Description
Starting the journey of solid foods is an exciting milestone. If you are looking for the perfect baby-led weaning (BLW) solution or a tasty toddler snack, these Sweet Potato Fritters are a game-changer. These fritters—sometimes called sweet potato latkes—are soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and packed with Vitamin A. They are naturally sweet, making them palatable for young taste buds, yet savory enough for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you fry them for a golden crust or bake them for a lighter version, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and stress-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium Sweet Potato (approx. 1 to 1 1/4 cups), peeled and shredded
- 1 Large Egg
- 1.5 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- Pinch Onion Powder (or finely shredded onion)
- Pinch Salt (omit for babies under 9 months)
- Pinch Garlic Powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil or Ghee (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: Peel and shred the sweet potato. Place shreds in a medium bowl. Crack in the egg and add flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt (if using). Stir until just combined and the egg/flour lightly coats the shreds.
- Shape: Divide the mixture into 8 equal parts. Shape each portion into a small, round patty and press flat to ensure even cooking.
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium. Cook patties for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425-450°F (218-230°C). Place the bare baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Carefully remove the hot sheet, line quickly with parchment, and place fritters on top. Flatten with a spatula. Bake for 15–20 minutes. (Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for crunch).
Notes
- Water Content: If your sweet potato is very watery, squeeze the shreds in a paper towel before mixing. This removes excess moisture and ensures a crispier fritter.
- Hot Tray Trick: For the oven method, preheating the baking sheet is a pro tip! Placing the batter onto a sizzling hot tray helps crisp the bottom immediately, mimicking the frying effect without as much oil.
- Baby Friendly: For babies under 9 months, omit the salt entirely. The natural sweetness of the potato is flavor enough.
- Oil Choice: Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil or ghee, as olive oil may burn at the temperatures needed to crisp the potato.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baby Food, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Pan Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
