Aquafaba Recipe: Easy Vegan Egg White Substitute Guide 2026

Aquafaba is the thick, viscous liquid left over from cooking or canning chickpeas, and it behaves remarkably like egg white. It is a lifesaver for anyone dealing with egg intolerances or allergies, and it is the backbone of many vegan desserts. Once whipped, it turns glossy and fluffy enough to replace stiff-peaked egg whites in meringues, pavlovas, pancakes, mousses and even omelets.

The best part is that you probably already have it in your pantry. A standard 400 g can of chickpeas yields about 60 ml of aquafaba, which equals roughly two egg whites. This guide shows you exactly how to whip it to stiff peaks using only the chickpea liquid, lemon juice and powdered sugar.

Ingredients for Aquafaba Whipped Egg White Substitute

This makes enough whipped aquafaba to replace about 2 egg whites in your favorite recipes.

• One 400 g can of canned chickpeas
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

How to Make Aquafaba Step by Step

1. Strain and Chill the Aquafaba

Strain the aquafaba from a 400 g can of chickpeas and reserve the chickpeas for another use. You should get about 60 ml of liquid, which equals two egg whites. Pour it into the bowl you will whip it in and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so it is thoroughly cold and whips perfectly.

2. Add Lemon Juice and Start Whipping

Once the aquafaba is cold, add the juice of half a lemon and begin beating with an electric whisk.

3. Add the Powdered Sugar

When bubbles start to form, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar while continuing to whisk.

4. Whip to Stiff Peaks

Keep whisking until the chickpea aquafaba is perfectly whipped, which can take about 4-5 minutes. Once stiff, you can use it in any recipe as a substitute for egg whites whipped to stiff peaks.

Tips for the Best Aquafaba

Use Canned Chickpea Liquid

The liquid from canned legumes is ideal because its water-to-legume ratio is just right for whipping. If you want to make aquafaba from scratch, soak dried chickpeas overnight, then boil them in 3 parts water to 1 part chickpeas for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let them cool in the pot, remove the chickpeas, and reduce the cooking liquid over high heat until thick and viscous like canned aquafaba. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for at least 12 hours before using.

Know Your Equivalencies

Use about 60 ml of aquafaba for every 2 egg whites, or roughly 3 tablespoons per egg in recipes. This makes it easy to swap aquafaba into cakes, cookies, meringues and savory dishes like omelets.

Chill for Perfect Peaks

Always chill the aquafaba for at least an hour before whipping. Cold liquid whips faster and holds air better, giving you the fluffy, stable foam you need for desserts and baked goods.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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