Using a humble can of pinto beans, along with some other basic ingredients, you can whip up these pinto bean fritters in minutes! They’re easy, flavourful and just hit the spot, especially when enjoyed straight out of the pan after they’ve been fried until golden brown and crispy.

Pinto bean fritter drizzled with hot sauce and topped with green onion and cilantro.

Hi friends!

I can’t tell you how excited I am to be sharing this pinto bean fritter recipe with you guys!

Yes, beans excite me. I live an extraordinary life, I know, LOL!

But you know why this recipe excites me so much?

The base is a humble can of pinto beans, that cost less than a buck. A buck!!

Combine those with a few other basic ingredients, and you have the most delicious bean cakes (or bean fritters). Talk about a budget-friendly, versatile and comforting recipe!

How To Make These Bean Fritters

Full details on how to make bean fritters are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

After your pinto beans are rinsed and well-drained, give ’em a little pat dry with a clean tea towel and place in a food processor. Process them so they break down somewhat, while there are still some whole pieces.
Place your pinto beans into a bowl, along with egg, panko bread crumbs, corn, bell pepper, green onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Give everything a little mix to incorporate all the ingredients.
Use a round ice cream scoop to form into patties. Place the patties onto a lined sheet pan or large plate while you are preparing them all.
Heat some vegetable oil or avocado oil in a skillet and cook the fritters on both sides.

Collage of steps to make pinto bean fritters.

Best Bean To Use

Canned pinto beans were used here, but canned navy, white kidney or black beans would work too!

Bowl of canned pinto beans next to a checkered blue and white tea towel.

How To Keep the Patties Together

These bean patties are held together using binders, such as egg and unseasoned panko bread crumbs.

If you need to add more bread crumbs to hold them together, simply add more (a little at a time until you get things where you want them).

Alternatively, if these patties are too dry, you can add a splash of water or lime juice to add a little moisture to the mix.

Bean cakes on wax paper before being cooked.

What To Serve With Bean Fritters

Honestly, these pinto bean fritters are delicious on their own, but they’re also yummy with some sides and toppings. Some delicious options are:

Quinoa salad
Black bean and sweet potato soup
Chips and chunky salsa
Poached egg with hollandaise for breakfast
Sour cream
Greek yogurt
Homemade guacamole
Hot Sauce

Bean patties garnished with green onion.

Tips and Variations

Ensure your canned pinto beans are rinsed and well-drained before using.
Canned corn was used, but you can use frozen or fresh should you wish.
Don’t have green onion on hand? Try some minced chives or a little finely minced onion.
Instead of smoked paprika, try chipotle powder or simply cayenne powder. Cayenne won’t yield the same smoky heat but will give you a little spice.
Have a small can of diced green chiles on hand? Mix those in instead of bell pepper. You may need to add a little more panko, though, to ensure these bean fritters bind together.

A forkful taken out of a pinto bean patty, showing the interior texture.

If you make these pinto bean fritters, be sure to leave a comment below!