I absolutely love how this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe comes together – it’s a beautiful balance of sweet, earthy flavors from the sweet potato paired with the fresh, mild crunch of zucchini. Whenever I’m craving something crispy yet light, these fritters deliver exactly that, and the garlic herb yogurt sauce takes them to the next level with a creamy, tangy kick.
You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for a quick lunch, a comforting side dish, or even a snack that the whole family goes crazy for. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies without anyone feeling like they’re missing out on flavor or texture — I promise, these fritters become a routine favorite once you try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Veggie Blend: Combining zucchini and sweet potato adds a unique mix of flavors and textures that feels fresh and satisfying.
- Light and Crispy: These fritters have a wonderful crunch without being heavy or greasy, thanks to the right amount of cornmeal and cornstarch.
- Easy Make-Ahead Sauce: The garlic herb yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead, saving you time when cooking.
- Versatile Meal: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and easily adapted for dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe are simple, fresh, and easy to find. The combination of fresh herbs and pantry staples really elevates the flavors — and I always recommend using freshest produce to get the best-results.
- Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchini with vibrant green skin for shredding.
- Sweet potato: You can peel it or not; both work, but I prefer keeping the skin for extra texture and nutrients.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when finely chopped.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor.
- Fresh parsley and mint: These herbs brighten up the fritters and the yogurt sauce beautifully.
- Eggs: They bind everything together nicely without weighing down the fritters.
- Cornmeal and cornstarch: Essential for crispiness; don’t skip or substitute both with flour since the texture changes drastically.
- Olive oil: Use good quality for frying to get golden edges and a lovely aroma.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: For the creamy garlic herb sauce that’s irresistible.
- Fresh lemon juice & honey: Small additions that brighten and balance the yogurt sauce.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Season to taste carefully; these enhance but shouldn’t overpower.
Variations
I love customizing this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it’s so forgiving and easy to tweak. Don’t hesitate to play around with herbs, spices, or even different veggies to make it your own.
- Add cheese: A handful of grated Parmesan or feta stirred into the batter adds a lovely savory note that my family adores.
- Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you like things with a bit of heat — I discovered this trick after many tries, and it adds a fun twist.
- Gluten-free version: Swap cornmeal with gluten-free cornmeal or almond flour to keep it crisp but safe for gluten intolerances.
- Herb substitutions: Use cilantro or dill instead of mint and parsley for a fresh but different flavor profile.
How to Make Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Yogurt Herb Sauce
Start by whisking together your plain Greek yogurt with fresh parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic powder. This simple sauce adds a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm fritters. I like making this first and popping it in the fridge to let the flavors come together while I work on the fritters.
Step 2: Removing Excess Moisture from Vegetables
This is a crucial step: line a large bowl with paper towels, toss in the shredded zucchini, sweet potato, and onion with a teaspoon of salt, mix gently, then cover with another paper towel. Press it down so the towels soak up the excess liquid. I literally wring this mixture out over the sink using the paper towels like a little bundle — you’ll be amazed at how much water you get out, which is key to crispy fritters.
Step 3: Mixing the Batter
Whisk eggs, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Then fold in your drained veggies, followed by the cornmeal and cornstarch. The mix should be moist but thick enough to hold together when scooped—if it seems too wet, a little extra cornmeal will help firm it up.
Step 4: Frying Your Fritters
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan. Press each down gently with your spatula to flatten. Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, or until each side has that perfect golden brown color. Don’t overcrowd the pan — trust me, leaving space makes flipping so much easier and ensures your fritters crisp up all around.
Step 5: Serving the Fritters
Drain your finished fritters on paper towels briefly to remove any excess oil, then serve them warm with the chilled garlic herb yogurt sauce. The combination of hot, crispy fritters and cool creamy sauce is simply irresistible!
Pro Tips for Making Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
- Squeeze Every Drop: Removing as much liquid as possible from your veggies is the secret to crisp fritters.
- Don’t Rush the Heat: Let your skillet and oil get hot before adding batter—this helps lock in crispiness.
- Use a Spatula Wisely: Flatten the fritters gently but firmly for evenly cooked, golden surfaces.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady and fritters crisp, not soggy.
How to Serve Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top these fritters with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley or mint really brighten things up. A light drizzle of extra yogurt sauce or even a squeeze of fresh lemon puts that final, delightful touch that always impresses my guests.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple soup for an easy, balanced meal. When I serve these for brunch, I love adding scrambled eggs or avocado slices for some creamy richness alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these mini fritters stacked with dollops of yogurt sauce in between as an appetizer tower—it’s lovely and makes every bite look inviting. You can also place them on a charcuterie board alongside fresh veggies and dips for a festive snack spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My family often has leftovers, and I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just make sure the fritters have cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I usually freeze leftovers by first flash freezing the fritters on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This method stops them from sticking together and keeps them fresh for about 1-2 months, perfect for quick meals later.
Reheating
When reheating, I avoid microwaving if I want to keep crispness — instead, I pop them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F or reheat on a baking sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes. This restores their crunchy texture beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I make the Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and swap the yogurt sauce for a dairy-free alternative or a tangy cashew-based dip. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
Two main tips: first, remove as much moisture as possible from your shredded vegetables, and second, be sure to use the eggs and cornmeal as binders. Also, don’t flip them too early; wait for a golden crust to form before turning.
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Can I bake instead of fry these fritters?
Yes, baking is a great option for a lighter version. Place the fritters on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy as frying but still delicious.
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How long do leftover fritters last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these fritters will keep fresh for up to one week. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe enough — it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug without any fuss. Whether you’re sneaking veggies into your meals or just craving something crispy and fresh, this recipe truly has something for everyone. So, get your grater and skillet ready; I promise your kitchen, and taste buds, will thank you.
PrintZucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters are a delicious and wholesome dish perfect for any meal. Featuring shredded zucchini and sweet potato combined with fresh herbs and lightly fried to golden perfection, these fritters come with a creamy garlic herb yogurt sauce that adds a tangy and refreshing complement. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they make an excellent appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
Ingredients
Garlic Herb 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
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: Whisk together all yogurt sauce ingredients except salt and pepper until well blended. Taste, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days until ready to serve.
- Drain vegetables: Line a large bowl with paper towels and add shredded zucchini, sweet potato, and finely chopped onion. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and gently mix. Top with another paper towel and press down to begin absorbing excess moisture. Lift using the bottom paper towel and wring/squeeze out as much liquid as possible over the sink to thoroughly dry the vegetables.
- Mix the fritter batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley and mint, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until combined. Fold in the drained vegetables, then mix in the fine cornmeal and cornstarch until the batter is homogeneous.
- Cook the fritters: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter, using a fork to avoid excess liquid, and place onto the skillet. Flatten gently with a spatula. Cook without overcrowding the pan, turning after about 3 minutes or when golden brown on the bottom, and cook another 3 minutes on the other side until fritters are crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve and store: Serve the warm fritters accompanied by the prepared garlic herb yogurt sauce. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week. To reheat, warm in the microwave or air fryer at 375°F (191°C) for 3-4 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 8-10 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
Notes
- Be sure to wring out as much moisture as possible from the shredded vegetables to ensure crispy fritters.
- You can use a thin, clean dish towel or cheesecloth instead of paper towels to squeeze out excess liquid.
- If reheating using the oven or air fryer, this helps restore crispness better than microwaving.
- These fritters freeze well; thaw and reheat using an air fryer or oven for best texture.
- For a dairy-free sauce alternative, substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or omit the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters with 2 tablespoons yogurt sauce
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg