Cauliflower fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with delicious flavor. These easy-to-make fritters are a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a new and exciting way. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they pair well with dips like sour cream, yogurt sauce, or marinara.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful – Golden brown and perfectly seasoned.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples.
- Healthy Alternative – A lighter option compared to traditional fried snacks.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
- Garlic (minced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the Cauliflower – Steam or boil the cauliflower until soft, then drain and mash with a fork or potato masher.
- Mix the Batter – In a bowl, combine mashed cauliflower, eggs, flour, garlic, green onions, parmesan cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
- Form the Fritters – Scoop out small portions and shape them into patties.
- Cook – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve – Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil, then serve with your favorite dip.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the batter.
- Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free – Use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Herb-Infused – Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Baked Option – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before mashing.
How do I make the fritters crispier?
Use less moisture in the cauliflower and cook over medium-high heat.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dip goes best with cauliflower fritters?
Sour cream, yogurt sauce, ranch, or marinara work great.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute.
Do I need to cook the cauliflower first?
Yes, steaming or boiling makes it easier to mash and mix into the batter.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach are great additions.
How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
Make sure the batter isn’t too wet and press the mixture together firmly when shaping.
Can I make mini fritters?
Yes, just use a smaller scoop and reduce cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with these fritters?
They pair well with salads, grilled meats, or as a side for soups.
Conclusion
Basic Cauliflower Fritters are an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that everyone will love. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Try different variations and enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Print
Basic Cauliflower Fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Healthy
Description
These Cauliflower Fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor! Made with simple ingredients, they’re a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Serve them with a dipping sauce for an extra tasty treat!
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower (about 3 cups, finely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the cauliflower:
- Steam or microwave cauliflower until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Let it cool, then finely chop or mash it with a fork.
-
Make the batter:
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs. Add flour, cheese, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Stir in the mashed cauliflower and mix until well combined.
-
Cook the fritters:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter, flatten slightly, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with sour cream, yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make it low-carb: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Add extra veggies: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pan or oven for crispiness.