Crispy Cabbage Fritters (Easy & Egg-Free)

Name: Crispy Cabbage Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cabbage, finely shredded; 1 medium carrot, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegan sour cream; 1 tsp salt, or to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil

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These Crispy Cabbage Fritters are golden, crunchy on the outside, and packed with savory flavor inside. Made with simple everyday ingredients and no eggs or dairy, they’re light, ridiculously easy to throw together, and pair perfectly with your favorite garlic-herb dip. One bite, and you'll be making them on repeat!

Golden crispy cabbage fritters stacked on a plate with dipping sauce and fresh parsley on a wooden table.

I really love cooking light, wholesome plant-based food — the kind that makes you feel nourished and energized. But let’s be honest: sometimes you just crave that deep, golden crunch. Something comforting, savory, and deliciously satisfying without trying too hard. These cabbage fritters are exactly that kind of food. Yes, they’re pan-fried to crispy perfection. But they’re also made with humble, everyday veggies and simple pantry staples — no eggs, no dairy, and nothing overprocessed. To me, that balance is everything. Healthy eating isn’t about strict rules; it’s about making space for joy, crunch, and pure comfort on your plate.

▶️ Video Tutorial

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Crispy Cabbage Fritters

👀 They disappear in minutes: Make a full plate... and somehow it’s empty before you even sit down at the table.

🥬 Turns basic cabbage into magic: Converts a simple, budget-friendly veggie into something genuinely crave-worthy.

🤌 No eggs or dairy needed: Uses basic pantry staples to achieve that perfect hold and golden crispness.

⏱️ Quick & effort-free: Simple prep, fast pan-frying, and zero complicated steps.

🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need

Top-down view of ingredients for making vegan cabbage fritters, including shredded cabbage, grated carrot, flour, cornstarch, vegan sour cream, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

🥬 Fresh cabbage – 1 small head (or ½ large head), finely shredded (about 4 cups / 400 g)

🥕 Carrot – 1 medium, grated (about 1 cup / 100 g)

🌾 All-purpose flour – ¼ cup (30 g)

🌽 Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (16 g)

🥛 Vegan sour cream – 2 tbsp (30 g)

🧄 Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

🫒 Olive oil – 2–3 tbsp for pan-frying

🧂 Salt – 1 tsp (6 g, or to taste)

🧂 Black pepper – ¼ tsp (1 g, or to taste)

📋 How to Make Crispy Cabbage Fritters

1. Prep the cabbage. Finely shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, mix well, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften and release excess moisture.

Side-by-side view of shredded green cabbage in a wooden bowl being massaged with a hand to release moisture.

2. Squeeze out the liquid. Using your hands, firmly squeeze out as much excess liquid from the cabbage as possible and transfer it to a clean bowl. (This is the secret to getting them super crispy!)

Split photo showing hands squeezing liquid from shredded cabbage into a clear bowl on the left, and the resulting dry cabbage in a wooden bowl on the right.

3. Mix the batter. Add the grated carrot, flour, cornstarch, vegan sour cream, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the squeezed cabbage. Stir well until everything is evenly combined and a thick batter forms.

Side-by-side view of adding flour, spices, and carrots to cabbage in a wooden bowl, then mixing everything together with a spoon.

4. Shape into patties. Take a small handful of the cabbage mixture and press it firmly between your hands to form a round, compact patty. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Split photo showing hands shaping the cabbage mixture into a round patty over a wooden bowl, and a close-up of a formed patty in palm.

5. Fry until golden. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the fritters and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot!

Side-by-side view of placing raw cabbage patties into a skillet with hot oil, and a close-up of a flipped fritter with a golden crispy crust.

Overhead view of golden crispy cabbage fritters served on a ceramic plate with white sauce and fresh parsley.

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for the Best Crispy Cabbage Fritters

💦 Don’t skip the squeeze: Squeezing out the liquid from the salted cabbage is the single most important step. Less moisture means maximum crunch and patties that won't fall apart.

🔪 Shred as finely as possible: Thinly shredded cabbage cooks quickly, softens nicely inside, and helps the batter hold together much better than thick chunks.

🔥 Get the oil hot first: Make sure your skillet and oil are fully heated over medium heat before adding the fritters. If the oil is cold, they’ll absorb it and become soggy instead of crispy.

✋ Press them firmly: When shaping the patties between your palms, give them a good squeeze so they stay compact during frying.

✨ Cabbage might look like a humble, everyday vegetable, but it has an unbelievable way of transforming into pure comfort food. Affordable, long-lasting, and surprisingly versatile, it works just as amazingly crisped up into golden fritters as it does soft in a cozy soup. If you’ve ever wondered why this simple veggie deserves a permanent spot in your fridge, there’s a lovely little read about [why cabbage is a kitchen superhero] you might enjoy!

🔀 Recipe Variations

🌶️ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or some finely diced jalapeño to the cabbage batter for a warm, fiery kick.

🧀 Add a cheesy layer: Stir in 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based parmesan to give the fritters a savory, cheesy depth of flavor.

🌿 Load up on fresh herbs: Mix in a handful of chopped fresh dill, green onions, or parsley along with the cabbage for an extra pop of fresh flavor.

🌽 Add extra veggies: Toss in some sweet corn kernels, green peas, or thinly sliced bell pepper for added sweet texture and color.

🫙 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Cabbage Fritters

🧊 Storage

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

⏳ Make-ahead tip

You can shred, salt, and squeeze the cabbage a day in advance! Keep the dry squeezed cabbage in a sealed container in the fridge, then just mix in the flour, starch, and seasonings right before frying.

♨️ Reheating

To get that signature crunch back, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or popped in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want them crispy!

A close-up view of a golden brown, crispy cabbage fritter being lifted with a white spatula in a pan.

🍽️ What to Serve With Crispy Cabbage Fritters

🍋 Fried Lemon Sauce: Made with charred, caramelized lemons blended into a thick, creamy dressing — its bright, zesty bite pairs insanely well with the hot, golden fritters!

🥣 Spinach Orzo Soup: Pair a couple of hot fritters with a bowl of this comforting soup for the ultimate cozy, wholesome lunch.

🍚 Rice and Beans: Serve them on the side of a warm bowl of rice and beans for a deeply satisfying, protein-packed plant-based dinner.

💡 My Tip: If the cabbage mixture starts sticking to your hands while shaping the patties, simply wet your palms with a little cold water between each one. It keeps the batter from sticking and helps you form perfectly smooth, compact fritters with zero mess!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cabbage fritters soggy?

Sogginess usually happens if the cabbage wasn't squeezed out enough after salting, or if the oil wasn't hot enough before frying. Make sure to press out as much excess liquid as possible and use a hot skillet!

Can I make these cabbage fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and will still give you that wonderful crunch.

Can I bake them in the oven or air fryer instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. For the air fryer, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–22 minutes. Spray both sides lightly with oil for the best texture!

A golden brown crispy cabbage fritter is pulled apart, revealing the soft shredded cabbage inside.

📝 Final Thoughts

Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum crunch — that’s really all there is to these cabbage fritters! They’re perfect for a quick lunch, an easy weeknight side, or just a hot snack when you crave something deeply comforting.

Did you try them with the Fried Lemon Sauce or your own go-to dip? Let me know in the comments below! I love seeing how these recipes come to life in your kitchens. 💬

📄 Scroll down for the full recipe card with step-by-step instructions.

🥬 More Delicious Cabbage Recipes

If you have leftover cabbage or just fell in love with how versatile this humble veggie is, here are a few more wholesome favorites to try next:

🟢 Roasted Cabbage Steaks: Thick slices of cabbage seasoned and roasted until tender on the inside with beautifully caramelized, crispy edges.

🥕 Braised Cabbage and Vegetables: A warm, comforting one-pot dish simmered with colorful veggies for a deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth side.

⏱️ Quick Vegan Cabbage: Simple, fast, and packed with flavor — the ultimate easy weeknight veggie side dish when you’re short on time.