- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Finely chop the broccoli into small pieces.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley.
- Add the eggs and stir until the mixture holds together.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small patty.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing fritters on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place fritters in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fritters on a lined baking sheet and lightly brush with oil.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange fritters in a single layer and spray with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with garlic aioli, sour cream, ranch, or marinara sauce.
- Pair with a fresh salad or a protein like grilled chicken.
- Top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast option!
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet, oven (375°F for 10 minutes), or air fryer for crispiness.
Variants & Customization
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Swap: Use feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw completely, squeeze out excess moisture, and chop before mixing.
2. How do I prevent fritters from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and holds together when squeezed. If needed, add an extra egg or breadcrumbs.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. What’s the best way to make them extra crispy?
Pan-frying gives the crispiest results, but for a lighter option, baking or air frying works well too!
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