If you’re looking for a wholesome, flavorful snack or light meal, this Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a vibrant combination of tender chickpeas, shredded zucchini, and carrots expertly blended into crispy, golden fritters that deliver joy in every bite. These fritters balance the earthiness of chickpeas with the fresh crunch of veggies, seasoned perfectly with garlic, onion, and cumin. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for a weekday treat or a casual get-together with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are, each bringing something essential to the table—texture, flavor, or color. The combination of fresh shredded veggies and pantry staples makes for a recipe that feels nourishing without any fuss.
- 1 cup shredded zucchini: Adds moisture and a tender bite while keeping things light; be sure to squeeze out excess water to avoid soggy fritters.
 - ½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps draw out moisture from zucchini for better texture.
 - 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and pat dry: The protein-packed base with a lovely creamy texture when mashed.
 - 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings sweetness, color, and a subtle crunch to the mix.
 - ½ cup chopped green onions: Offers a mild oniony zest and fresh green pop that brightens every bite.
 - ½ cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the binding agent to hold everything together perfectly when cooking.
 - ½ tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin: A balanced trio of spices that layers in warmth and aroma without overpowering the veggies.
 - 1 large egg: Helps bind the fritters while contributing to a golden crust during pan-frying.
 - Oil for cooking: Just enough to crisp the fritters beautifully on a nonstick pan.
 
How to Make Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Zucchini
Begin by shredding one medium zucchini and placing it in a mesh sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes; this step draws out excess moisture from the zucchini, which is key to getting fritters that hold their shape and crisp up nicely instead of falling apart or being soggy. After resting, press down with a spoon and pat the shredded zucchini dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
Step 2: Mash the Chickpeas
Drain and pat dry the canned chickpeas, then transfer them to a medium bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash most of the chickpeas gently; don’t aim for perfect smoothness—some larger pieces will add lovely texture to the fritters. This mash forms the hearty and protein-rich base of the fritters, so getting a slightly chunky consistency is perfect.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the dried shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and the egg to the mashed chickpeas. Stir until everything is just combined into a thick batter. This mixture should feel cohesive and hold together well when formed into patties, thanks to the flour and egg working their magic as binders.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom with oil. Using a ¼-cup measuring scoop or spoon, portion out the fritter batter, pressing it firmly into a compact mound. Carefully place each portion into the pan and gently flatten into a thick pancake shape. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until each fritter is golden brown and crisp on the edges. This slow medium-heat cooking ensures a beautifully crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these fritters, I love topping them with a dollop of pesto yogurt—a quick mix of your favorite pesto and Greek yogurt creates a luscious, herbaceous sauce that complements the warm spices perfectly. Alternatively, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a fresh, zesty finish that brightens each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chickpea fritters pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a tangy cucumber-tomato salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside brown rice, quinoa, or even tucked into pita bread with some hummus and pickled veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn the Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe into fun finger food for your next gathering? Stack them with layers of fresh greens, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of tahini sauce to make mini fritter sandwiches. Or, arrange them on a platter with an array of colorful dips like spicy harissa mayo, creamy tzatziki, or classic garlic aioli for a vibrant appetizer spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe is great for meal prep since the flavors develop even more after resting, and warming them up later is a breeze.
Freezing
Yes, these fritters freeze wonderfully! After cooking, let them cool completely then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy these tasty fritters any time you want—just grab some from the freezer when hunger strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy exterior and fresh taste, reheat leftover or frozen fritters in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the fritters may turn soggy. This simple step keeps them tasting almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini and carrots?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with shredded sweet potatoes, grated beets, or chopped spinach. Just keep in mind moisture content—if your veggies release a lot of water, be sure to drain or dry them well to maintain the right fritter texture.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
You can substitute with chickpea flour or another gluten-free option if needed. Chickpea flour especially complements the flavors and enhances the binding power. Adjust the amount slightly if the batter feels too wet or dry.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The original recipe uses an egg for binding, but you can easily make it vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. The fritters will still be delicious and hold together well.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with a little oil to encourage browning. Keep in mind they won’t be quite as crisp as pan-fried but still very tasty and lighter.
How do I make the pesto yogurt sauce?
Simply mix 1 part store-bought or homemade pesto with 2 parts Greek yogurt. It adds a creamy, herby kick that pairs perfectly with the warm spices and fresh veggies in the fritters.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe is one of those joyful meals that feels homemade and nourishing yet comes together effortlessly. The blend of crispy edges with tender, spiced chickpeas and fresh veggies makes it endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, these fritters deliver on flavor and comfort every time. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it becomes a kitchen favorite!
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Easy Chickpea Fritters With Shredded Veggies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
 - Yield: 8 fritters
 - Diet: Vegetarian
 
Description
These Easy Chickpea Fritters with Shredded Veggies are a delicious and healthy vegetarian snack or appetizer. Packed with shredded zucchini, carrots, and green onions, combined with mashed chickpeas and lightly seasoned, these crispy pan-fried fritters are quick to prepare and perfect for serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Veggies
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
 - 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 carrots)
 - ½ cup chopped green onions (about 2 green onions)
 - ½ tsp salt (for zucchini)
 
Chickpea Fritters
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
 - ½ tsp garlic powder
 - ½ tsp onion powder
 - ½ tsp cumin
 - 1 large egg
 - Oil for cooking
 
Instructions
- Salt Zucchini: Place the shredded zucchini in a mesh sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, stir to combine, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. After resting, press down with a spoon to release excess moisture and then pat dry with a paper towel.
 - Mash Chickpeas: In a medium bowl, mash the drained and dried chickpeas using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth but with some texture remaining.
 - Mix Ingredients: Add the shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and egg to the mashed chickpeas. Stir everything together until fully combined into a batter.
 - Cook Fritters: Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom with oil. Using a ¼-cup scoop or spoon, portion out the batter, packing it tightly, then place each into the pan and flatten to form thick pancakes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
 - Serve: Serve the fritters warm with your favorite sauce. A pesto yogurt sauce is ideal: simply mix 1 part pesto with 2 parts Greek yogurt for a creamy dip.
 
Notes
- To make the pictured pesto yogurt sauce, combine 1 part pesto with 2 parts Greek yogurt until smooth.
 - Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
 - You can freeze cooked fritters by freezing them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
 - The zucchini skin adds fiber, color, and texture, so there’s no need to peel it—just wash and shred.
 - If preferred, you can bake the fritters at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with oil for browning; however, they won’t be as crispy as pan-fried.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 15 minutes
 - Category: Snack
 - Method: Frying
 - Cuisine: Mediterranean
 
