Vegetable fritters are one of those comforting dishes that manage to be simple, satisfying, and versatile at the same time. Whether you want a quick snack, a light lunch, or something to serve next to grilled meat or soup, these crispy rounds of flavor always hit the spot. The fritters shown in your picture are beautifully golden, slightly thick, and filled with shredded vegetables—most likely zucchini, potatoes, carrots, and a bit of onion or scallion for aroma. They’re lightly pan-fried to give that irresistible crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist. Below is a full, step-by-step, deeply detailed recipe so you can recreate them perfectly.
🥕 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Vegetables
2 medium zucchinis (grated)
2 medium potatoes (grated)
1 medium carrot (grated)
1 small onion or 4–5 scallions (finely chopped)
1 small bell pepper (optional, thinly sliced)
Binders & Seasoning
2 large eggs
1 cup (120 g) flour OR ½ cup flour + ½ cup cornstarch (extra crispiness)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika or chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp baking powder (optional, helps fluff)
For Frying
3–4 tablespoons oil (sunflower, canola, or olive oil)
Optional Add-Ins
Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
Pinch of turmeric for color
🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prep and Drain the Vegetables
The success of vegetable fritters depends greatly on removing excess water from the vegetables—especially zucchini and potatoes.
Here’s how:
- Wash and grate the zucchini using the large side of a grater.
- Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes.
This draws out the water.
- Meanwhile, grate the potatoes and carrot.
- Place the zucchini in a clean towel or your hands and squeeze out as much water as possible.
The drier the mix, the crispier the fritters.
- Squeeze the potatoes as well (they also carry a lot of moisture).
Now place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Fritter Base
- Add the chopped onion or scallions.
- Add the thinly sliced bell pepper if using.
- Crack in two eggs.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (or chili powder), and baking powder.
Mix the ingredients well.
Next, slowly pour in the flour. Start with ½ cup and mix. Then add more little by little until you get a thick, spoonable batter that holds together.
If too watery → Add more flour.
If too thick → Add 1 tablespoon water.
The correct texture should be similar to soft pancake batter but chunkier due to the vegetables.
Step 3: Form and Fry
- Heat your pan over medium heat.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of oil.
- Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and gently flatten into a patty shape in the pan.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space for flipping.
Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, until:
The surface becomes golden and crisp
The interior is cooked through (the fritters puff slightly)
Place the cooked fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Continue until all batter is used.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
These fritters are extremely versatile. You can serve them in many ways:
- With Dips
Perfect dip options:
Garlic yogurt sauce (yogurt + garlic + lemon + salt)
Sweet chili sauce
Sour cream
Tahini lemon dressing
- As a Breakfast Plate
Serve beside:
Fried eggs
Sliced avocado
Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers
- As a Light Meal
Pair with:
Green salad
Lentil soup
Tomato soup
- As Sandwich Filling
Place the fritters inside pita bread or baguette with lettuce, mayonnaise, and pickles—for a delicious vegetarian sandwich.
💡 Tips for Perfect Fritters
Tip 1: Remove Water Thoroughly
If your batter is wet, the fritters will fall apart or become soggy. Removing vegetable water is essential.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Heat
Too high → burns outside, raw inside
Too low → oily, soggy fritters
Medium heat gives the perfect golden finish.
Tip 3: Add Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness
Replacing half the flour with cornstarch makes the fritters lighter and crispier.
Tip 4: Use Non-Stick Pan
Makes frying easier and prevents sticking.
Tip 5: Add Cheese for Flavor
Grated cheese melts into the fritters making them richer and more savory.
⭐ Variations (Optional)
- Korean-Style Fritters
Add:
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Green onions
A little grated onion
These give an Asian flavor.
- Moroccan-Style Fritters
Add:
Cumin
Turmeric
Parsley
Harissa (optional)
Delicious with mint tea.
- Healthy Oven Version
Bake spoonfuls of batter at 200°C for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Air Fryer Version
Brush patties with a little oil.
Air fry at 190°C for 15–18 minutes.
🍽 Storing and Reheating
To Store:
Keep in fridge 3–4 days
Freeze up to 2 months
To Reheat:
Air fryer: 5 minutes at 180°C
Oven: 10 minutes
Stovetop: 2–3 minutes each side
They become crisp again perfectly.