These crispy Broccoli Fritters are packed with nutritious ingredients featuring fresh broccoli florets, garlic, flavorful spices and a touch of almond flour. They make a wholesome appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish that will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
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Updated May 2023
Crispy Broccoli Fritters
Discover a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite vegetables with these crispy broccoli fritters. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish, these fritters are a perfect choice. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, these fritters are a perfect way to sneak some veggies into your diet. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to achieve the perfect crispy texture using your stovetop, oven or air fryer. Get ready to indulge in a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these mouthwatering fritters!
Health Benefits of Broccoli:
- Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- It is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Broccoli is known for its high vitamin C content, which supports immune function.
- The vegetable also contains beneficial compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Fresh broccoli florets: Provides a nutritious base for the fritters.
- Onion powder: Adds flavor. You can also use finely chopped onion to add a subtle crunch to the fritters.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
- Nutritional yeast: Offers a rich and savory element to the fritters.
- Almond milk: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
- Almond flour: Serves as a gluten-free alternative and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Flax Eggs*: Acts as a binder and provides structure to the fritters. You can use a chia egg or lightly beaten eggs if not plant-based.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and mild heat to the fritters.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of mild spiciness to the fritters.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy texture when air frying.
* To make 1 flax egg mix 1 tbsp ground flax seed with 2.5 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
How to make Broccoli Fritters
Preparing the Broccoli:
- Start by blanching the fresh broccoli florets briefly to retain their vibrant green color and ensure a tender texture.
- Drain the blanched broccoli and give them a refreshing ice water bath to halt the cooking process.
- Pat the broccoli dry using a paper towel and proceed to finely chop it into small pieces.
Making the Fritter Base:
- Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Once cool, chop into small pieces or use a food processor.
- Place broccoli in a bowl along with the other ingredients along with some black pepper and mix until combined.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons avocado oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Drop 1.5 tablespoon sized portions into the pan, then gently press the batter to flatten. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the crispy fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
Oven Method:
- Start off by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop 1 – 1.5 tablespoon sized portions on baking sheet then gently press the batter to flatten. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 – 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and transfer healthy broccoli fritters to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve warm or room temperature with lemon wedges, sour cream or your favorite sauce.
Air Fryer Method:
- Spray air fryer basked with avocado oil spray or line with parchment paper cut to size to avoid sticking.
- Scoop 1 – 1.5 tablespoonfuls portions into THE air fryer basket, an inch apart. Press to flatten broccoli cakes and lightly spray with oil. Close air fryer and cook at 385F for 11-12 minutes (or until desired crispness), flipping and spraying halfway through.
- Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Tips for Success:
- Blanch the broccoli briefly and cool it in ice water to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
- Chop the broccoli finely to ensure even distribution throughout the fritters.
- If desired, use a food processor to pulse the mixture for a smoother texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the broccoli fritters as a flavorful appetizer with a tangy yogurt dip or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Enjoy them as a light and nutritious lunch accompanied by a fresh green salad or whole-grain bread.
- Pair the fritters with your favorite protein as a delightful and healthy side dish.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the fritters in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat the fritters in the air fryer for a few minutes until they regain their crispiness.
Freezing Instructions:
If you want to freeze the broccoli fritters for later use, follow these simple steps:
- Allow the cooked fritters to cool completely. It’s important to cool them down to room temperature before freezing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their texture.
- Place the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the baking sheet or tray with the fritters in the freezer and let them freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm.
- Once the fritters are frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Return the fritters to the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen fritters:
- Remove the desired amount of fritters from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to reheat the fritters. If using an air fryer, follow the original air frying instructions, adjusting the cooking time slightly to account for the thawed fritters. If using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake the fritters for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- Once reheated, serve the fritters and enjoy!
Note: While freezing the broccoli fritters is possible, it may affect their texture slightly. The fritters might not be as crispy as when freshly cooked, but they will still be delicious and convenient for a quick snack or meal.
More broccoli recipes you might like:
These crispy Broccoli Fritters are packed with nutritious ingredients featuring fresh broccoli florets, garlic, flavorful spices and a touch of almond flour. They make a wholesome appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish that will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets , about 1 medium head (if you want o use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and squeeze dry first)
- 2 flax eggs , (to make 1 flax egg mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken - can also sub with chia eggs OR regular eggs, if not vegan
- 1/2 cup superfine blanched almond flour
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast (sub with parmesan cheese if not dairy free / paleo / Whole30)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2.5 tbsp unsweeteened almond milk , can sub with any milk
- 2 green onions , finely sliced
- avocado oil or olive oil
- lemon wedges, sour cream or your favorite sauce
PREPARE THE BROCCOLI:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and steam or boil broccoli for 5 mins or until soft. Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Once cool, chop into small pieces with a knife, potato masher or place in a food processor. Place chopped broccoli in a bowl along with the other ingredients along with some black pepper and mix until combined. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
MAKE THE BROCCOLI PATTIES:
Once cool, chop into small pieces or use a food processor. Place broccoli in a bowl along wIth the other ingredients along with some black pepper and mix until combined. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
**If batter seems too soggy, add a little bit more almond flour. If batter seems too dry, add a little bit more liquid.
Spray air fryer basked with avocado oil spray or line with parchment paper cut to size to avoid sticking.
Scoop 1.5 tablespoonfuls portions into THE air fryer basket, an inch apart. Press to flatten broccoli cakes and lightly spray with oil.
Close air fryer and cook at 385F for 11-12 minutes (or until desired crispness), flipping and spraying halfway through.
Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Serve warm or room temperature with lemon wedges, sour cream or your favorite sauce.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drop 1.5 tablespoon sized portions on baking sheet then gently press the batter to flatten. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 – 12 minutes.
Remove from oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve warm or room temperature with lemon wedges, sour cream or your favorite sauce.
Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop 1.5 tablespoon sized portions into the pan, then gently press the batter to flatten.
Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve warm or room temperature with lemon wedges, sour cream or your favorite sauce.
How to store and reheat:
- Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the fritters in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat the fritters in the air fryer for a few minutes until they regain their crispiness.
How to Freeze:
Allow the cooked fritters to cool completely. It's important to cool them down to room temperature before freezing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their texture.
Place the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
Place the baking sheet or tray with the fritters in the freezer and let them freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm.
Once the fritters are frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
Label the bags or containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Return the fritters to the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.
Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on May 23, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and all info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.
Sabrina -
what a wonderful way to eat something I’m more or less supposed to eat every day, or 6 days a week (and I’m getting tired of it), so I also appreciate it without ordinary frying, or other bad stuff so it still works for my slow carb thing, thank you!