There's something wonderfully comforting about the warm, slightly sweet flavor of sweet potato paired with hearty chickpeas. This Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe is a delightful blend of textures and spices that comes together quickly and feels like a hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a go-to snack or meal in your kitchen.

The image shows a black frying pan with five small, round, golden-brown patties cooking inside it. Each patty has a slightly crispy texture with darker brown spots on top, showing they are cooked on the surface. The pan handle is silver and extends out to the right side of the frame. Around the pan, there is a blue cloth on the left side with a whole yellow lemon placed on it. On the upper right side of the frame, there are two whole sweet potatoes resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can't get enough of these patties. They’re so easy to make but really pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. I've found it’s the perfect way to get a tasty veggie dish on the table without a lot of fuss, and the best part? Everyone I’ve served them to asks for the recipe!

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry, making this a fuss-free dish.
Nutritious and Filling: The chickpeas and sweet potato combo makes for a satisfying, high-protein treat that keeps you going.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you want to pan-fry, air fry, or bake, these patties work beautifully with all methods.
Perfect for Any Meal: Eat them as snacks, lunch with a salad, or tucked into a wrap – they adapt wonderfully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient brings value, whether it’s texture, flavor, or binding the patties together. Plus, shopping is a breeze since the ingredients are super common and affordable.

Flat lay of two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with golden drained chickpeas and the other with bright orange mashed sweet potato halves—next to a small white bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl holding finely grated light yellow parmesan cheese, a single whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of finely chopped deep red onion, a whole peeled garlic clove, a small white bowl containing dried green oregano leaves, a small white bowl with vibrant reddish-orange smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl with coarse white salt and black peppercorns, and a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chickpeas: They provide the hearty base and add protein; canned works perfectly for convenience, just be sure to drain them well.
Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, balancing the savory spices and helping bind the mixture.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together; you can swap for gluten-free flours if needed.
Parmesan: Adds a nutty, savory depth—if you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well.
Egg: The classic binder here, but don’t worry, you can switch to flax or chia eggs for a vegan twist.
Red Onion: Gives a subtle sharpness and crunch that lifts the whole flavor.
Garlic: One clove is enough to add that signature warm, pungent taste without overpowering.
Dried Oregano: Lends an earthy herbal note, but feel free to swap with thyme or Italian seasoning.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth; I love this kick, but regular paprika works too.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balance and enhancing every flavor in the patties.
Olive Oil: For cooking—helps achieve that golden, crispy crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to switch things up depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood. This Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can make it your own with just a few easy tweaks.

Variation: Once, I swapped the sweet potato for butternut squash and added some fresh parsley — it gave the patties a lovely autumn vibe that was a hit at a family dinner.
Dietary Tweaks: If you’re vegan, just swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. I've tried this several times, and it still turns out great.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or swapping smoked paprika for taco seasoning jazzes things up if you want more heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe

A white plate with blue patterns holds seven golden-brown patties with an uneven dark grill pattern on top. Each patty is round and thick, showing a rough texture with small bits of light-colored ingredients mixed in. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the patties, adding fresh color contrast. A gray spatula lifts one patty in the center, showing its thick soft texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften and Mash the Sweet Potato and Chickpeas

I usually pierce the sweet potato a few times with a fork and microwave it for about 7 minutes until it’s soft but not mushy. Then, I cut it open, scoop out the tender flesh, and dump it right into a large bowl. Next, I add the drained chickpeas and start mashing with a potato masher, leaving a few chunky bits for texture — that contrast is what makes these patties stand out!

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor and Binding Ingredients

Chop the red onion finely and grate that garlic clove. Toss those in with the flour, parmesan, egg, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, mix everything together until it just comes together — if the mixture feels too soft or sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour to help it hold its shape. Be gentle so you maintain some chunkiness, which adds great texture once cooked.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

Using about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mix, form small patties. Heat a nonstick pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat and cook the patties for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side — you’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust. I love using a nonstick pan because it requires less oil and keeps the patties light but crispy.

If you want to go hands-off, baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes flipping halfway works wonders. The patties come out crisp and flavorful with less oil, which is great when you’re watching calories or just want a lighter meal.

Top Tip

After cooking these patties dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make all the difference. Taking the time to get the right texture in the mixture and cook them just right ensures delicious results every time.

Firm Mixture: Make sure to drain your chickpeas really well — excess moisture can make the patties fall apart.
Chunky Texture: Don’t over-mash the chickpeas and sweet potato; keeping some chunks adds wonderful mouthfeel and prevents mushiness.
Moderate Heat: Cook on medium heat to get the perfect golden color without burning the outsides before the inside cooks.
Flour Adjustments: Start with the measured flour, but don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle more if your mix feels too wet — better safe than a messy frying pan!

How to Serve Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe

chickpea sweet potato - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving these patties with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or tzatziki — the coolness contrasts beautifully with the warmth and spices. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, herbaceous note. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up, too.

Side Dishes

For something light and fresh, I pair these patties with a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the patties nicely for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served these patties as slider “burgers” with mini buns, avocado slices, and a tangy sauce — they were a hit at a casual party! Another idea is layering them in a wrap with fresh greens, pickled onions, and a drizzle of harissa for a spicy kick. Perfect for picnics or meal prep lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. They make for quick grab-and-go snacks or easy additions to your lunch box.

Freezing

Freezing is a game-changer with this Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe. I freeze them individually on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw as many as you want later. They keep well for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to revive that crispy crust, or use a toaster oven. Steaming or microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so avoid that if you want to keep the patties nice and firm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these patties vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and swap parmesan with nutritional yeast or omitted cheese alternatives. The patties still bind well and taste delicious.

Is it better to bake or pan-fry the patties?

Both methods work great. Pan-frying gives a golden, crispy crust and is quick, but baking or air frying is lighter with less oil, perfect for meal prep. Choose based on your preference and time.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Canned is convenient and soft enough for this recipe, but cooked dried chickpeas offer a firmer texture that some people prefer.

How do I prevent patties from falling apart?

Make sure to drain chickpeas thoroughly and adjust the flour if mixture feels too wet. Don’t over-mash to keep texture. Using an egg or an egg substitute helps bind everything together. Cooking over medium heat also helps patties hold their shape while getting crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Chickpea Sweet Potato Patties Recipe has become my little secret for quick, wholesome meals. It's versatile, forgiving, and just downright delicious, which makes it perfect for busy days or when you want to impress with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do — they’re definitely worth having in your cooking rotation!