Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes You’ll Love

Name: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour/almond flour for gluten-free); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan); 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or cilantro, basil, or chives); salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup); 1 tsp vinegar (apple cider or white); garlic powder, salt, pepper (to taste)

I grew up in the kitchen alongside my mom, learning how food could be so much more than just fuel it was connection. Her way of cooking was soulful, comforting, and always filled with love. After she passed, I turned back to the kitchen, where I found healing through the meals she once made for us.

air fryer honey mustard chickpea cakes on plate with sauce — Crispy honey mustard chickpea cakes cooked in the air fryer

That journey led me to start Airfryer Diaries, where I now share easy, wholesome meals using my favorite kitchen tool: the air fryer. One recipe that’s become a go-to in my home is these Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes. They’re packed with plant-based protein, loaded with flavor, and come together quickly for a satisfying, healthy meal.

These chickpea cakes with honey mustard are a perfect blend of crispy and tender just the way my mom liked her patties. Made in the air fryer, they’re lighter than traditional fried recipes but still rich in taste and comfort. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, meal prep, or as a healthy dinner, this air fryer recipe brings big flavor with minimal oil and time.

Looking for inspiration? Try Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Green Peas Balls for another crispy plant-based idea.

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So let’s get into it because these Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes aren’t just a recipe, they’re a tribute to tradition, love, and flavor-packed modern cooking.

Table of Contents

There’s a reason Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes are gaining so much attention they’re healthy, quick, and full of flavor. Thanks to the air fryer, these chickpea patties get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, all without the need for heavy oil or frying.

Chickpeas are a pantry staple for plant-based meals. They’re protein-packed, full of fiber, and super satisfying. Add a tangy-sweet honey mustard glaze, and you’ve got a balanced, crave-worthy dish that works for weeknight dinners, lunches, or meal prep.

These cakes are also incredibly flexible. Serve them with a salad, in wraps, or even as mini sliders. And since the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a go-to for busy home cooks.

Check out Air Fryer Herb-Crusted Green Peas Balls for another veggie-based snack made in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes

These crispy, flavorful chickpea cakes are air-fried to perfection and balanced with a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze. Packed with plant-based protein, they’re a tribute to comforting home cooking and ideal for meal prep, lunch, or a healthy dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Chilling Time 15

Total Time 42

Course Main

Cuisine Plant-Based

Servings 4 cakes

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer
Food Processor
Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Chickpea Cakes

1.5 cups cooked chickpeas rinsed and drained
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour/almond flour for gluten-free
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 egg or flax egg for vegan
2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro, basil, or chives
salt and pepper to taste

Honey Mustard Sauce

2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vinegar apple cider or white
garlic powder, salt, pepper to taste

Instructions

Mash chickpeas with a fork or food processor, leaving some texture.
Add mustard, honey, garlic and onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Stir in breadcrumbs and egg or flax egg. Mix until the mixture holds together.
Form into ½ inch thick patties. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place cakes in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Let cool slightly before serving.
Mix together Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper to make the sauce.

Notes

Chilling the patties helps them hold shape in the air fryer. These cakes are perfect for meal prep, wraps, bowls, or as a protein-packed snack.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chickpeas, Healthy, Vegetarian

Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits

Essential Ingredients Breakdown (Including Alternatives)

To create the perfect Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes, you don’t need anything fancy just a few wholesome pantry staples and some flavorful extras.

ingredients for air fryer chickpea cakes with honey mustard — Ingredients for making air fryer chickpea cakes

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitutes (if needed)
Cooked Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)	Base of the cakes, protein & fiber	Canned chickpeas or white beans
Dijon Mustard	Adds sharp, tangy flavor	Yellow mustard or spicy brown
Honey	Sweet balance to the mustard	Maple syrup or agave for vegan
Breadcrumbs	Helps bind and adds texture	Oat flour, almond flour, or panko
Garlic & Onion Powder	Depth of flavor	Fresh minced garlic/onion
Olive Oil Spray	Ensures crispy finish in air fryer	Avocado oil spray or coconut oil
Egg (optional)	Binds mixture together	Ground flaxseed + water for vegan
Fresh Herbs (like parsley)	Adds freshness and brightness	Cilantro, basil, or chives

These ingredients work together to form a crisp exterior and a flavorful, moist center. Using canned chickpeas is totally fine—just rinse and drain them well.

Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the breadcrumbs for certified gluten-free oats or almond meal.

Don’t miss our Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots if you’re on the hunt for another plant-based, crunchy snack.

Nutritional Profile: High Protein, Low Fat, Fiber-Rich

One of the best things about these chickpea cakes in the air fryer is how nutrient-dense they are without being calorie-heavy. Let’s break it down:

Protein: Chickpeas provide around 15g of plant-based protein per cup. That’s huge for vegetarians or anyone cutting back on meat.
Fiber: With nearly 13g per cup, chickpeas support digestion and keep you full longer.
Healthy Fats: A light olive oil spray ensures crispness without added grease.
Complex Carbs: These cakes give you sustained energy thanks to chickpeas’ low glycemic index.

Here’s a rough macro estimate for two air-fried chickpea cakes:

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fiber	Fat
~220	10g	28g	7g	6g

These numbers may vary slightly based on your substitutions and portion sizes, but overall, these Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes are a nutrient-rich, guilt-free option for anyone aiming to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Check out Air Fryer Buffalo Chickpea Fritters for another chickpea-based dish with a spicy twist!

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Preparation Guide

Preparing the Chickpea Mixture from Scratch

To make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes, start with simple ingredients and just a bit of prep.

Mash the chickpeas – Use a fork or food processor to mash 1½ cups of cooked chickpeas, leaving a little texture.
Add flavor – Mix in Dijon mustard, honey, garlic and onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Bind it – Stir in breadcrumbs and a beaten egg (or flax egg for vegan). The mixture should hold together but not feel too wet.
Shape – Form into small patties about ½ inch thick.

chickpea cakes in air fryer basket before cooking — Preparing chickpea cakes for air frying

Tip: Chill patties for 15 minutes to help them hold shape in the air fryer.

Don’t miss our Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Tots for another easy, veggie-packed recipe.

Air Fryer Cooking Instructions for Optimal Crispiness

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Place patties in a single layer with space in between.
Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Cool slightly before serving.

You’ll end up with golden, crispy chickpea cakes that are full of flavor and done in no time.

Flavor Boost: Making the Honey Mustard Sauce

A quick, flavorful sauce brings these Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes to life.

Simple Sauce Recipe

2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp vinegar
Garlic powder, salt, pepper

Stir and adjust to taste. For extra heat, add hot sauce. Creamier? Mix in a spoon of yogurt.

This sauce pairs perfectly with your chickpea cakes sweet, tangy, and balanced.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes pair well with just about anything. Try them with:

A simple green salad
Roasted or air-fried veggies
Pita or wraps with lettuce and sauce
Quinoa or brown rice

Use them in lunch bowls, sliders, or as a quick main dish. They’re great hot or cold, and perfect for meal prep.

Troubleshooting and Pro Cooking Tips

Having trouble with your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes? Here’s how to fix common issues:

Falling apart? Chill before cooking. Add more breadcrumbs if too wet.
Too dry? Mix in a spoon of olive oil or mashed veggies.
Not crispy? Preheat, don’t overcrowd, and spray lightly with oil.

Simple fixes = perfect chickpea cakes every time.

Air Fryer Chickpea Cakes in a Healthy Diet Plan

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chickpea Cakes are great for clean eating. They’re high in fiber, plant protein, and low in oil perfect for weight loss or balanced meals.

Use them in: