Of course! Low-carb dill pickle chicken fritters are a fantastic, flavorful, and satisfying meal. They’re packed with protein, have that great tangy crunch from the pickles, and are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a high-protein snack.
Here is a detailed recipe with options to suit your preferences.
Low-Carb Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters
These fritters are moist on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior. The dill and pickle flavor is front and center!
Yields: About 8-10 fritters
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 lb (450g) Ground Chicken (or ground turkey). A mix of white and dark meat works best for moisture.
· ½ cup Dill Pickles, finely chopped
· 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill weed)
· ¼ cup Almond Flour (or pork panko for extra crispiness)
· 1 large Egg
· 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
· 1 tsp Garlic Powder
· 1 tsp Onion Powder
· ½ tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, for depth)
· 2 tbsp Pickle Juice (the secret ingredient for maximum flavor!)
· ½ cup Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (optional, but recommended)
· Salt and Black Pepper to taste
· Avocado Oil or Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, chopped pickles, fresh dill, almond flour, egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pickle juice, and cheese (if using). Mix gently with a fork or your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the fritters can become tough.
- Rest the Mixture: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the almond flour to absorb some of the moisture, making it easier to form patties.
- Form the Fritters: Using your hands or a large spoon, form the mixture into small, evenly-sized patties, about ½-inch thick. You should get about 8-10 fritters.
- Cook the Fritters:
· Pan-Frying (Recommended for Crispiness): Heat a generous layer of oil (about ¼ inch) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fritters in the skillet, without crowding them. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
· Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Arrange the fritters on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
· Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Cook the fritters for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. - Serve: Let the fritters rest on a wire rack for a minute or two before serving. This helps them stay crispy.
Serving Suggestions
· Classic Low-Carb: Serve on a bed of lettuce with a side of sugar-free ranch dressing or more dill pickle dip.
· As a “Bun-less” Burger: Top with a slice of tomato, red onion, and a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or mustard.
· With Dips:
· Dill Pickle Dip: Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp pickle juice, 1 tsp dill, and salt/pepper.
· Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing.
· Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.
Tips for the Best Fritters
· Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice: This is what gives the fritters their unmistakable tangy flavor.
· Control Moisture: If your mixture seems too wet after resting, add another tablespoon of almond flour. If it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of pickle juice or mayo.
· Get a Good Sear: Make sure your oil is properly hot before adding the fritters. You should hear a gentle sizzle. This creates a nice crust that prevents sticking and seals in the juices.
· Customize It: Feel free to add other finely chopped veggies like a tablespoon of minced onion or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per fritter, based on 8 fritters without oil absorption):
· Calories: ~130
· Fat: 8g
· Protein: 12g
· Total Carbohydrates: 2g
· Fiber: 1g
· Net Carbs: 1g
Enjoy your delicious, low-carb creation