Crispy Broccoli Fritters Recipe

Broccoli Fritters

The first time I made broccoli fritters was because I had a head of broccoli sitting in the refrigerator that nobody seemed interested in eating. I didn’t want to throw it away, so I grated it, mixed it with a few pantry staples, and turned it into crispy fritters.

To my surprise, they disappeared faster than any steamed vegetables I’ve ever served. Now they’re one of my favorite ways to use broccoli, especially when I want a simple lunch, snack, or vegetarian dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

Here’s the thing: broccoli has a mild flavor that works really well in fritters. The cheese adds richness, the eggs help everything hold together, and a quick pan-fry creates crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. What I figured out is that even people who aren’t huge broccoli fans usually enjoy these.

Ingredient Notes

I prefer using fresh broccoli because it gives the best texture, but thawed frozen broccoli works if it’s well drained.

Cheddar cheese adds a nice savory flavor, though Parmesan also works well.

Don’t skip squeezing excess moisture from the broccoli if it’s particularly wet.

How to Make It

Start by finely chopping or grating the broccoli. You want small pieces so the fritters hold together easily.

Place the broccoli in a large bowl and add the eggs, cheese, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed with a spoon.

Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop portions of the mixture into the pan and flatten them gently with the back of a spoon.

Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side until browned and cooked through.

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and serve warm.

Things I Learned the Hard Way

My first batch fell apart because the broccoli pieces were too large. Finely chopping them makes a big difference.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. The fritters brown better when they have a little space around them.

Medium heat works best. High heat can brown the outside before the inside is fully cooked.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness. They’re great with yogurt sauce, sour cream, or a simple green salad.

Avena Recipes

Crispy Broccoli Fritters

Easy broccoli fritters with crispy edges and a tender center, perfect for a healthy lunch, snack, or vegetarian dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups broccoli florets finely chopped or grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Method

 

Finely chop or grate the broccoli and place it in a large bowl.

Add eggs, cheese, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per fritter into the skillet and flatten slightly.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve warm.

Notes

If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.