Vegan Butternut Squash Fritters

There’s something about butternut squash fritters that makes them so moreish. Actually, forget moreish – fritters are simply addictive!

Our vegan butternut squash fritters are a new twist on a classic fritter recipe. Light and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, plus they don’t fall to pieces when you pick them up.

This makes them perfect as a snack for dipping into creamy sauces, or served with salad for a delicious, light meal. They are also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables!

‘But fritters aren’t vegan!’ you may shout. We’re about to change that…

Heads up: This post contains affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thank you! 🙂

What Are Butternut Squash Fritters?

If you have never come across fritters before, then where have you been?!

Fritter is a general term to describe a small fried food that’s often served as an appetizer, snack or light meal. You’ll find them in all cuisines from Indian to Italian, and multiple vegetables can be used, illustrated by these lovely Vegan Zucchini Fritters.

Of course, Butternut Squash Fritters use butternut squash as the vegetable of choice. This vibrant root vegetable offers a mild nutty flavor, and a great source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. This is complemented by the earthy aroma of sage, along with all-star flavors like oregano, garlic, and nutritional yeast.

Are Butternut Squash Fritters Vegan?

Traditionally, no! Egg is typically used to bind the ingredients in traditional fritters, but our Butternut Squash Fritters are completely vegan, and make use of plant-based ingredients.

Instead of egg, we use chickpea flour as our binding agent, which also boosts the nutritional profile of these fritters.

Are Butternut Squash Fritters Gluten-Free?

They are indeed! Chickpea flour is the king of gluten-free flours, which means this recipe is perfect if you are avoiding gluten.

Are Butternut Squash Fritters Easy to Make?

Yes, the recipe is relatively simple. It takes around 30 minutes to complete, making approximately 8 to 10 pieces.

The most demanding part of the recipe is preparing the butternut squash – peeling, grating and squeezing out as much moisture as you can. This takes a bit of time, otherwise these fitters are very simple to put together.

What are Butternut Squash Fritters Made Of?

For these delicious fritters you will need the following ingredients:

• Butternut squash
• Chickpea flour
• Nutritional yeast
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Baking powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Ground oregano
• Ground black pepper
• Sage
• Olive oil

How to Make Vegan Butternut Squash Fritters

Your first task is to grate the butternut squash into a large mixing bowl, and then get as much moisture out as you can using your hands or a nut milk bag. Doing this will help the fritters crisp up nicely.

Discard any remaining liquid from the bowl, then add in the rest of the ingredients (except the olive oil) and stir until everything is nicely mixed.

At this point, it’s time to fry! Heat some olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. With the help of an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls and transfer them to the pan.

As they sizzle, press the balls lightly with a spatula to flatten them. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side.

Repeat this process until you have no more of the mixture left to scoop. You should be left with around 8 to 10 fritters by the end.

Blot any excess oil with a napkin, then serve them with some fresh salad and our vegan tartar sauce.

Tips for the Best Vegan Butternut Squash Fritters

We have already mentioned the importance of getting the liquid out of your fritters. It is crucial if you want a crispy end product (and you definitely do!). You can use your hands to drain the liquid, although we like to use a nut milk bag as this offers great results and often less effort.

As for grating, if you have a good food processor, you may find it easier to use this to shred your butternut squash instead of doing it by hand.

For the sage, the fresh herb will always deliver a more aromatic result, although dried sage is more convenient. It’s your call!

FAQ

How to Store Butternut Squash Fritters

We always recommend eating these fritters immediately as they are at their most delicious when fresh, hot, and crispy.

However, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool, then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you serve them again, fry them in a hot pan for a few minutes to restore some of the crispy goodness.

Can You Freeze Butternut Squash Fritters?

Yes, they can be frozen. Ensure the fritters have cooled completely, then pack them in a freezer-friendly bag or container, with a piece of parchment paper between each fritter to prevent sticking.

In the freezer, they will last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, simply heat them in the oven or use an air fryer to restore them.

Can You Make Butternut Squash Fritters Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. Prepare the mixture as instructed, then leave it in the fridge (for up to three days) before scooping and frying.

How Long Do Butternut Squash Fritters Last?

If you can resist eating them all in one go (a tough task admittedly), then these Butternut Squash Fritters will last for three days in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.

What Sauce Goes with Butternut Squash Fritters

We recommend serving our vegan tartare sauce, which has a smooth and creamy texture. The briny sharpness from the capers goes nicely with these nutty fritters.

You can also use other dips such as coconut yogurt, vegan mayonnaise, or vegan sour cream.

How Do You Peel and Shred Butternut Squash?

There’s no hiding the fact that butternut squash is tricky to peel and prepare – so how do you do it?

The simplest way is to chop off both ends, then peel the skin using a standard vegetable peeler. When peeled, chop the squash in half, then chop the bulbous lower portion in half again. This will expose two caverns full of seeds. Scoop these out as you would a pumpkin.

You can then chop the squash into chunks and then grate these using a hand grater. If you prefer, you can use a good food processer to make things quicker.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!