Crispy Chicken Fritters
These quick and easy chicken fritters are incredibly moist inside with a deliciously crispy, golden crust. Perfect as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as a party appetizer.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Serves: 4 (makes 10-12 fritters)
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
· 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or 2 cups finely shredded cooked chicken*)
· 1 large egg, beaten
· ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
· ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· ¼ cup finely chopped onion (or 2 tbsp dried minced onion)
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
· 1 tsp paprika
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp onion powder
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 2-3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (optional but recommended):
· ½ cup mayonnaise
· 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
· 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
· 1 tsp Dijon mustard
· 1 tsp lemon juice
· Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fritter Mixture
· In a large bowl, combine all fritter ingredients except the oil. Mix gently with a fork or hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
· Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes (this helps the flour hydrate and makes shaping easier).
- Shape the Fritters
· Using a ¼-cup measure or large spoon, portion the mixture.
· Shape into patties about ½-inch thick. They will be soft but should hold together. Place on a plate.
- Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection
· Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C is ideal).
· Working in batches to avoid crowding, place patties in the hot oil.
· Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
· Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crispy). Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
· Add more oil to the skillet as needed for remaining batches.
- Make the Dipping Sauce
· Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve
· Serve fritters hot with dipping sauce on the side.
· Great with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or in a bun as a sandwich.
Success Tips
· Dry Chicken: If using cooked chicken, pat it dry before shredding. Excess moisture prevents crisping.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: This ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
· Oil Temperature: Oil should shimmer but not smoke. Too cool = greasy fritters. Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside.
· Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Use 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baked (Healthier):
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with oil.
· Place fritters on sheet, brush tops lightly with oil. Bake 15 minutes, flip, bake 10-12 more minutes until golden.
Air Fryer:
· Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray basket with oil.
· Cook in single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Make-Ahead & Storage
· Prep Ahead: Mix batter, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
· Freeze Uncooked: Shape patties, freeze on parchment-lined tray, then transfer to freezer bag for 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
· Freeze Cooked: Cool completely, freeze in single layer, then bag. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
· Leftovers: Store in airtight container in fridge 3-4 days. Reheat in toaster oven, air fryer, or skillet to re-crisp.
Delicious Variations
· Cheesy Jalapeño: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1-2 diced jalapeños.
· Greek Style: Use feta instead of Parmesan, add ¼ cup chopped spinach and 1 tsp oregano.
· Buffalo Chicken: Mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce, serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
· Asian-Inspired: Use 1 tbsp soy sauce instead of salt, add ¼ cup chopped water chestnuts, serve with sweet chili sauce.
· Zucchini Chicken: Add ½ cup grated, squeezed-dry zucchini.
Serving Ideas
· As a Sandwich: On brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and sauce.
· As an Appetizer: Make mini fritters with a tablespoon of mixture, serve with various dips.
· As a Main: With mashed potatoes and gravy or mac and cheese.
· For Breakfast: With eggs and hash browns.
These versatile fritters are crispy, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!