Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrots are a bit of an unsung in the kitchen—they’re budget-friendly, versatile, and packed with nutrients. I usually always have some ready to toss into soups, stews, and vegan carrot cake. But when my fridge was overflowing with them, this easy carrot fritters recipe swooped in to turn my carrot crisis into a delicious discovery. With basic ingredients, minimal effort, and under 20 minutes, these carrot fritters are pan-fried (or baked/air-fried) until perfectly tender with irresistibly crispy edges. Simple yet hearty, they’re wholesome, nourishing, and—best of all—child-approved (no small feat!). They’re also versatile – make them into small fritters, burger-like patties, or even large carrot omelettes or flatbread, and enjoy them warm or chilled. Plus, they’re dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made gluten-free for all to enjoy. You might also enjoy chickpea veggie fritters, cauliflower fritters, and zucchini potato fritters.
The Ingredients
Carrots: Fresh carrots work best, but this recipe also works for those slightly sad-looking carrots. Flour: You can use regular all-purpose, gluten-free AP flour or make your own (I use 70g chickpea flour + 30g tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch). Whole wheat flour may also work. Nutritional yeast: For cheesy, savory, umami flavor. Spice mix: For this savory, aromatic, smoky, slightly earthy seasoning, you need simple pantry spices: salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cumin. Oil: Use any neutral oil, like vegetable oil, avocado oil, etc.
Recipe Variations
Spice: Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mix, to taste. Vegan cheese: Enhance the rich cheesy flavor with shredded dairy-free cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda, etc. Vegan feta also works. Fresh herbs: Add freshness with minced scallions, parsley, chives, dill, or cilantro. Sweet corn: For extra color and pops of sweetness in the carrot mixture. Sweet potato: To replace a portion of carrot for flavor depth. Quinoa: Mix in some cooked quinoa for texture, protein, and heartiness.
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
How to Make Carrot Fritters
First, grate the carrots using the large holes on a grater (or a food processor grating disk) and transfer them to a bowl.
Stir in all the other ingredients (water, flour, nutritional yeast, and the spices) until well combined.
Allow the mixture to rest briefly. Meanwhile, heat a swirl of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop 2 tablespoons portions of carrot batter into the frying pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Pan-fry the carrot fritters on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side) until golden brown. Enjoy!
What To Serve With Carrot Fritters?
Enjoy carrot patties warm or chilled (perfect for BBQs, picnics, and cookouts) as an appetizer, side, or light main:
As a stack: Topped with a dollop of vegan sour cream/yogurt, green onion/parsley, and a wedge of lemon as an appetizer. Add salad for a light lunch. With a dipping sauce: Like vegan tzatziki, yogurt, tahini sauce, pesto, mayo, spicy mayo, hummus, mango chutney, etc. For breakfast/brunch: Alongside scrambled tofu, avocado, etc. In a pita or burger: with lettuce/leafy greens, tomato, and creamy sauce. In a bowl meal: Like a salad bowl, buddha bowl, or grain bowl.
Storage Instructions
Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze: For up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between to avoid sticking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the fritters in a skillet with oil. Alternatively, pop them in an air fryer at 350F/177C for a few minutes (or oven for 10-15 minutes).
Can I Bake or Air Fry the carrot patties?
Yes, that should work, though the crispiness will vary. Spray with oil, then: Air Fry: at 360F/180C for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Bake: at 375F/190C for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
Are Carrot Fritters Healthy?
This carrot recipe primarily consists of carrots, which are low in calories, rich in fiber, several vitamins and minerals, and the antioxidant beta carotene. I also usually use chickpea flour in place of regular all-purpose flour, which reduces ‘empty calories’ while adding protein, fiber, iron, etc. I also use minimal oil to keep fat content low.
Recipe Notes and Tips
To save time: Use a grating disk in a food processor to majorly cut down on prep. Alter the shape: Enjoy these as small fritters, slightly larger carrot patties, or large omelettes / flatbreads (see below). Liquid is adjustable: Based on how wet the carrots are, you may need a little more or less liquid to achieve a binding consistency. It is best to use a little less water at first and add more if needed after allowing the batter to rest.
How To Make Carrot Omelettes / Flatbreads
For a different twist, you can use this recipe to make two large carrot omelettes instead of several fritters. Simply pan-fry half the batter at a time for 2 large carrot omelettes / flatbreads.
More Vegan Carrot Recipes
Easy carrot fries No-bake carrot cake Healthy carrot muffins Creamed peas and carrots Pasta e Ceci
If you try this carrot fritters recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.
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