Naija-Style Akara Bean Fritters

This healthier version of Nigerian-style akara bean fritters uses whole-food, organic ingredients for a purer taste and cleaner, less processed option.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic black-eyed peas
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 to 1 cup avocado oil (for frying)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

  • Half-sheet pan — Bake, broil, or roast appetizers on a flat, rimmed surface.
  • Small ramekins — Individual portions for dips, baked eggs, and small bites.
  • Pastry brush — Brush egg wash or oil on dough without tearing it.

Instructions

  1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the beans, then rub them vigorously between your hands in fresh water to loosen the skins; pour off the floating skins and repeat until most are removed — peeled beans are what give akara its light, fluffy texture.
  3. Blend the peeled beans with the grated ginger, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, nutmeg if using, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if necessary to form a thick batter.
  4. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it's hot but not smoking to prevent burning the akaras.
  5. Using a small spoon or food scoop, drop spoonfuls of the bean batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  6. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the akaras from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining batter.
  7. Serve the akara warm as an appetizer or snack, optionally with a side of sliced fresh tomatoes and onions for dipping.

FAQ

Is this Naija-Style Akara Bean Fritters gluten-free?

Yes, these akara bean fritters are naturally gluten-free as they are made with beans and other gluten-free ingredients.

Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil for frying?

Certainly! Olive oil can be used as a healthy alternative to avocado oil in this recipe. Both oils are beneficial whole-food fats that work well for frying.

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