Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli
Crispy, savory fritters made from chickpea flour and aromatic spices, served with a creamy aioli for a vibrant vegetarian appetizer. This haitian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends chickpea flour, water, finely chopped green onions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups (for frying) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup chickpea flour, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp chopped green onions, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt until a smooth, thick batter forms (add 1 tsp water if too thick).
- Step 2: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (or until a small spoonful of batter sizzles and turns golden in 30 seconds).
- Step 3: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tbsp each) into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: While frying, mix 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl to create a smooth aioli.
- Step 5: Drain fritters on paper towels, then serve hot with the spicy aioli for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Haitian Chickpea Fritters (Akra) with Spicy Aioli vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
