Crispy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
These Crispy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with plant-based protein. Made from simple ingredients like chickpeas and spices, they’re a delicious alternative to traditional nuggets—perfect for dipping, snacking, or adding to meals.
🛒 Ingredients
Nugget Base
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp plant milk (as needed)
Coating
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp plant milk
For Cooking
- Oil for frying (or spray for baking/air fryer)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Mash the Chickpeas
In a bowl, mash chickpeas until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
2️⃣ Make the Mixture
Add:
- breadcrumbs
- chickpea flour
- nutritional yeast
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt & pepper
Mix well. Add plant milk as needed to form a moldable dough.
3️⃣ Shape Nuggets
Form into small oval or nugget shapes using your hands.
4️⃣ Coat
Dip each nugget in plant milk, then coat with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for that crispy crust.
5️⃣ Cook
Fry:
Cook in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Bake:
400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fry:
375°F for 12–15 minutes.
💡 Helpful Tips
⭐ Don’t over-mash—leave some texture for better bite.
⭐ Chill nuggets for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape.
⭐ Add smoked paprika or BBQ seasoning for extra flavor.
⭐ Great for freezing before or after cooking.
These Vegan Chickpea Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and super satisfying—proof that simple ingredients can create amazing comfort food. Perfect for both kids and adults, they’re a must-try plant-based favorite!
