Irresistibly Crispy Keto Cauliflower Fritters: The Ultimate Low-Carb Snack You Need to Try!

Are you craving a crispy, satisfying side dish that aligns with your keto or low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than these cheesy cauliflower fritters! They offer a fantastic alternative to traditional hash browns or potato fritters, delivering a delightful crunch and savory flavor without the carbs. This recipe is not only keto-friendly and low-carb but also gluten-free and wheat flour-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Why Cauliflower Fritters?

Cauliflower fritters are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They're incredibly easy to customize with your favorite flavors and toppings, making them a family-friendly option that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients You'll Need

These cauliflower fritters require just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen:

Cauliflower: The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen riced cauliflower. About 10 ounces weight. If using a fresh head of cauliflower, you'll need about half of a large one.
Almond Flour: This keeps the fritters low-carb and keto-friendly. About 1 ounce weight.
Parmesan Cheese: Shelf-stable grated parmesan cheese works best in this recipe.
Eggs: Large-sized eggs help bind the ingredients together.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor.
Oil: For frying, any preferred cooking oil will work. Avocado oil is a good option.

Optional Additions:

Scallions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor.
Ham or Bacon: Finely diced ham or crumbled bacon adds a savory, smoky element.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, sage, thyme, or rosemary can add a touch of freshness and complexity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cauliflower Fritters

Follow these simple steps to create delicious, crispy cauliflower fritters:

Prepare the Cauliflower: If using a whole head of cauliflower, chop it into 1-inch florets and pulse it in a food processor until finely riced. Measure out 2 cups of riced cauliflower. If using frozen cauliflower rice, steam it according to the package directions. Cook Cauliflower Rice: Cover and microwave cauliflower rice until fully cooked and softened, about 4 minutes for fresh cauliflower, or 5 minutes for frozen cauliflower. Let cool for 5 minutes or until steaming subsides.
Remove Excess Moisture Place the riced cauliflower in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth, roll it up, and squeeze and twist to wring out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
Make the Cauliflower Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cooked cauliflower rice, almond flour, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should easily stick together and be thick, not thin and pourable like pancake batter. Optionally, transfer mixture to colander set over bowl to allow excess liquid to drain while pan heats.
Form the Fritters: Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture into your hand, press together, and form a flat disc. Refrigerate 1 hour to firm up. This helps them keep their form as you flip.
Cook the Fritters: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan completely. Add the fritters to the hot oil carefully, taking care not to crowd the pan. Cook until crispy and browned on one side, about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, pressing down firmly with the spatula. Make sure the bottom side is completely browned and cooked before attempting to flip cauliflower to other side. The cauliflower will not be stable enough to flip until one side is cooked.
Cool and Serve: Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to serving plates and top with sliced scallions or other desired toppings.

Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Fritters

Don't skip the moisture-squeezing step: This is essential for preventing soggy fritters.
Use a non-stick skillet: For best results, use a non-stick skillet. This will allow you to cook the fritters with very little oil.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the fritters in batches to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Be gentle when flipping: The fritters can be fragile, especially when warm. Use a thin-bladed spatula and flip carefully. As they cool, they become more stable and do not fall apart as easily.
Adjust the cooking time as needed: The cooking time will vary based on the size, thickness, and moisture content of the fritters.

Serving Suggestions

These cauliflower fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

Read also: Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

As a side dish: Serve them alongside your favorite protein, such as roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or Cajun shrimp.
For breakfast or brunch: Top them with a fried egg, sour cream, and chives.
As a snack: Enjoy them with a dipping sauce like sour cream, sugar-free ketchup, Greek yogurt, or tzatziki.

Variations and Customizations

Add cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a kick.
Make them herby: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for added flavor and aroma.
Add bacon or ham: Crumbled bacon or diced ham adds a savory, smoky element.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Allow the fritters to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it can result in soggy fritters. Instead, warm a frying pan over medium heat and lightly spray with oil. Heat until the fritter is warmed through. Alternatively, reheat them in an oven at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing: If you wish to freeze them, follow the instructions up until you form the patties. Place the patties in a single layer and freeze until solid. Store the patties in a freezer-safe bag and cook according to the directions when ready to prepare. Do not thaw before cooking.

Nutritional Information

Each fritter contains approximately 94 calories. The complete nutrition information is found below the recipe card. This includes carbohydrates, fiber, and net carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-riced cauliflower? Yes, and either fresh or frozen is fine. You will need 16 ounces to make this cauliflower fritter recipe. Just make sure to cook until very soft.
How can I make this recipe nut-free? My original recipe took 3 tablespoons of coconut flour, so you can do that here as well. It’s no better or worse than almond flour in terms of consistency.
Can you make these dairy-free? Possibly, but the cheese does help give the fritters some cohesiveness so they may be a little more fragile. I am not sure if any dairy-free grated cheese would help but it might! At the very least, it would be a delicious experiment.
Can you make these in an air fryer? Possibly but I haven’t tried. They may stick and be somewhat tough to flip over. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
What oil should I use? Any of your preferred cooking oils will work. I used avocado oil when making these fritters.
Are these fritters gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is low-carb, gluten, and grain-free.

Read also: Easy Keto Mac and Cheese Recipe

tags: #cauliflower #fritters #keto