Zucchini & sweet potato fritters are crispy, golden patties made with shredded vegetables, herbs, and a simple binder, pan-fried to perfection. These fritters are light on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor and nutrition. I love serving them as a snack, side dish, or even a vegetarian main with a dollop of yogurt or dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these fritters manage to be both healthy and indulgent. The sweetness of the potato balances beautifully with the freshness of zucchini, and once they’re pan-fried, they develop a golden crust that’s just irresistible. They’re a great way to use up extra veggies, and I can serve them hot, cold, or even tucked into a sandwich or wrap.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Zucchini, grated
- Sweet potato, peeled and grated
- Egg
- All-purpose flour or almond flour
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions or chives, finely chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: ground cumin or smoked paprika for added flavor
Directions
- I start by grating the zucchini and sweet potato, then place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a large bowl, I combine the grated vegetables with the egg, flour, garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- I mix everything until well combined and the mixture holds together.
- I heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- I scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter and flatten slightly in the pan.
- I cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, I transfer the fritters to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- I serve them hot with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a tangy dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 fritters.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add grated carrot or chopped spinach for more color and nutrients. For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose. I’ve also made them spicy with a dash of cayenne or chili flakes. They work great as sliders too—just make mini versions and sandwich them with avocado and a smear of hummus.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or oven to help restore their crispness—about 5–7 minutes at 350°F. They also freeze well. I separate them with parchment paper and reheat straight from frozen in a skillet or toaster oven.
FAQs
Why are my fritters falling apart?
Usually, it’s a moisture issue. I make sure to squeeze the zucchini and sweet potato very well, and if needed, I add a little extra flour or another egg to bind everything together.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, I’ve baked them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re slightly less crispy but still delicious.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely. I use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg and they still hold together well.
What can I serve with these fritters?
I love serving them with tzatziki, Greek yogurt, avocado slices, or even as a base under poached eggs. They also make a great side to grilled chicken or fish.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, I keep the skin on for extra fiber and color. It softens during cooking and blends right in.
Conclusion
Zucchini & sweet potato fritters are one of my favorite ways to turn simple vegetables into something crave-worthy. They’re crispy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m making a quick lunch, a healthy side dish, or an easy appetizer, these fritters always hit the spot.
Print
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 fritters
- Category: Side Dish / Snack
- Method: Pan‑frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zucchini & sweet potato fritters are crispy, golden‐pan‑fried patties made with shredded zucchini and sweet potato, herbs and simple binder—light inside, crispy outside, and packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup grated sweet potato (peeled)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup all‐purpose flour (or almond flour for GF)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cumin or smoked paprika for added flavor
Instructions
- Grate zucchini and sweet potato, then place in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a large bowl combine the drained grated vegetables with the egg, flour (or almond flour), garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter, flatten slightly in your hand, then place in the hot skillet.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
- Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- If you want to sneak in extra vegetables, you can add grated carrot or chopped spinach.
- For gluten‐free, use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all‐purpose. {cite}turn0search1{cite}
- For a vegan version, use a flax “egg” (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2½ Tbsp water) instead of the egg. {cite}turn0search1{cite}
- To keep them crisp when reheating, warm in a skillet or oven rather than microwave. {cite}turn0search0{cite}
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: ≈ 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
