Description
Enjoy a delightful snack or satisfying side dish with these crispy cauliflower fritters!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular – use gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by washing and breaking the cauliflower into small florets. To make them tender, steam or microwave them. Both methods are quick; steaming takes about 5-7 minutes, while microwaving will only require about 3-4 minutes. Once done, let the steamed cauliflower cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
- Remove Excess Moisture: It’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower to help the fritters hold together better while cooking. To do this, place the cooked cauliflower into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gently press and squeeze the towel to extract the water efficiently. This step prevents sogginess and ensures a perfectly crispy fritter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and flour. Stir everything until it’s well-mixed and forms a cohesive mixture that sticks together. If you want to add any of the optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or lemon zest, now’s the time!
- Form the Fritters: With damp hands, scoop the cauliflower mixture and shape it into small patties—approximately two tablespoons each. The dampness of your hands will help prevent the mixture from sticking to them. Ensure that the fritters are compact, so they maintain their form while frying.
- Fry to Perfection: In a non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place a few fritters in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Fry each fritter for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over, taking care not to break them apart. Once batch is done, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Notes
These fritters can be prepared and shaped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 85 calories per fritter
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g