If you have a soft spot for snacks that are both irresistibly crunchy and brimming with fresh flavor, then this Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These golden, bite-sized fritters combine sweet peas, melty cheese, and vibrant green onions into a batter that transforms into perfectly crisp morsels on the stovetop. Whether you need a quick emergency meal or a fun appetizer to impress guests, these fritters bring a delightful crunch and vivid color to your plate every time. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy peas in a completely fresh and exciting way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe is how the simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing texture, flavor, and color, making the fritters both tasty and visually appealing.
- 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold the fritters together, with a note that it can be swapped for gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch): Adds extra crispiness to the fritters, keeping them light and crunchy.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the batter a subtle lift, making the fritters fluffy on the inside.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, savory undertone that complements the peas beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Or 1/4 tsp table salt, brings out the natural sweetness of the peas.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a little mild heat that balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 large egg (~55g): Acts as a binder to keep all the ingredients together during cooking.
- 2 tbsp milk (any type): Moistens the batter, ensuring the fritters stay tender inside.
- 2 cups frozen peas: Use them frozen (breaking up clumps as needed) for the best texture and sweet, fresh flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, tasty, colby, or any melty cheese gives a gooey, savory richness.
- 3/4 cup finely sliced green onion: Adds a pop of color and gentle pungency – optional but highly recommended.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: For frying, ensuring a golden crisp crust without greasiness.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt: Combined with lemon juice and olive oil to make a refreshing dip.
- 2 tsp lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to the yogurt sauce.
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil: For the dip, deepening the flavor.
- 1/8 tsp finely grated garlic (optional): Gives the dip a slight savory kick.
- Pinch each salt and pepper: To season the yogurt dip perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Begin by combining the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients sets the foundation for your fritters’ texture and seasoning, ensuring every bite has that subtle savoriness and perfect crisp.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients and peas
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Next, fold in the frozen peas (break up any big chunks), shredded cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. The peas bring sweetness while the cheese melts into pockets of gooey goodness throughout the fritters.
Step 3: Heat the oil
Warm the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. The right temperature is crucial here; too cool and the fritters will soak up oil, too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through. A steady medium heat ensures that signature golden crispiness.
Step 4: Cook the fritters
Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, gently flattening them with the back of your spoon to form evenly thick, round fritters. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, turning carefully once the edges turn golden brown. The inside should remain tender while the outside crisps up delightfully.
Step 5: Drain and rest
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a moment before serving; this helps set their shape and keeps them wonderfully crispy.
How to Serve Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe shine, top them off with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, mint, or coriander for a fresh herbal punch. A little squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with fresh salads, perhaps something with a crisp cucumber and tomato base dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance texture and flavor. Alternatively, a cooling tzatziki or a simple mixed greens salad with a lemony dressing works wonders alongside them.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Stack the fritters with layers of creamy yogurt sauce and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color. They also work brilliantly served as finger food with toothpicks at parties, perfect for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover fritters, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crisp texture, place them between layers of paper towel to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
This Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe freezes wonderfully. Freeze uncooked fritters on a tray in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy homemade fritters anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible as it can make them soggy. Instead, pop them into a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, a quick re-fry in a little oil works like a charm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen in the Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used, but you’ll want to blanch them briefly first to soften them and release their natural sweetness. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese in the fritters?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well or simply omit the cheese for a lighter version. The fritters will still hold together nicely thanks to the egg and flour mixture.
Can I make these fritters vegan?
To veganize the recipe, replace the egg with a flax egg or chickpea flour batter, use plant-based milk, and swap the cheese for a vegan melting cheese. The texture might vary slightly, but the fritters remain delicious and crispy.
What other dips go well with these fritters?
Besides the yogurt-lemon dip, you can try hummus, a spicy marinara, or a cool avocado crema. Each adds its own twist while complementing the pea and cheese flavors beautifully.
How do I know when the fritters are cooked through?
Cooking time depends on fritter thickness, but generally 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat yields perfectly cooked fritters. Look for a golden-brown crust and slight firmness when gently pressed; if unsure, cut one open and check the inside for softness and cooked peas.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe that keeps me coming back for more—its combination of crispiness, sweetness from the peas, and melty cheese pockets just can’t be beat. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute snack or sharing a cozy meal with friends, these fritters bring joy to every bite. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do!
Print
Crispy Pea Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 10 fritters
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy pea fritters are a quick and delicious emergency meal, packed with tender peas, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection, they make a satisfying snack or light meal served with a zesty yogurt dip.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten free flour as substitute if needed)
- 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch; can substitute with more flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg (~55g/2 oz)
- 2 tbsp milk (any type/fat %, or water)
- 2 cups frozen peas (still frozen, break up any large clumps)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, colby, or any good melting cheese)
- 3/4 cup finely sliced green onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for cooking)
Yogurt Dip
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/8 tsp finely grated garlic (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create an even base for the fritters.
- Add wet ingredients and peas: Crack in the egg and add the milk (or water), stirring to combine well. Then fold in the frozen peas, shredded cheese, and finely sliced green onions, mixing gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated but not overmixed.
- Heat the oil: Pour the olive oil into a large non-stick skillet or frying pan and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the fritters: Spoon heaping tablespoons of the pea mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy, turning carefully to avoid breaking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and keep warm: Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while cooking remaining fritters.
- Make the yogurt dip: In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely grated garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the hot crispy pea fritters with the refreshing yogurt dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute plain/all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed.
- Use frozen peas straight from the freezer without thawing, just break up any large clumps.
- The cheese can be any variety that melts well such as cheddar, tasty, or colby. Pre-shredded cheese from a packet is fine.
- The green onion is optional but adds freshness and color to the fritters.
- Adjust the seasoning in the yogurt dip to your taste by adding more lemon juice or garlic as preferred.
- Fritters are best eaten immediately when crisp but can be reheated gently.
