Sweet Potato Fritters

Total Time
Prep: 20 min. + standing Cook: 5 min./batch

Updated on Nov. 08, 2024

These sweet potato fritters are a delicious balance of sweet, savory and salty. They’re a great way to use up leftovers.

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After a festive holiday dinner, you might find yourself with an abundance of leftover root vegetables. Don’t let them go to waste. Instead, transform them into delectable sweet potato fritters. These mouthwatering treats are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Our sweet potato fritters recipe is infused with a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors from the addition of harissa. The fritters boast a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. For a finishing touch, sprinkle them with queso fresco to savor every creamy bite.

Sweet Potato Fritter Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: We rely on sweet potatoes for this fritters recipe because they pair deliciously with the spicy harissa.
  • Batter: To create the crispy batter for these sweet potato fritters, we whisk together eggs, flour, baking powder, cornstarch, seasoned salt and harissa. Then we add the sweet potatoes and onion and combine.
  • Coconut oil: We fry these sweet potato fritters in coconut oil to give them a floral flavor.
  • Queso fresco: Sprinkle the fritters with queso fresco for a creamy bite.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes

Overhead view of shredded sweet potatoes in a bowl with boiling water being poured over them for The Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters recipe.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Pour boiling water over the shredded sweet potatoes in a large bowl, and let the mixture stand for 20 minutes.

Overhead view of shredded sweet potatoes in a a colander draining and patting dry for the Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters recipe.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Drain the sweet potatoes and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Finally, pat them dry.

Step 2: Make the batter

Overhead view of eggs, flour, baking powder, cornstarch, seasoned salt, and harissa in a large bowl for the Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters recipe.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Whisk the eggs, flour, baking powder, cornstarch, seasoned salt and harissa in a large bowl.

Overhead view of batter, sweet potatoes and onions in large bowl for the Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters recipe.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Next, add the sweet potatoes and onions; stir to combine.

Step 3: Fry the fritters

Overhead view of the sweet potato mixture being dropped by 1/4 cupfuls into a skillet with coconut oil, frying until golden brown for the Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters recipe.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. In batches, drop the sweet potato mixture by 1/4 cupfuls into the oil and press slightly to flatten. Fry the fritters for one to two minutes on each side until golden brown, using the remaining oil as needed. Drain on paper towels. Serve with queso fresco and desired optional ingredients.

Overhead view of the fully cooked and golden brown Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters ready to serve with queso fresco.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

Sweet Potato Fritter Variations

  • Fold in cheese: Fold some cheddar or Parmesan into the batter to enjoy savory and cheesy bites.
  • Swap the root vegetable: Replace the sweet potato in this recipe with another root vegetable like butternut squash, carrots or celeriac.
  • Top with a crema: Make a homemade spicy crema to dollop on top of sweet potato and potato fritters.

How to Store Sweet Potato Fritters

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for three to five days.

Can you make these sweet potato fritters ahead of time?

If you plan on meal prepping, these fritters are ideal. Follow the recipe and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for three to five days.

Can you freeze these sweet potato fritters?

If you have extra, you can freeze them for later. Store them in an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. They can last two to three months in the freezer. Simply take them out and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.

How long do sweet potato fritters last?

You can store these fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days or freeze them for two to three months.

Sweet Potato Fritter Tips

Close-up horizontal shot of the Taste Recipes Sweet Potato Fritters, highlighting the crispy edges and tender interior with queso fresco.Suzan Najjar for Taste Recipes

How do I shred sweet potatoes?

You have a few options for shredding your sweet potatoes. You can use a food processor with the shred setting, a hand grater or a mandoline.

How do I know when the sweet potato fritters are finished frying?

The easiest way to determine if your sweet potato fritters are finished is by monitoring their appearance. When the edges turn golden brown, it’s time to remove them from the oil.

Sweet Potato Fritters

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 5 min
Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups boiling water
  • 3 cups shredded and peeled sweet potatoes, slightly packed (about 2 medium)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons harissa
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • Optional: Sliced avocado, sliced tomato and minced fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Pour boiling water over sweet potatoes in a large bowl; let stand 20 minutes. Drain, squeezing to remove excess liquid. Pat dry.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, baking powder, cornstarch, seasoned salt and harissa. Add the sweet potatoes and onion; toss to coat.
  3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Working in batches, drop sweet potato mixture by 1/4 cupfuls into oil; press slightly to flatten. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown, using remaining oil as needed. Drain on paper towels. Serve with queso fresco and desired optional ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

2 fritters : 217 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

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I had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa, just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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