The Ultimate Guilt-Free Savory Snack!
Say goodbye to carb-heavy cravings and hello to your new favorite savory snack! These Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Packed with cheddar and parmesan, they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ridiculously easy to whip up using your Instant Pot. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly appetizer, a tasty side dish, or a healthy snack for the kids, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 25 MIN| Serves: 12)
• 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped (about 4 cups / 500g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup / 113g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ cup / 25g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup / 96g almond flour or ground almonds
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• 3 tbsp / 45ml olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ cups / 355ml water
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place the chopped cauliflower in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until fork-tender.
3. Carefully drain any excess water from the cauliflower. Transfer it to a food processor and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs or rice. Do not over-process.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, eggs, ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, almond flour, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Using your hands, form the mixture into 12 evenly-sized patties, about ½-inch thick.
6. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on high. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
7. Carefully place 4 patties in the hot pot and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining oil and patties, working in two more batches.
9. Turn off the SAUTE function. Pour the water into the inner pot and place a trivet or rack inside.
10. Arrange the browned patties in a single layer in a greased, oven-safe dish that fits inside your Instant Pot. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Place the dish on the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on MANUAL or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 3 minutes.
12. When the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to ‘Venting.’
13. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the dish from the Instant Pot. Serve the fritters warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (1 Fritter)
• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 7g
• Net Carbs: 2.7g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 16g
Pro Tips
• For the crispiest fritters, squeeze the cooked, riced cauliflower in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing.
• No Instant Pot? After pan-frying, simply place the fritters on a baking sheet, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Serve these fritters with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a zesty garlic aioli for the perfect dipping sauce.
• These fritters freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.
FAQ
Q: How do I make these cauliflower fritters extra crispy
A: For the crispiest fritters, it’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower. After cooking and ricing the cauliflower, squeeze it tightly in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the oven. After pan-frying the fritters, simply place them on a baking sheet, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
Q: Are these cauliflower fritters keto-friendly
A: Absolutely. With only 2.7g of net carbs per serving and the use of almond flour, these Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters are a perfect snack or side dish for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
Q: How can I store and reheat leftover fritters
A: These fritters freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. For best results and to maintain their crispy texture, reheat them in an air fryer or a conventional oven.
