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Leftover Spaghetti Fritters: Crispy Repurposed Pasta Bites

A stack of golden brown, crispy leftover spaghetti fritters piled high on a light-colored plate.

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Turn leftover spaghetti into satisfying, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fried pasta bites. This low waste recipe offers an easy lunch idea for budget meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked spaghetti, cold
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cold spaghetti, beaten egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and the spaghetti holds together loosely.
  2. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the spaghetti mixture and gently flatten them into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
  4. Carefully place the patties into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Serve the fried pasta bites immediately.

Notes

  • If your leftover spaghetti has a lot of sauce, gently blot some of the excess moisture with a paper towel before mixing.
  • You can add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture for extra gooeyness.
  • These fritters reheat well in an air fryer for crispness.

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