these patties alongside Roasted Pumpkin + Zucchini Couscous Salad. It's vibrant colours and sweet flavours complement the savoury chickpea patties perfectly.

Chickpea patties on a plate with herbs on the side.

How to store

Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freeze: Allow the chickpea patties to cool to room temperature before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Wrap each patty in freezer paper and store them in a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to prevent dryness. Alternatively, bake them covered with foil at 180°C (350°F). Keep in mind that frozen patties will take longer to reheat than refrigerated ones.

Recipe FAQ

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same?

Yes, they two different names for the same legume. Regardless of what you call them, They have a mild and nutty flavour and are a great source of plant-based protein and fibre. Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, are a convenient option, but you can also use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked.

Can they be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the lentil patties in advance. Shape them and refrigerate, covered with cling wrap, for up to 2-3 days before cooking.

Can lentil patties be cooked in the air fryer?

Yes! Place a sheet of parchment paper in your air fryer basket to prevent the mixture from falling through. Spray the tops of the patties with a little oil and cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes.

Vegan patties on a plate with dipping sauce.

More side dishes

Lentil Patties

Gluten-Free Corn Fritters

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bites

Pumpkin and Zucchini Fritters

If you try this chickpea patties recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.