Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters: 7-Min Vegan Snack You’ll Love
Hi there! I’m Sarah, and the kitchen has always felt like home to me. I grew up learning to cook beside my mom, who taught me that food is a way to express love. Her meals were simple, soulful, and unforgettable every dish she made brought comfort and connection to our table.
After losing her, I turned to the kitchen as a way to heal. Recreating her recipes helped me hold onto the warmth she gave so freely. That’s why I started Airfryer Diaries to share not just recipes, but the feeling of home-cooked love passed down through generations.
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch recipe is one of my favorites. It’s bold, comforting, and totally plant-based. The fritters are crispy and full of flavor, while the creamy vegan ranch cools everything down just right. And since they’re made in the air fryer, they’re light, fast, and mess-free.
Looking for more quick and healthy air fryer ideas? Check out our best air fryer snack recipes
Let’s get cooking because great food should feed the body and the heart.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters
The benefits of using an air fryer for vegan snacks
If you love crispy snacks but want to keep things healthy, the air fryer is your best tool. It gives you that fried crunch with little to no oil perfect for light, plant-based recipes. These Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch come out golden and crispy every time, without the greasy mess.
Plus, air frying is fast and keeps the ingredients’ natural flavors intact. It’s an easy way to make satisfying vegan snacks that feel indulgent but stay nutritious.
Check out our top light snacks here: Don’t miss our healthy air fryer snack roundup
Bold buffalo flavor that hits the spot
Buffalo sauce adds a spicy, tangy kick that makes these chickpea fritters totally addictive. The mix of chickpeas, spices, and hot sauce gives you that classic buffalo taste no meat needed.
Paired with a cool, creamy vegan ranch, these fritters are bold, flavorful, and super satisfying. They’re great for snacking, game days, or a quick weeknight bite.
Craving more buffalo flavor? Try our buffalo chicken mac bombs
Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch
Equipment
- Fork or Potato Masher
Ingredients
Buffalo Chickpea Fritters
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz can, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp flour or oat flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
Vegan Ranch
- 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- fresh herbs chopped dill, parsley, or chives
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and mash the chickpeas in a large bowl, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Mix in buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using).
- Form into 10–12 small patties or balls using your hands or a scoop.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Lightly grease air fryer basket, place fritters in a single layer, and air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve with vegan ranch.
- To make the vegan ranch, mix plant-based yogurt, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic and onion powder, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients Breakdown for Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch
Key ingredients for buffalo chickpea fritters
Making Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch is easy when you start with clean, pantry-ready ingredients. These fritters are flavorful, protein-rich, and naturally vegan.
- Chickpeas: The hearty base full of protein and fiber.
- Buffalo sauce: Brings bold heat and tang.
- Breadcrumbs: Add structure and crispiness (use gluten-free if needed).
- Flour or oat flour: Helps hold it all together.
- Garlic + onion powder: Boost flavor depth.
- Salt and pepper: For balance.
- Nutritional yeast (optional): Adds a cheesy, savory note.
Once combined, the mixture crisps perfectly in the air fryer giving you spicy, tender buffalo chickpea fritters in just minutes.
Looking for more veggie-packed ideas? Check out our top air fryer veggie recipes
Simple ingredients for vegan ranch
To cool down the heat, a quick vegan ranch made from:
- Plant-based yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Garlic + onion powder
- Salt and pepper
It’s creamy, fresh, and the perfect match for hot air-fried buffalo chickpea fritters.
Don’t miss this classic combo snack idea: Try our celery and ranch mix
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
How to prepare and mix the chickpea fritter base
Making Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch is easier than you might think. Everything comes together in one bowl and cooks fast in the air fryer.
Here’s how to get started:
- Drain and mash the chickpeas:
Rinse one 15-oz can of chickpeas, then mash them in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher. Leave some chunks for texture. - Add flavor and binding:
Mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon flour (or oat flour), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for extra savory flavor. - Form the fritters:
Use your hands or a scoop to shape the mixture into small patties or balls about 1½ to 2 inches wide. You should get around 10–12 fritters. - Preheat your air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it heat up for 2–3 minutes for even cooking.
Pro Tip:
If your mixture feels too wet, add a touch more breadcrumbs or flour. If it’s too dry, a little extra buffalo sauce will help.
Want to try another air fryer party favorite? Check out our cheesy tortilla garlic bread
Air frying tips for perfectly crispy results every time
Now that your fritters are shaped and your air fryer is hot, it’s time to get that golden crisp.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket:
Use a spritz of oil to prevent sticking. - Place fritters in a single layer:
Don’t overcrowd leave space between each one so the air circulates properly. - Air fry for 12–15 minutes:
Cook at 375°F, flipping halfway through. The fritters should be golden brown on both sides and crispy to the touch. - Let cool for 2–3 minutes:
This helps them firm up and hold their shape better.
Once done, serve immediately with your creamy vegan ranch for dipping or drizzling. The spicy, crispy, tangy combo is a total win.
Looking for more easy bites? Try our crispy air fryer red potatoes
Nutritional Benefits of Chickpeas and Vegan Dressing
Why chickpeas are a smart choice
Chickpeas make these buffalo fritters both hearty and healthy. They’re rich in plant-based protein, high in fiber, and packed with iron, magnesium, and folate all essential nutrients for energy and digestion.
A single serving helps you stay full longer, making these air fryer chickpea fritters more than just a snack they’re a nutritious option for any time of day.
Looking for high-protein meals? Try our high-protein summer dinners
How vegan ranch keeps it light
Vegan ranch is a cleaner alternative to traditional ranch. Made with plant-based yogurt, herbs, and lemon juice, it’s lower in calories, cholesterol-free, and easier on digestion.
Together, the crispy fritters and dairy-free dip create a flavor-packed combo that’s both satisfying and good for you.
Want healthier snack ideas? Check out our low-calorie air fryer snacks
Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings
What goes well with buffalo chickpea fritters
Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch are bold and spicy perfect for pairing with cool and crunchy sides. Try them with:
- Vegan ranch dip (always!)
- Celery or cucumber sticks
- Sweet potato fries
- Simple green salads or coleslaw
Looking for great pairings? See our favorite sides for air fryer meals
Turn it into a full meal
You can easily make these fritters the star of dinner:
- Wrap them in pitas with greens and ranch
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa or rice
- Turn them into sliders with vegan mayo
They’re tasty, flexible, and ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Want more snack-style ideas? Try our cheesy tortilla garlic bread
Air Fryer Tips for Vegan Cooking Success
Quick tips for crispier chickpea fritters
Want perfect texture? These simple tricks help your air fryer buffalo chickpea fritters come out crispy every time:
- Preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket leave space for airflow
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning
- Lightly spray with oil to boost crispiness
Want crisp veggie sides too? Try our crispy red potatoes
Smart air fryer habits for better results
- Clean your air fryer often to avoid old food smells
- Adjust temps slightly based on your model
- Use parchment only when needed too much can block airflow
Master these basics, and your air fryer chickpea fritters will come out golden and perfect every time.
Need more beginner tips? Check out our air fryer tips and hacks
FAQ: Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters with Vegan Ranch
What are buffalo chickpea fritters made of?
They’re made from mashed chickpeas, buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, flour, and spices then air-fried until crispy.
Are air fryer chickpea fritters healthy?
Yes. They’re packed with plant protein and fiber, and air frying keeps them light and oil-free.
Can I make vegan ranch at home?
Definitely. Just mix plant-based yogurt with herbs, garlic powder, and lemon juice for a quick, dairy-free dip.
How do I store leftover fritters?
Keep them in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
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