Crispy Pea Fritters

These Crispy Pea Fritters are a golden, crunchy, and irresistibly cheesy way to turn humble peas into something extraordinary. Bursting with freshness, these little fritters are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and packed with sweet pops of peas in every bite. Whether you serve them as a quick snack, a light lunch, or a fun party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Pair them with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce for the perfect finishing touch that balances every bite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Simple Ingredients – Everyday staples, no fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
• Perfect Texture – Crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy center.
• Versatile – Serve as a side, appetizer, or vegetarian main dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Even picky eaters love these bright, savory fritters!

These Crispy Pea Fritters stand out for their unbeatable texture contrast — the trick is in the light batter that lets the peas shine. The combination of cornflour and baking powder ensures a perfectly crisp bite every time.

Ingredients Needed

For the Batter

• ¼ cup plain (all-purpose) flour – or use gluten-free if preferred
• ¼ cup cornflour / cornstarch – adds crispness (or replace with more flour)
• ½ tsp baking powder – for a light, airy texture
• ½ tsp garlic powder – adds savory depth
• ½ tsp kosher salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)
• ¼ tsp black pepper – freshly ground for best flavor
• 1 large egg (about 55g), room temperature
• 2 tbsp milk (any type) – or use water if you prefer

Add-Ins

• 2 cups frozen peas, still frozen but broken into small clumps
• 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar, colby, or any good melting cheese
• ¾ cup finely sliced green onions – optional, but adds color and flavor

For Cooking

• ¼ cup olive oil, for pan-frying

Lemon Yogurt Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• ⅛ tsp finely grated garlic (optional)
• Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Crispy Pea Fritters

Step 1 – Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well, then set aside. Letting the sauce rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you make the fritters.

Step 2 – Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornflour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and milk, stirring until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 3 – Add the Peas and Cheese

Fold in the frozen peas, shredded cheese, and green onions. The batter should just coat the peas — it might look like too many peas at first, but that’s exactly right! This ratio creates a crisp fritter rather than a dense one.

Step 4 – Shape the Fritters

Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter (use a cookie scoop or ¼ cup measure), then flatten gently into discs about 1.25 cm (½ inch) thick.

Step 5 – Cook Until Golden

Cook the fritters for about 1½ minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and crisp. Avoid moving them too early — let the crust form before flipping. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6 – Serve

Serve hot with the lemon yogurt dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with extra green onions or lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Enjoy warm straight from the pan for the crispiest texture. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or a poached egg for brunch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore the crunch — avoid microwaving, as it softens the fritters.
• Freezing: Place cooled fritters between parchment layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.

Helpful Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Extra Flavor: Add herbs like mint, parsley, or dill to brighten the taste.
• Cheese Swap: Feta or parmesan work great if you want a sharper, saltier twist.
• Oil Temperature: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the batter hits — too cold and they’ll absorb oil instead of crisping up.
• Batch Cooking Tip: Keep cooked fritters warm in a low oven (100°C / 210°F) while you finish the rest.

Conclusion

These Crispy Pea Fritters are proof that simple ingredients can create truly irresistible results. With their golden crust, melty cheese, and fresh burst of peas, they’re the kind of snack or side dish that everyone loves. Perfect for quick lunches, entertaining, or sneaky veggie-packed meals, they never disappoint.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a star rating and comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Share your fritters on Pinterest or Facebook, and tag us — what twist did you try? Extra herbs? A different dipping sauce? Let’s compare ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh peas work perfectly. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, drain, and cool before adding to the batter.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or extra cornflour. The texture remains crispy and light.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

You can — spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray, flatten slightly, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.

Why are my fritters soggy?

If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fritters absorb it instead of crisping. Always preheat your pan properly and avoid overcrowding — this ensures even browning.

Can I freeze pea fritters?

Absolutely. Once cooled, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack.