Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these cauliflower fritters come together in 30 minutes and make a simple low-carb, gluten-free side dish.
The idea for these cauliflower fritters occurred to me the last time I made cauliflower pizza crust. As I watched the magic of the crust forming in the oven, I realized I could use riced cauliflower to make savory pancakes. We all loved the result - golden, delicious, and crispy fritters. Like all fried foods, there's something utterly irresistible about them!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact measurements. Here are my comments on some of the ingredients.
- Riced cauliflower: When I started making this recipe in 2014, I processed the cauliflower in the food processor. These days, you can buy it packaged and riced, so that's what I usually do.
- Scallions: I use the green part.
- Grated Parmesan: Please use finely grated Parmesan and not coarsely shredded.
- Almond flour: I use superfine almond flour.
Instructions
The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Here's a quick overview.
Combine the ingredients except for the oil in a large bowl.
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Scoop the mixture onto the skillet and gently flatten.
Cook the fritters until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side, over medium heat. Serve immediately.
Very good even without Parmesan cheese. I used all-purpose flour instead of almond flour because that's what I had. My cauliflower head yielded about 2 ¼ cup of cauliflower and these measurements still worked well. Also good by itself without dipping in anything. Thanks for a great cauliflower recipe.
Nerissa
Read more comments
Very good even without Parmesan cheese. I used all-purpose flour instead of almond flour because that's what I had. My cauliflower head yielded about 2 ¼ cup of cauliflower and these measurements still worked well. Also good by itself without dipping in anything. Thanks for a great cauliflower recipe.Recipe Tips
- Depending on where they sit in the skillet, the fritters may finish cooking at different times. As with latkes, I remove the ones that are ready and add more to the same pan, as shown in the photo below. It works just fine, even though it technically lowers the oil temperature.
- I recommend using both the almond flour and the Parmesan. Together, they act as binders, helping the fritters hold their shape and preventing them from falling apart. In an earlier version of this recipe from 2019, I used ½ cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and no almond flour.
That version was delicious but thinner and more fragile. The two photos below show the earlier version and the current one. You can clearly see the difference in thickness. The current version is better.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Microwave it in a covered microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes, just until it's no longer frozen. Drain well to prevent the fritters from being watery and falling apart.
You can use butter, but if you do, I recommend adding a tablespoon of neutral oil like avocado oil to help prevent the butter from burning.
Yes, but pan-frying is better - they come out crispier and tastier. Gently flatten them on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet (use high-heat-resistant parchment), spray with oil, and bake for about 15 minutes per side in a 400°F oven.
You can keep them in a sealed container (like the one shown below) in the fridge for 3-4 days. They taste great when gently reheated in the microwave at 50% power. You can also reheat them in a 350°F oven or simply serve them cold. I sometimes grab one for a quick snack and eat it straight out of the fridge! You can also freeze the cooled fritters for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower fritters pair well with many main courses. The two photos below show them in two recent meals, one with ham steak and one with ribeye steak. The ones served with ribeye are reheated leftovers.
Sometimes, I serve them with a couple of poached eggs and a tomato salad for a delicious meatless dinner. They're extra good when topped with a dollop of sour cream, as shown in the image below.
Recipe Card
Crispy Cauliflower Fritters
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups riced cauliflower - heaping; 8 ounces; uncooked
- ½ cup scallions - green parts; chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic - minced
- 2 large eggs - lightly beaten; see notes below
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt - or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup parmesan - grated
- ½ cup almond flour - 2 ounces; can use ¼ cup all-purpose flour if gluten/carbs are OK
- ¼ cup olive oil - for frying
Instructions
- Set the oven to "keep warm" (170°F) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, scallions, minced garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and almond flour. If the mixture is dry and crumbly, add an extra egg or just an egg white.2 cups riced cauliflower, ½ cup scallions, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 large eggs, ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ cup parmesan, ½ cup almond flour
- Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Place 5 fritters in the skillet - use a ¼-cup scoop, and pack the mixture in. After releasing the mixture into the skillet, gently flatten it with a spatula or the back of a spoon.¼ cup olive oil
- Fry the pancakes over medium heat (not higher) for about 4-5 minutes, until their bottom has formed a sturdy, golden-brown crust. Be patient - if you flip them too soon, they will fall apart.
- Carefully flip the fritters and fry them until golden brown on both sides and sturdy enough to lift off the skillet, 4-5 more minutes. Keep the cooked fritters in the warm oven while you cook the second batch.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Seasonings, especially salt, are guidelines. Adjust to taste.
- You can use frozen cauliflower rice. Microwave it in a covered microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes, just until it's no longer frozen. Drain well to prevent the fritters from being watery and falling apart. I spread it on paper towels to make sure it's dry.
- The nutrition info assumes the pancakes will absorb about half of the oil.
- You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They taste great when gently reheated in the microwave at 50% power. You can also reheat them in a 350°F oven or simply serve them cold. You can also freeze the cooled fritters for up to three months.
Nutrition per Serving
Save this Recipe!
We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
We will also add you to our weekly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime. See healthyrecipesblogs.com/privacy/ to learn how we use your email.
Disclaimers
Most recipes are low-carb and gluten-free, but some are not. Recommended products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate - please verify it. The carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Please read these Terms of Use before using any of my recipes.
Susan says
It was delicious and easy to make.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm glad you enjoyed these fritters, Susan! Thank you for the review.
Anita says
Really good base recipe!!! And can add other veggies to the batter. I wanted more flavor so I doubled the garlic and added extra sharp cheddar in addition to the Parmesan. Next time, I would add more salt, some hot sauce, or possibly shaved onions to boost the flavor.
Vered DeLeeuw says
Thanks for the feedback, Anita!
Harriett Slack says
These Fritters are AMAZING! Everyone, including cauliflower haters, loved it.
Vered DeLeeuw says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear, Harriett. 🙂
Celia Lockwood says
Does the fresh riced cauliflower have to be cooked first?
Vered DeLeeuw says
Hi Celia,
There's no need to cook it first.
Barb says
What a lovely way to add cauliflower to our diet! Even my picky granddaughter likes these.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm glad to hear you and your family like this recipe, Barb!
Gina says
This recipe was so easy. I only changed the onion to yellow. Fritters were delicious!
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad you enjoyed these fritters, Gina! Thank you for the comment.
Nerissa says
Very good even without Parmesan cheese. I used all purpose flour instead of almond flour because that’s what I had. My cauliflower head yielded about 2 1/4 cup cauliflower and these measurements still worked well. Also still good by itself without dipping in anything. Thanks for a great cauliflower recipe.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad this recipe worked for you, Nerissa! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Debbie says
I don’t have almond flour. What can I use instead?
Vered DeLeeuw says
If you're OK with more carbs, you can use breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free).
Sandra says
Try spelt flour or finely ground oat flour. I'm using sprouted spelt flour, but you can use regular spelt flour.
Oat flour can easily be made by grinding whole oats in a coffee grinder. Store in an airtight container if you make extra. It makes a beautiful flour for all types of cooking, especially baking or in pancake / fritter type recipes.
You could also try adding some ground flax seeds. Don't add water to the flax seeds as people do in making 'flax eggs.' Just use dry, finely ground flax seeds. Let the mixture sit for a bit to allow the flax seeds to thicken things up a little before you fry.