Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (2024)

Published: November 4, 2023 . by Chichi Uguru . This post may contain affiliate links.

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Akara is a delicious and easy-to-make African food that is made from black-eyed peas, peppers, onions, and spices. Akara balls also called black eyed peas fritters in English are light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.

If you are looking for a tasty and satisfying snack that is also vegan and vegetarian-friendly, you should try my akara recipe. Read along and find out how to make this Nigeria breakfast staple at home by following my detailed instructions.

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (1)

Table of Contents

1 Easy Akara recipe.
2 Why we love this recipe
3 Are Akara and Moi Moi the same?
4 Ingredients
5 How to make Nigerian Akara balls in easy steps
6 How to serve akara
7 How to store leftovers and make ahead instructions
8 FAQs
9 Best tips to make the best akara
10 More Nigerian breakfast ideas
11 Watch how to make Akara Balls
12 Akara recipe (How to make fluffy Akara Balls)

Easy Akara recipe.

What is Akara? this is a traditional African dish that is popular in Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries, as well as in Brazil, where it is known as acarajé. It is a deep-fried snack made from puréed black-eyed peas, peppers, onions, and salt.

You will also hear it called akla or Koose in Ghana. All these names mean one and the same thing.

While Akara is a popular Saturday or Sunday breakfast in Nigeria, it is also a very popular street food, and is usually served with various accompaniments, such as bread, pap, oatmeal, custard, hot sauce, Garri or vatapá (a creamy shrimp and cashew paste).

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (2)

Why we love this recipe

Easy: May not be quick, but it’s easy to make: All you need are some basic ingredients that you can find in any grocery store or market, such as black-eyed peas, peppers, onions, and salt, that’s it! It is important to note that making akara hasn’t always been easy but modern equipment like the blender and mixer has made it a lot easier than when I was growing up.

Akara is nutritious: Black-eyed peas are rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, and loaded with plant based protein to keep you full. They can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Peppers and onions add some antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavor to the dish.

They're incredibly tasty: Akara has an irresistible savory, beany flavor that's hard to stop eating. The contrast of the soft interior and crunchy exterior is highly addictive.

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Are Akara and Moi Moi the same?

Akara and moi moi are both dishes made from pureed black-eyed peas, but they have different cooking methods and textures.

While Akara is a deep-fried bean cake, moi moi is a steamed or baked. bean pudding. Akara is crispy and fluffy, while moi moi is soft and moist.

You need 4 basics ingredients for Akara while Moi Moi requires much more ingredients. While both dishes taste delicious and are enjoyed with Pap, bread or garri, they have a different flavor profile.

Fun fact: Akara or Acaraje as it’s popularly called in Brazil was brought to Brazil by the West African Slaves.

Ingredients

Black eyed peas

Pepper

Salt and or bouillon powder.

Oil for deep frying

How to make Nigerian Akara balls in easy steps

Full recipe in the card below

Pick dirt from beans even if the brand you have has been precleaned it doesn't hurt to double check?

Peel the beans with a blender alternatively you can use beans powder pre peeled beans sold in the store.

Soak peeled beans overnight or for 2 hrs

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (5)

Blend then Transfer to a stand mixer or use s hand mixer. Beat with the whisk for about 5 mins with a stand mixer and about 8 mins with a hand mixer.

Fry till golden brown

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (6)

How to serve akara

While akara is popularly served with a variety of food, Akara can be served on its own as a snack or appetizer. Below are some of the ways these fluffy balls are served.

Bread: In Nigerian it is enjoyed with agege bread. You can make sandwiches with bread slices, wraps with tortillas or even an akara burger using my homemade Hawaiian sweet rolls or this quick brioche bun recipe.

Pap, custard or oatmeal: This is the most popular way to serve this Nigerian breakfast staple. Pap is a porridge made from fermented corn or millet. It is also known as ogi, akamu, or koko in different parts of Africa. Custard is simply flavored corn starch. Oatmeal porridge-from oats and milk. You can serve akara with any of these porridge dishes for a hearty and filling breakfast. Sweeten with some sugar, honey, or fruit.

Pepper sauce or stews: Enjoy this with pepper sauce like this African pepper sauce and peanut sauce it also goes well with Nigerian red stew.

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How to store leftovers and make ahead instructions

Akara can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a paper towel lined air tight container for up to 3 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 weeks. To store, let it cool down completely before storing.

To reheat from the refrigerator, pop into that microwave on a microwave safe plate and reheat at 30 secs intervals till warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up in the microwave.

You can reheat akara in the oven or air fryer. To reheat in the air fryer, transfer to the air fryer basket. Set temperature to 350°F (180°C) and reheat for 4 to 6 mins flipping halfway through Feel free to add more time as needed.

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Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (9)

FAQs

Can I use canned black eyed peas?

Unfortunately you can’t use canned black eyed peas for this recipe.

What other types of beans can I use for this akara recipe?

While Black-eyed peas are the most traditional and common beans to use for akara, honey beans or brown beans work perfectly.

If looking to try other bean varieties, you may be able to make something similar to akara with kidney beans, white beans, or chickpeas. However, I would imagine that the texture and flavor of the akara will be different.

Can I use beans flour?

Yes you can use black eyed peas bean flour. Since bean powder is made from dried beans, you will need to rehydrate the beans first.

Start with 1 cups of bean flour to 1 ½ cup of water. Blend with onions and peppers. Then whisk till incorporate air before frying.

Best tips to make the best akara

Take time to sift through the beans to ensure you have no dirts.
Soak the beans for 1 to 2 hours to make it easier for the blender to blend the beans.
Blend with as little water as possible. When mixing, you can add more water if needed. Too much water will make the akara flat. Unlike moi moi, akara balls don’t need a lot of water.
Incorporate air: Do not skip the whisking step. It incorporates air into the batter which makes the akara fluffy.
Do not overcrowd the oil. Fry in batches. Remember to flip the akara to the other side for even cooking.
Transfer to a paper towel lined dish to catch excess grease after frying.

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More Nigerian breakfast ideas

Fried plantain
Plantain fritata
Egg sauce with fried yam and plantains
Moi Moi

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (12)

With a delightfully soft interior and crispy exterior, akara are a must-try African staple. Made with nutritious beans, these fritters are also budget-friendly and simple to prepare. Follow this easy step-by-step recipe for perfect akara you can enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment anytime. Don’t wait to give these moreish fritters a try!

Did you enjoy this recipe or found the post helpful. Kindly share this recipe with Family, Friends and in your favorite Facebook group.

Love,

Chichi

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Love it? Pin it! Don’t forget to follow @mydiasporakitchen on Pinterest for more delicious family friendly recipes.

Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (13)

Watch how to make Akara Balls

Akara recipe (How to make fluffy Akara Balls)

Chichi Uguru

Akara is a delicious and easy-to-make place based African food that is made from black-eyed peas, peppers, onions, and spices. Akara balls also called black eyed peas fritters in English are light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Soaking Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Nigerian, West African

Servings 6 -8

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups Dry uncooked Black eyed peas (cleaned, peeled and soaked for 1 -2hrs)
1 habanero pepper
1 large onion (cut up for blending)
1 teaspoon Salt or bouillon (More to taste)
¾ cup of water
3 cups Canola Oil ( for deep frying )

Instructions

Using a tray, sift through the beans to remove any dirt. Rinse beans in water then start rubbing them in between your palms to remove the skin. (See note 5 on how to do this with a blender ) When the skin is peeled and all that skins drained off, soak the beans for 1 to 2 hours.
Transfer the soaked beans into the blender, add the onion, pepper and ¾ cup of water and blend till smooth.
Scoop batter into the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attached.
Add salt then whisk the batter for about 6 mins to incorporate air into the mixture.
While you are whisking the batter, heat up the oil for frying.
When the oil is hot, scoop the batter into the oil with your hand be careful not to let your fingers touch the hot oil. ( see note 4 below for how to know if the oil is hot enough) Alternatively you can scoop the batter quarter cup by quarter cup. Do not crowd the pan.
Fry till golden brown. Remember to flip the Akara to the other side so that the Akara balls brown evenly.
Transfer to a frying basket lined with kitchen paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Akara with pap, make a burger or sandwich with bread, enjoy with Garri or on its own. You will find detailed pairings in the blog post.

Notes

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

Soaking the beans softens it and makes it easier for your blender For best results, you need to use a powerful blender.
DO NOT SKIP THE WHISKING STAGE.
If you don't have a stand mixer you can use a hand mixer or a whisk. You can also stir batter in a circular motioncontinuously with a spatular.
Oil temp test; put a slice onion in the oil if it bubbles and comes up immediately, then the oil is ready to fry for the Akara. The oil needs to be hot enough or else the akara would absorb too much oil.
Work in small quantities, a cup at a time. Transfer washed beans to the cup of the blender, add water about 4 inches above the beans. Use the pulse button to pulse 3 to 5 times. Transfer the pulsed beans to a large bowl, then repeat the process for the rest of the beans. Then add more water to the beans in the bowl, decant to remove the peeled skin (chaff). Rinse and repeat till all the skin has been decanted.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 12gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 339mgPotassium: 446mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 4mg

Keyword akara, bean fritters, black eyed peas

Try these next!

Ugba (African oil bean salad)
Plantain fufu
Efo riro (Nigerian Spinach stew recipe)
Plantain Frittata (baked plantain and eggs)

Reader Interactions

Comments

Eve Cole
October 06, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Can I use pre peeled black eye peas? If so do I soak them?
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  October 07, 2020 at 7:11 am
  Hi Eve,
  Yes you can. Soak them for at least 2 hours for best results.
  - Chichi
  Reply
Insaf Sulaiman
May 01, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Hi,
Great recipe. Do I soak the beans in cold water or boil them?
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  May 01, 2020 at 3:25 pm
  Thank you Insaf,
  You soak the washed beans. Please watch video for guidance. Drop me a comment of you have more questions.
  -Chichi
  Reply
- Maryam
  November 22, 2020 at 3:13 am
  Hi Insaf,
  You soak the beans in cold water, place in fridge if it's a hot day as beans goes off quickly when exposed to heat.
  Reply
Joel
January 24, 2020 at 11:53 pm
I need someone in Enugu who knows how to prepare Akara
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  January 25, 2020 at 4:22 pm
  Hi Joel,
  With the video to guide you, you can make it yourself 👍
  - Chichi
  Reply
Amy | The Cook Report
June 01, 2018 at 3:36 am

I love fritters and these ones sound so good!
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  June 01, 2018 at 4:58 am
  They are simply yet delicious ?. Thanks Amy
  Reply
Sally - My Custard Pie
June 01, 2018 at 3:06 am

Really interesting to learn more about Nigerian food. I didn't know these were a breakfast food - they're vegan too so would suit my daughters.
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  June 01, 2018 at 5:00 am
  Yes they are vegan. Hope your daughters would love them. Welcome to Nigerian cuisine ?. Thanks Sally
  Reply
Shashi at SavorySpin
June 01, 2018 at 1:20 am

I haven't ever had Akara and Akamu - they sound delicious - they kinda remind me of a Sri Lankan fried treat we used to enjoy when I was younger - it, too, was made with beans!
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  June 01, 2018 at 5:02 am
  Wow. Would be nice to learn about your Sri Lankan dish. Thanks for stopping by Shashi and hope you get to try Akara and Akamu some day soon
  Reply
Marie
May 31, 2018 at 11:34 pm

This is a new to me recipe! It looks and sounds delicious! Love how golden brown, light, and fluffy these fritters are. Thank you for sharing.
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  June 01, 2018 at 12:05 am
  You are welcome Marie. Thanks ?
  Reply
- Yoli
  July 04, 2020 at 4:40 am
  
  Blender name please? Need a good one.
  Reply
  - Chichi Uguru
    July 04, 2020 at 8:56 am
    I used this Ninja blender- https://amzn.to/2AuPlK7 for this recipe
    Reply
  - Chichi Uguru
    July 04, 2020 at 9:02 am
    If this is within your price range, blendtec https://amzn.to/2YVTe4a Kitchen aid https://amzn.to/2YYbFoR and Vitamix https://amzn.to/31QEvcm are great options
    Reply
Savita
May 31, 2018 at 11:19 pm

Blackeyed peas are my favorite legume and I often use it in cooking.. Pea Fritters sounds so delicious. I'm glad you used fresh peas and cooked'em. High Five!
Reply
- Chichi Uguru
  May 31, 2018 at 11:29 pm
  Thanks Savita ?
  Reply

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Akara balls recipe (African Black Eyed Peas fritters) (2024)

FAQs

What are akara balls made of? ›

Àkàrà is a type of fritter made from beans. Akara is made from peeled beans (black-eyed peas), washed and ground with pepper, and other preferred seasonings, then beaten to aerate them, and deep-fried in small balls.

Tell Me More ›

Why is my akara not fluffy? ›

NEVER let your beans paste be runny it would be impossible to redeem the akara as it would definitely turn out flat. RULE 2. I have found that the chief key to achieving puffy fluffy akara balls is in the mixing. Mixing well allows enough air to be incorporated into the paste.

Learn More Now ›

What is akara called in English? ›

Akara, which is also known as black-eyed peas fritters, beans fritters, or Acaraje, is a very delicious, deep-fried bean cake made from black-eyed peas paste.

What happens if you don't soak beans long enough? ›

If you're the impatient, bean-hungry type, you can cook your beans from dry without any soaking at all. Here's the thing: Beans that have not been soaked ahead of time will always take longer to cook, but they will, indeed, cook.

Keep Reading ›

What are Akara chips made of? ›

Akara chips which is also referred to as beans chips, is a kind of snacks that is prepared with beans flour as the main ingredient, mixed with cassava flour and other ingredients. Akara chips is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to both kids and adults. It has an indigenous home made taste.

Get More Info Here ›

Is akara protein or carbohydrate? ›

The 'akara' made from fermented groundbean and maize blend (DFK) had the highest carbohydrate (70.26%).

View Details ›

How many calories are in a ball of akara? ›

It is made from beans, tomatoes, pepper, onions and any other flavourful ingredients you might want to add. Should you omit Akara from your diet when losing weight? You decide. Each ball of Akara contains approximately 71 calories, but that is if you add just the basic ingredients mentioned above.

Show Me More ›