Crispy Rice Fritters (Golden, Crispy & Cheesy)

These Crispy Rice Fritters are golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with simple pantry ingredients. They're perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch. Pan-fry them until beautifully golden, or use the air fryer for an easy hands-off option.

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What to do with mushy or overcooked rice

If your rice turned out softer than planned, don't throw it away. Mushy or overcooked rice may not be ideal for serving on its own, but it's perfect for recipes that benefit from a softer texture. These Crispy Rice Fritters transform soft-cooked rice into crispy, golden patties with a tender, creamy center using simple ingredients like cottage cheese, oats, and Parmesan. The extra moisture in the rice helps the fritters hold together.

Why you'll love these crispy rice fritters

• Perfect for rescuing soft-cooked rice: Don't throw it away!
• Golden and crispy outside, creamy inside: Thanks to blended cottage cheese and Parmesan.
• No all-purpose flour needed: Rolled oats create a wholesome, sturdy binder.
• Versatile enough for any meal: Serve it as breakfast, lunch, a side dish, or an appetizer.
• Meal-prep friendly: And easy to reheat in the air fryer or oven.

Ingredients

• Cooked rice: This recipe was developed using whole grain basmati rice, but jasmine, long-grain white, parboiled, and brown rice all work well. The best results come from rice that's been cooled completely. And slightly soft or overcooked rice is perfect because the extra moisture helps the fritters hold together; that's why this recipe is also great to use up leftovers.
• Cottage cheese: Use 2% or 4% small-curd cottage cheese and blend it until completely smooth. This creates a creamy binder.
• Large eggs: Help bind the mixture together and provide structure.
• Rolled oats: When blended with the cottage cheese and eggs, they absorb moisture and replace all-purpose flour. If you're gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns much better than pre-shredded cheese. Like in this Crispy Rice Rounds with Arugula, Orange & Halloumi recipe, Parmesan cheese adds rich, savory flavor and creates a beautiful golden, crispy crust.
• Green onions: Add a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the cottage cheese: If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is the closest substitute. The fritters will be slightly softer but still delicious.
• Change the cheese: Although Parmesan creates the crispiest crust, you can also use Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a cheesier center, mix in a little shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar.
• Add vegetables: Finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry, like in these Sweet Potato and Zucchini Hash Browns), grated carrots, corn, or very finely diced bell peppers all blend nicely into the fritters without changing the texture too much.
• Switch up the herbs: You can also use fresh chives, finely chopped parsley, dill, or even a little fresh thyme.
• Add extra flavor: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little more spice.
• Bake or air fry instead: These Crispy Rice Fritters can also be cooked in the oven or air fryer.

How to make crispy rice fritters

STEP 1: Blend the binder

Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and rolled oats to a blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

STEP 2: Mix everything together

Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to give oats time to absorb moisture.

STEP 3: Shape the fritters

Heat about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat and scoop ¼ cup of the rice mixture into the skillet for each fritter. Gently flatten each one to about ½ inch thick. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the fritters hold their shape.

Optional: If you have egg rings, place them in the skillet before adding the rice mixture.

STEP 4: Flip the fritters

Carefully flip the fritters and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining rice mixture, using the oil already in the pan. Add more olive oil only if the skillet becomes dry.

Air Fryer Instructions

To air-fry your fritters:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray both sides of the fritters with olive oil or avocado oil.
3. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure you leave a little space between each one.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Tip: Air fryer models vary slightly, so start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving suggestions

• With a yogurt dipping sauce: Serve with a simple lemon herb yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or whipped feta for a creamy, flavorful dip.
• For breakfast: Top with a fried or poached egg and sliced avocado.
• Alongside a salad: Pair them with a crisp green salad, cucumber tomato salad, or coleslaw, like this Red Cabbage and Mango Slaw.
• With soup: Serve alongside tomato soup, vegetable soup, or chicken soup. My Cauliflower and Pumpkin Soup or this Simple Cabbage Soup would be delicious alongside the fritters.
• As a side dish: These fritters pair nicely with grilled chicken, baked salmon (like this Sweet Chili Salmon), or roasted vegetables.
• As an appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces for an easy party appetizer or snack.

Storage and reheating tips

Store leftover Crispy Rice Fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can freeze the fritters for up to 2 months.

For the crispiest fritters, reheat them using:

• Skillet: Medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Air Fryer: 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Oven: 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
• The microwave works as well, but the fritters won't be as crispy.

Other delicious "Don't Throw It Away" ideas

Recipe

Crispy Rice Fritters

Irina

These Crispy Rice Fritters are golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with rice, cottage cheese, oats, and Parmesan. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, appetizers, or as a flavorful side dish, with both stovetop and air fryer instructions included.

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean Inspired

Servings 12 fritters

Calories 125 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Blender/Food Processor
• ▢
  large mixing bowl
• ▢
  non-stick skillet
• ▢
  Egg Rings optional

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ ¾ cup 2% cottage cheese you can also use 4%
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ ½ cup rolled oats
• ▢ 3 cups cooked rice cooled
• ▢ ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• ▢ 2 green onions thinly sliced
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and rolled oats to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  ¾ cup 2% cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, ½ cup rolled oats
• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the cooked rice (make sure it's cooled if you're adding freshly cooked rice), Parmesan cheese, green onions, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  3 cups cooked rice, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 green onions, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture. If it still feels too soft, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of additional rolled oats.
• Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2 tablespoons olive oil
• Scoop ¼ cup of the rice mixture into the skillet for each fritter and gently flatten to about ½ inch thick. If desired, use egg rings to create evenly shaped fritters.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and release easily from the pan. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is crisp and golden.
• Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with the remaining rice mixture, using the oil already in the pan. If the pan looks dry, add another tablespoon of olive oil before cooking the next batch.

Notes

• Slightly soft or overcooked rice works especially well.
• Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and oats until smooth.
• Freshly grated Parmesan creates the crispiest crust.
• Air fryer instructions are included above.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 216mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 0.4mg

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