Are you on a keto diet and looking for delicious appetizers that fit your dietary needs? These cheesy chicken fritters are perfect for you. They’re not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making them a hit at any gathering. This guide will walk you through the steps to create these delightful snacks, ensuring they’re crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Fritters

To prepare these keto-friendly chicken fritters, you will need the following ingredients:

Ground Chicken: Opt for ground chicken over finely chopped chicken breast for ease and consistency.

Cheddar Cheese: Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar provides a rich, sharp flavor and creates a delectable crust.

Almond Flour: This helps bind the mixture, preventing the fritters from falling apart.

Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the fritters hold together.

Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.

Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick.

Oil and Butter: For frying the fritters to golden perfection.

How to Make:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Mixture

Start with ground chicken. Unlike recipes that call for finely chopped chicken breast, using ground chicken saves time and creates a uniform texture, reducing the risk of the fritters falling apart during cooking.

Step 2: Grating the Cheddar

Grate a full block of Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar. This cheese is ideal for these fritters due to its sharp, robust flavor and ability to form a crispy crust when cooked. Ensure the cheese is grated finely so it integrates well into the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Binding with Almond Flour

Ground chicken tends to be wet and sticky, which can make forming fritters challenging. Almond flour helps to bind the mixture, giving the fritters structure and making them easier to shape and cook.

Step 4: Mixing in the Seasonings

Add minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and cheese, making the fritters savory and slightly spicy.

Step 5: Forming the Fritters

Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of cheese and seasonings. Form the mixture into small patties, about 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter. Keeping them small helps them hold together and makes them perfect for appetizers or finger food.

Step 6: Refrigerating the Patties

Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least an hour. Chilling helps the fritters firm up, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of them falling apart when frying.

Step 7: Frying the Fritters

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a combination of oil and butter. Fry the fritters in batches, about 3 minutes per side, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Use a spatula to carefully flip them, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Almond Flour?

If you are allergic to almonds, coconut flour is not recommended as it can make the fritters dry and tough. Instead, try using another nut or seed meal, or even ground pork rinds for a similar binding effect.

Can I Cook These Fritters in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook these chicken fritters in an air fryer. Grease the basket well and brush a little melted butter over the fritters to help them brown. Cook them at 400ºF for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a suitable alternative to chicken and works well in this recipe.

Do These Fritters Reheat Well?

These fritters reheat beautifully. You can prepare them a few days in advance and reheat them in a low-temperature oven before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Fritters

Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold ingredients help the fritters hold their shape better.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the fritters dense and tough.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic enhance the flavor significantly.

Test Fry a Small Batch: Fry one or two fritters first to ensure the seasoning and texture are right.

These tips will help you create the perfect keto chicken fritters every time, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.