Crispy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets (Kid-Approved!)

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Created on September 13th, 2025 at 04:39 pm

Easy, Protein-Packed Bites Everyone Will Love

If you’re craving something savory, crispy, and 100% plant-based, these vegan chickpea nuggets are about to become your new go-to! Perfect for healthy snacks, quick lunches, or kid-friendly dinners, they check every box: crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and ideal for dipping. 🙌 Whether you’re easing into meat-free meals or just need something satisfying that comes together fast, this recipe is a total win. Even the picky eaters in your house (yes, even the grown-up ones!) won’t be able to resist a second helping. And the best part? You likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Let’s get cooking!

Gluten-free vegan nuggets made from oats and chickpeas.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chickpea nuggets are a plant-based dream. They’re made from pantry staples like oats and canned chickpeas, so they’re as budget-friendly as they are delicious. Their crispy coating and tender, flavorful center make them the ultimate family-friendly meal or snack. They’re also great for meal prep—just freeze a batch and pop them in the air fryer when needed. Plus, the seasoning is totally customizable, so you can tweak it to match your family’s tastes. Whether you’re packing lunches, planning quick weeknight dinners, or just need a vegan-friendly snack, these nuggets are the answer. 🧡

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 (Makes ~12 nuggets)

📝 Ingredients List

1 cup oat flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 (15.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tsp red pepper powder (or smoked paprika)
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
1/4 tsp herb mix (thyme, sage, rosemary)
Cooking oil spray (or brush-on oil)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Large skillet or air fryer
Blender or food processor
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Make the Oat Flour Mixture
Blend 1 cup of oats until they resemble fine flour (about 30 seconds). In a bowl, mix oat flour with garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt, red pepper powder, onion powder, and herb mix. Stir to combine.

2. Blend the Chickpeas
In the blender, combine drained chickpeas, garlic powder, sea salt, and poultry seasoning (or your herb mix). Blend until smooth—like hummus with no chunks.

3. Shape the Nuggets
Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of the chickpea mixture (about 15–20g) and form into nugget shapes. Dip each nugget in the chickpea brine (the liquid from the can), then roll in the oat flour coating. For extra crispiness, double dip in the brine and coat again.

4. Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat air fryer. Spray one side of each nugget with oil and place sprayed side down. Spray the other side once in the basket. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving a light respray.

5. Cool & Serve
Let nuggets cool for 5 minutes to firm up. Serve with your favorite dips and enjoy! 🥰✨

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a paper towel to the container to absorb moisture.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze fully cooked nuggets between parchment layers. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Seasoning Swaps: No poultry seasoning? Use a mix of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary or Italian seasoning.
Serving Ideas: Great in wraps, over grain bowls, or served with fries and a salad.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.