Crispy Potato Fritters with Creamy Cucumber Sauce

ByEmily Side Dishes
Crispy Potato Fritters with Creamy Cucumber Sauce

Transform ordinary potatoes into extraordinary golden fritters that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This simple yet impressive recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create a snack or side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious way to use up potatoes, these golden potato sticks paired with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce are about to become your new favorite.

Ingredients

For the Potato Fritters:

  • 5 medium potatoes, 700g/25 oz
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 16g/0.5 oz
  • 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Sunflower oil for frying

For the Cucumber Sauce:

  • 1 medium cucumber, grated
  • 3 tablespoons thick yogurt or sour cream, 45ml/1.5 fl oz
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place them whole in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for exactly 15 minutes. They should be partially cooked but still firm. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Make the Potato Mixture:

Once cooled, peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Using a box grater, grate the potatoes using the large holes into a large mixing bowl. The partially cooked potatoes will maintain their shape and create the perfect texture. Add the finely chopped parsley, flour, paprika powder, salt, and black pepper to the grated potatoes. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until well combined.

Shape the Fritters:

Take a small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into finger-length sticks or cylinders, about 10cm/4 inches long. Press firmly to ensure they hold together. Continue shaping until all the mixture is used, placing the formed fritters on a plate.

Fry the Fritters:

Pour sunflower oil into a large frying pan to a depth of about 1cm/0.4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the potato sticks in the hot oil, leaving space between each one. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Cucumber Sauce:

While the fritters are frying, grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. Transfer the cucumber to a small bowl. Crush the garlic cloves using a garlic press or the flat side of a knife. Add the crushed garlic, thick yogurt or sour cream, chopped parsley, and salt to the cucumber. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve:

Arrange the crispy potato fritters on a serving platter while they’re still warm. Serve immediately with the cucumber sauce on the side for dipping.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Nutrition per serving: Approximately 245 calories, 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 10g fat, 3g fiber

Why This Recipe Works

These potato fritters offer a healthier alternative to traditional french fries while delivering incredible flavor and texture. Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially when you keep the skins on. The partial boiling technique creates a unique texture that’s both crispy and creamy. The addition of fresh parsley provides antioxidants and vitamins A and K, while the yogurt-based cucumber sauce adds probiotics that support digestive health. By pan-frying rather than deep-frying, you use significantly less oil, making this a lighter option without sacrificing that satisfying golden crunch. The cooling cucumber sauce complements the warm fritters perfectly and adds a refreshing element that makes this dish feel both comforting and light.