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Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s simple, fresh, and wildly satisfying, then you’re going to love this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe. I absolutely adore how these fritters come out crisp on the outside, tender inside, and paired with a creamy herbed yogurt sauce that’s pure magic. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these fritters always impress and feel like a cozy kitchen hug. Keep reading, because I’ll share some tips that helped me master this recipe and how you can easily make it your own!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced Flavors & Textures: The sweetness of the sweet potato perfectly complements the mild zucchini with a crisp, golden finish.
  • Versatile & Easy: It’s a straightforward recipe using common ingredients, with a yogurt sauce that elevates each bite beautifully.
  • Healthy & Comforting: Packed with veggies and made lighter with olive oil and yogurt, yet still indulgently satisfying.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: My family loves it for dinner, but it’s also great as a snack or brunch treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients complement each other beautifully to create fritters that taste fresh, hearty, and oh-so-delicious. When I shop for zucchini and sweet potatoes, I like to pick firm, medium-sized veggies to ensure they shred nicely and aren’t watery or too fibrous.

  • Plain Greek or regular yogurt (or sour cream): This makes the herby sauce tangy and creamy – Greek yogurt gives a nice thickness.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh pop to both the sauce and fritter mix.
  • Fresh mint: A surprising but lovely addition that lightens up the dish.
  • Fresh lemon juice: For a zesty kick in the yogurt sauce.
  • Olive oil: Use good quality for frying to get that perfect crispiness and flavor.
  • Honey: Just a touch in the sauce to balance the tang and herbs.
  • Garlic powder: Brings warmth to the yogurt sauce; it’s mild but essential.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously, but I’ll guide you on how to balance this during prep.
  • Zucchini: Fresh and shredded – the star veggie that keeps things light and moist.
  • Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and color contrast – peel it if you like, but unpeeled works too.
  • Yellow onion: Finely chopped gives a subtle depth and a bit of bite.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together perfectly.
  • Garlic cloves (fresh): Minced for that fresh garlic punch inside the fritters.
  • Cornmeal and cornstarch: These are tricks I learned that help the fritters hold shape and achieve that crispy crust you’ll love.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe is so forgiving. Once you know the basics, you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve played with it over time – and I encourage you to make it your own!

  • Make it vegan: I’ve swapped eggs with flaxseed “eggs” and used plant-based yogurt to keep the funk alive for vegan friends.
  • Add spices: Try a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to change the flavor profile – my husband loves this smoky twist!
  • Use other root veggies: Carrots or parsnips can substitute sweet potato, especially when sweet potatoes aren’t in season.
  • Cheese lovers: Toss in a bit of grated Parmesan or feta for extra savory richness.

How to Make Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Start by whisking together the yogurt, fresh parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic powder. Don’t add your salt and pepper yet – first, taste it! You’ll want the flavors to sing together with a balance of tang, sweetness, and herbaceous freshness. Adjust salt and pepper then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. I usually make this first so the flavors have time to meld while I prep the fritters.

Step 2: Squeeze Out the Excess Moisture from Your Veggies

This is the most important part – trust me, I used to rush this and end up with soggy fritters! Line a big bowl with a couple of layers of paper towels. Add your shredded zucchini, sweet potato, and onion. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, then give everything a gentle toss. Top with more paper towels and press down to start absorbing liquid. Now, here’s the trick: lift the veggies in the bottom towel and wring out as much water as you can over the sink. You’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out — this step is key for that crispy texture.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, minced garlic, the remaining salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Fold in those beautifully dried veggies, then stir in the cornmeal and cornstarch until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together – the cornmeal and cornstarch work like magic here.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mix, making sure not to grab liquid from the bottom. Place on the pan and flatten gently with a spatula. Don’t crowd the skillet – fry in batches for even cooking. Cook each side around 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain extra oil. The smell here is just incredible – it will definitely make your kitchen a happy place!

Step 5: Serve Warm with That Dreamy Yogurt Sauce

Serve these beauties warm, scooped generously with the herbed yogurt sauce. You’ll find the cooling tang of the sauce perfectly balances the crispy, sweet fritters – I guarantee your guests will keep asking for more!

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Pro Tips for Making Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Squeeze: Removing excess moisture from the veggies ensures a crispy fritter instead of a soggy one.
  • Use the Right Pan Heat: Medium-high heat gives a golden crust without burning; adjust if your stove runs hot.
  • Cornmeal & Cornstarch Combo: This combo gives structure and crunch, without making the fritters dense.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady, which helps maintain that perfect crisp.

How to Serve Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe

The image shows three golden brown vegetable fritters with a crispy texture on a white plate. Each fritter has a small dollop of white creamy sauce on top, with some green herbs sprinkled over and around them. The fritters have a mix of orange, green, and light brown colors from the vegetables inside. To the right side of the plate, there is a fresh green salad with leafy greens and a single red cherry tomato. A silver fork with a portion of one fritter is visible on the plate. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top the fritters with a little extra fresh parsley or mint for color and a pop of fresh flavor. Sometimes, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving takes them to the next level. A few thin lemon wedges on the side never hurts, especially if you love that bright citrus finish!

Side Dishes

These fritters are excellent alongside a simple green salad or a bowl of warm soup for a light meal. For heartier options, I like to serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish. And honestly, they make for an amazing vegetarian meal on their own with extra sauce on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the fritters on a wooden board with small bowls of the yogurt sauce, a drizzle of honey, and some chopped nuts or seeds sprinkled on top. Adding radish slices or edible flowers can make it feel fancy but approachable. Kids love it when I serve them with a little side of homemade ketchup or applesauce too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. When I make a big batch, they usually disappear fast, but if they stick around, they’re fantastic reheated crisp!

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked fritters by cooling them completely, then layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that wonderful crispness, I reheat leftover fritters in an air fryer at 375°F (191°C) for 3-4 minutes or bake them on a lined sheet pan for 8-10 minutes. You can microwave them quickly too, but you might lose some of that crunch.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure to use gluten-free cornmeal and cornstarch. Check your labels to be certain, and you’ll have crispy, delightful fritters without any gluten.

  2. How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

    The key is squeezing out excess moisture from the veggies and using enough eggs, cornmeal, and cornstarch to bind everything tightly. Also, avoid flipping too early when frying – wait until the edges turn golden and the fritter feels firm when you gently nudge it.

  3. Can I bake these instead of frying?

    You can bake them! Spread the fritter mixture into small rounds on a lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, they’re still delicious and a bit lighter.

  4. How long will the yogurt sauce last?

    If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the yogurt sauce will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites. It’s that rare combination of fresh, hearty, healthy, and comforting, all rolled into one easy-to-make dish. I love how it brings a little brightness to the table but still feels indulgent with its crispy edges and creamy sauce. If you try this recipe, I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation – your kitchen and tastebuds will thank you!

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Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 6 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 10-12 fritters
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters are crispy, flavorful patties packed with shredded vegetables and herbs, served warm with a creamy herbed yogurt sauce. Perfect as a vegetarian main or side dish, they combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the fresh taste of zucchini, enhanced by garlic, parsley, and mint. The fritters are pan-fried to golden perfection and accompanied by a tangy yogurt sauce that complements the flavors beautifully.


Ingredients

Yogurt Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek or regular yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fritters

  • 2 cups (about 240g) shredded zucchini (1-2 medium zucchini, about 1/2 lb.)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sweet potato (1 small, peeled or unpeeled)
  • 1/3 cup (45g) finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (40g) fine cornmeal
  • 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil


Instructions

  1. Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt or sour cream, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic powder. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Cover the sauce and refrigerate it until ready to serve, up to 3 days.
  2. Drain the vegetables: Line a large bowl with paper towels and place the shredded zucchini, shredded sweet potato, and chopped onion inside. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the vegetables and gently mix. Top with another paper towel and press down so the towels start absorbing moisture. Lift the paper towels holding the veggies and, over the sink, squeeze out as much liquid as possible to remove excess moisture—this is key to crispy fritters.
  3. Make the fritter batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until well combined. Fold in the drained vegetable mixture. Add the cornmeal and cornstarch, then mix everything until evenly combined.
  4. Cook the fritters: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Using a fork, scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of batter, ensuring you avoid any excess liquid in the bowl. Place the batter in the skillet and flatten gently with a spatula. Cook the fritters until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. Serve and store: Serve the fritters warm topped or dipped in the herbed yogurt sauce. Leftover fritters can be stored covered in the refrigerator up to one week. Reheat in the microwave or crisp up using an air fryer at 375°F (191°C) for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, bake on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (191°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

Notes

  • For best texture, removing excess moisture from the shredded vegetables is crucial.
  • Use a box grater for shredding zucchini and sweet potatoes for even pieces.
  • This recipe is excellent for a vegetarian meal or as a flavorful side dish.
  • Leftover fritters reheat well in the air fryer to restore crispness.
  • If preferred, sour cream can be used in place of yogurt for the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 fritters (with sauce)
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 2.9 g
  • Sodium: 239.2 mg
  • Fat: 11.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.3 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 62.7 mg

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