Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters with Mustard Yogurt Dip
This easy and crispy butternut squash fritters recipe is a quick, delicious, wholesome and flavorful way to turn simple ingredients into a golden, crispy snack. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish, and are suitable for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diets.
These vegan butternut squash fritters are made with chickpea flour, lightly spiced, and pan-fried until crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Cilantro and parsley stay crisp when kept stem-down in chilled water. This preserves aroma and slows wilting.
Table of contents
They are paired with a tangy mustard yogurt dip, which makes them a crowd-pleasing butternut squash appetizer recipe that’s both healthy, satisfying, and absolutely comforting.
About Butternut Squash Fritters
These butternut squash fritters are golden and crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, and great as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.
Freshly grated butternut squash is mixed with onions, herbs, spices, chickpea flour and rice flour for a light, flavorful batter.The great thing about this recipe is that it is a no egg fritters recipe that’s naturally gluten-free and ready in minutes.
If you have butternut squash on hand and have been wondering how to make butternut squash fritters that stay crispy, then this page walks you through each step.
Whether you are craving something savory and spicy or planning a small get-together, these easy vegan butternut squash fritters fit every mood. It’s one of those 15-minute butternut squash fritters recipes you will make on repeat.
Just try them once, and you will love how easy and healthy this recipe is. Let’s learn more about them.
These easy vegan butternut squash fritters are light, crispy, and ready in minutes. Made with chickpea flour, they are a wholesome no-egg fritters recipe that’s naturally gluten-free and flavorful.
If you have been searching for how to make butternut squash fritters, how to make fritters crispy, or a 15-minute butternut squash fritters recipe, this one checks every box.
Try these Easy Vegan Butternut Squash Fritters with Chickpea Flour and serve them with the Mustard Yogurt Dip for Butternut Fritters for the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
These Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters with Mustard Yogurt Dip
✔️ are quick & easy to make
✔️ are crispy on the outside, tender inside
✔️ are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and egg-free
✔️ use simple ingredients
✔️ taste flavorsome
✔️ can be customized
✔️ are pan-fried
✔️ can also be made in the oven and air fryer
✔️ pair with anything
✔️ can also be used in wraps or sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Fritters
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Butternut squash: They are the star ingredient of this recipe. They are added for natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the fritters tender.
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Onion: They balance the sweetness and add a little crunch.
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Chickpea flour: It binds the mixture without eggs and adds protein in this chickpea flour fritters recipe.
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Rice flour or cornstarch: Helps make the fritters extra crispy.
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Garlic: They add savory depth and aroma.
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Spices: I have used some simple spices like turmeric powder for a golden color, cumin powder for earthy flavor, onion powder for added flavor, smoked paprika for smokiness and gentle heat, mixed herbs are added for freshness and to balance the spices, red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat, coriander or parsley for freshness and color, salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the squash, chives for a mild onion flavor, and a little oil for shallow frying and crisping up the fritters.
For the Mustard Yogurt Dip
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Greek or vegan yogurt: I added vegan Greek yogurt for making a creamy and tangy base for the dip.
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Dijon or yellow mustard: It is added for a sharp, tangy flavor in the dip.
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Sweetener: I have added maple syrup to balance the acidity with mild sweetness. You can also use honey as an alternative.
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Olive oil: A bit of olive oil adds smoothness and richness.
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Garlic: They add savory punch and depth of flavours.
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Herbs: Cilantro is added for herbaceous flavour, and chives are added for a gentle onion aroma.
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Salt & black pepper: Basic seasoning like salt and pepper is used to flavor it perfectly.
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Lemon juice: They brighten and tie everything together.
How to Make Butternut Squash Fritters (Crispy Every Time)
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Making these fritters is very simple and easy. Simply remove the stem, cut it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, peel, and cut into manageable pieces. Grate it using a box grater or food processor.
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Then, in a large bowl, combine grated squash, onion, chickpea flour, rice flour, garlic, and all the spices. Add chopped coriander and chives and mix well to combine. If the mixture feels dry, add just a little water to help it bind. Scoop a small portion, and shape it into a ball.
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Heat oil in a cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the ball on it, then flatten gently with your fingers or a spatula.
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Cook each fritter for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. If you are curious how to make fritters crispy, then make sure to keep the batter thick and fry at medium heat for that perfect texture.
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Drain on a paper towel-lined platter and serve warm with the mustard yogurt dip or your favorite sauce.
Mustard Yogurt Dip for Butternut Fritters
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In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, coriander, chives, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Chill the dip for 15 minutes before serving.
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Your easy mustard yogurt dip recipe is ready. It adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the crispy butternut fritters. This combination makes each bite even more satisfying.
Variations
Spicy version
To make it spicier, you can add chopped green chili or extra chili flakes.
Indian spiced fritters
To give them an Indian pakora like taste, add some ginger-garlic paste and carom seeds, and swap smoked paprika for chili powder.
Oven-baked option
To bake, lightly brush the fritters with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden.
Air fryer version
Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes in a preheated oven. Flip halfway for a lighter crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These fritters taste good hot as it is with mustard yogurt dip or any sauce of your choice as a snack or starter. They also taste great with chickapea salad, butternut squash soup, or wrapped inside flatbread as a wrap and as patties for burgers.
This butternut squash appetizer recipe makes a great addition to festive platters with dips like muhammara, whipped feta dip, avocado dip, and/or serve it as a part of cozy dinners.
Storage Suggestions
These fritters stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. To serve, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, or in a stovetop pan to bring back crispiness.
The uncooked fritters mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. You can store the dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Tips & Tricks to make the Best Butternut Squash Fritters
1. Combine Flours: For perfectly crispy fritters, make sure to use both chickpea flour and rice flour. The mix gives a light yet crunchy texture. If you are not into a gluten-free diet, you can also use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour to make fritters.
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Liquid: Add water only if needed. Add only 1 tablespoon at a time, and keep the dough slightly dry until the mix just holds its shape. This simple step will give you better and crispier fritters.
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Heat: Always cook on medium heat so the fritters cook evenly. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft inside.
4. Shaping: Smaller fritters cook quickly and stay crisp longer. They also make great bite-sized appetizers.
- Salt: If your squash is very moist, add the salt just before frying. This prevents the batter from becoming watery.
6. Chilling the Dip: Always chill the mustard yogurt dip for 15 minutes before serving. This chilling thickens it slightly and deepens the flavors beautifully.
- Batter Consistency: To make fritters extra crispy, keep the batter thick enough to hold its shape. This way you get the crispiest fritters.
Butternut Squash Fritters (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Prep Butternut Squash & Onion
- First, remove the stem, then cut the butternut squash lengthwise through the center. Cut it into four pieces.
- Grate all the pieces using a box grater or a food processor. Set aside. Chop one large onion and keep it aside as well.
How to Make Mustard Yogurt Dip
- In a small bowl, add yogurt, minced garlic, mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chopped coriander and chives. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and add lemon juice, then mix again. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
How to Make Butternut Squash Fritters
- In a large bowl, add 3 cups of grated butternut squash and the chopped onions. Add ½ cup of chickpea flour, 2 tablespoons of rice flour or cornstarch, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then add the spices: mixed herbs, roasted cumin powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and red chili flakes.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander and fresh or dried chives. Mix everything together until the mixture starts to hold its shape. Add a spoonful of water only if needed. Scoop out a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the mixture on the pan and flatten it gently with your fingers or a spatula to form a fritter. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and chives. Serve warm with mustard yogurt dip, garlic yogurt dip, or even ketchup. They also pair beautifully with a salad or soup for a wholesome meal.
Recipe Card
Butternut Squash Fritters [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Snacks | International | 12 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 125 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Butternut Squash Fritters
- 1 small butternut squash
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup chickpea flour (besan) or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rice flour (for crispiness)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (only if needed to bind)
- Oil, for shallow frying
For Mustard Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup vegan Greek yogurt (or regular)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for balance)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander or parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried chives
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prep Butternut Squash & Onion
- First, remove the stem, then cut the butternut squash lengthwise through the center. Cut it into four pieces.
- Grate all the pieces using a box grater or a food processor. Set aside. Chop one large onion and keep it aside as well.
How to Make Mustard Yogurt Dip
- In a small bowl, add yogurt, minced garlic, mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chopped coriander and chives. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and add lemon juice, then mix again. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
How to Make Butternut Squash Fritters
- In a large bowl, add 3 cups of grated butternut squash and the chopped onions. Add ½ cup of chickpea flour, 2 tablespoons of rice flour or cornstarch, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then add the spices: mixed herbs, roasted cumin powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and red chili flakes.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander and fresh or dried chives. Mix everything together until the mixture starts to hold its shape. Add a spoonful of water only if needed. Scoop out a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the mixture on the pan and flatten it gently with your fingers or a spatula to form a fritter. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and chives. Serve warm with mustard yogurt dip, garlic yogurt dip, or even ketchup. They also pair beautifully with a salad or soup for a wholesome meal.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- For vegan version, use any dairy-free yogurt and avoid using the honey (use maple syrup or agave instead).
- Smaller fritters cook quickly and stay crisp longer. They also make great bite-sized appetizers.
- If your onion is too strong, soak it in cold water for a few minutes, then drain. It helps remove the sharpness and gives a more balanced taste.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/butternut-squash-fritters/
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