Potato Fritters are crispy, golden-brown bites of comfort food, perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are easy to make with simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, flour, and seasoning, and they can be customized with extras like cheese, herbs, or even bacon. Here’s a classic recipe for crispy potato fritters!
Potato Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes (about 2 cups mashed potatoes)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan – optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil until tender (about 10-15 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped herbs (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. It should be thick but sticky. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more flour to help bind it together.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Shape and Fry the Fritters:
- Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and shape it into a small patty (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- Gently place the patty into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches if necessary.
- Once crispy and golden, remove the fritters from the pan and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the potato fritters warm with sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Mashed Potatoes: This is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are not too wet—if your potatoes are too runny, the fritters will fall apart.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extras like crumbled bacon, diced onion, or chopped spinach to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter for a little heat.
- Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the fritters instead of frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
These Potato Fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible treat! Perfect for any occasion, they’re great as a side dish or snack to serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!