Name: Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup oat flakes (rolled oats); 1 tsp red pepper powder (paprika or mild chili); 1 tsp onion seasoning (or onion powder); 1 tsp garlic seasoning (or garlic powder); 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp sea salt (divided); 1/4 tsp herb mix (dried oregano, thyme, or Italian blend); 1/2 tsp garlic mix (optional); Oil for spraying or brushing; Ground flax or chia (1–2 tbsp, optional); Sesame seeds or hemp seeds (1–2 tbsp, optional); Finely grated carrot or zucchini (1/4 cup, squeezed dry, optional); Smoked paprika (optional); Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional); Black pepper or a pinch of cayenne (optional); Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (1 tsp, optional)

Description

Quick and forgiving Vegan Chickpea Nuggets that are kid-approved and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup oat flakes (rolled oats)
1 tsp red pepper powder (paprika or mild chili)
1 tsp onion seasoning (or onion powder)
1 tsp garlic seasoning (or garlic powder)
1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sea salt (divided)
1/4 tsp herb mix (dried oregano, thyme, or Italian blend)
1/2 tsp garlic mix (optional)
Oil for spraying or brushing
Ground flax or chia (1–2 tbsp, optional)
Sesame seeds or hemp seeds (1–2 tbsp, optional)
Finely grated carrot or zucchini (1/4 cup, squeezed dry, optional)
Smoked paprika (optional)
Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Black pepper or a pinch of cayenne (optional)
Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (1 tsp, optional)

Instructions

Prep your workspace and preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
Turn oat flakes into oat flour by pulsing them in a blender or food processor until fine.
In a bowl, mix oat flour with the dry coating ingredients.
Place drained chickpeas, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and garlic seasoning in the food processor; pulse until thick and slightly chunky.
Scoop out golf-ball-sized portions and shape into nugget shapes.
Lightly brush each nugget with water or chickpea brine, then roll in the oat flour mixture.
Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer, spray or brush with oil, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let the nuggets rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking before serving or storing.

Notes

These nuggets can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated in the air fryer. Adjust spices to cater to picky eaters.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 nuggets
Calories: 200
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan nuggets, chickpea recipes, quick dinner ideas