These Green Pea Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with bright, fresh pea flavor. I first made them on a rainy Sunday morning when I had a bag of frozen peas sitting in the freezer and wanted something quick and different for brunch. The best part? They come together in just 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have, and they're perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a light dinner alongside soup.
Serve them with my Tomato Corn Chowder or Cajun Potato Soup for a cozy meal, or enjoy them as a savory snack with Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the side.
Why You'll Love These Green Pea Fritters
Ready in 15 minutes. From start to finish, these fritters are one of the quickest homemade snacks you can make.
Pantry-friendly ingredients. Frozen peas, eggs, flour, and a few seasonings are all you need to whip up a batch.
Healthy and veggie-packed. Each fritter is loaded with Green Pea Fritters, which means fiber, protein, and vitamins in every bite.
Endlessly customizable. Add lemon zest, fresh mint, herbs, spices, or cheese to make them your own.
Perfect for any meal. Serve them for breakfast with eggs, as a side dish at dinner, or as a snack with dipping sauce.
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Ingredients for Green Pea Fritters
Here's what you'll need to make these quick and flavorful veggie fritters.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Frozen peas: Frozen peas are sweet, tender, and perfect for blending. They defrost quickly and work better than canned peas, which can be mushy.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness of the Green Pea Fritters.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the fritters from tasting bland.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness and structure to the batter.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the base of the fritter and helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Baking powder: Gives the fritters a light, fluffy texture and a slight rise as they cook.
- Lemon zest: Optional, but it adds a bright, fresh citrus note that makes the fritters taste even more vibrant.
- Fresh mint: Optional, but mint and Green Pea Fritters are a classic pairing. It adds a cool, herbaceous flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for frying. It has a mild flavor and a good heat tolerance for pan-frying.
How to Make Green Pea Fritters
Follow these simple steps to make crispy, flavorful Green Pea Fritters in just 15 minutes.
Blend base: Add half of the defrosted Green Pea Fritters to a blender or food processor along with the garlic clove, salt, and eggs. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. This creates the base of your batter and ensures the fritters hold together.
Combine dry ingredients: Transfer the blended pea mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, fresh mint (if using), and a crack of black pepper if you like. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a thick, smooth batter.
Add remaining peas: Fold in the remaining whole peas so they're evenly distributed throughout the batter. This gives the fritters texture and little bursts of sweet pea flavor in every bite.
Heat oil: Pour the olive oil into a frying pan and heat over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that a small drop of batter sizzles immediately but doesn't smoke.
Fry fritters: Using a heaped soup spoon or a small ladle, scoop the batter into the hot pan, spacing the fritters about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they're golden brown and crispy on the edges. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Serve: Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or light meal.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Make them gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, or chickpea flour. Chickpea flour adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.
Use fresh peas: Fresh peas work beautifully if you have them. Just blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and cool before using.
Try different herbs: Swap the mint for fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, or basil depending on your preference.
Add cheese: Stir in a handful of crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, or shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Make them vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or use a vegan egg replacer.
Boost the protein: Add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Add veggies: Mix in grated zucchini, corn kernels, or finely chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
Equipment for Green Pea Fritters
Blender or food processor: Essential for blending half the peas into a smooth base. A food processor works best, but an immersion blender can work in a pinch.
Frying pan: A nonstick or well-seasoned skillet makes flipping the fritters easy and prevents sticking.
Spatula: A flat, sturdy spatula helps you flip the fritters without breaking them.
Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the batter has the right consistency.
Knife & cutting board: For mincing garlic, chopping herbs, and prepping any add-ins.
How to Store Green Pea Fritters
Refrigerator: Let the fritters cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side to restore the crispy edges.
Freezer: Freeze cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or thaw and pan-fry.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well before frying, as the mixture may settle or thicken slightly.
Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat fritters in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil. The microwave works in a pinch but won't give you the same crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
With dipping sauces: Serve with sour cream, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
As a breakfast side: Pair them with scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced morning meal.
In a wrap or pita: Tuck fritters into a warm pita with hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, and Green Pea Fritters for a quick lunch.
Alongside soup: These fritters are perfect with a warm bowl of soup like my Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup or Tomato Corn Chowder for a cozy, filling meal.
Top Tip
Defrost the peas completely. Excess water from frozen peas can make the batter too thin. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they seem wet.
Don't skip the blending step. Blending half the peas creates a creamy base that binds the fritters together. Skipping this step can make them fall apart.
Keep the heat at medium. Too high and the outsides burn before the insides cook through. Too low and they'll absorb too much oil and turn greasy.
Work in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and makes the fritters steam instead of fry, which means soggy fritters instead of crispy ones.
Press gently for even thickness. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon so they cook evenly and develop crispy edges.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Peas can vary in sweetness, so taste the raw batter (if you're comfortable with raw egg) or fry a test fritter and adjust salt or herbs as needed.
FAQ
Can I use fresh Green Pea Fritters instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh Green Pea Fritters work beautifully in this recipe. Just blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and cool completely before using. Fresh peas are slightly sweeter and more delicate than frozen, but the texture and flavor will be just as good. If you're using garden-fresh peas, this is a wonderful way to use them up.
How do I make these Green Pea Frittersgluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, chickpea flour, or almond flour. Chickpea flour is a great option because it adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, plus it binds well. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for, and the fritters will turn out just as crispy and delicious.
Can I bake the Green Pea Frittersinstead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the batter onto the sheet, flatten slightly, and brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. They won't be quite as crispy as pan-fried, but they're still tasty and healthier.
How do I store leftover fritters?
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for the crispiest results, or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen in the oven or a skillet.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Green Pea Fritters
Green Pea Fritters
Ingredients
Method
- Place half of the peas, garlic, salt, and eggs into a blender or food processor.
- Process until smooth and pour into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, mint, and a pinch of black pepper, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the remaining peas gently to add texture.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Spoon batter into the pan in small mounds, about heaping tablespoons each, and flatten slightly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
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