Chanukah is basically the ultimate fry-fest—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice energy, digestion, or how you feel afterward. From crispy white sweet potato latkes to family-approved, better-for-you recipes, discover ways to enjoy all your favorites without the heavy, sluggish ‘why did I do that’ feeling.” There’s something really beautiful about leaning into the warmth, the light, and the comfort of it all, while still taking care of your body.

If you’ve been wanting to make Chanukah foods that feel nostalgic and cozy without the heavy aftermath, here’s a full lineup of nutrient-supportive, family-friendly recipes. Everything here is either grain-free, naturally sweetened, or made with higher-quality ingredients so you can enjoy the chag without the crash.

And yes… we’re still frying. Just smarter. 

Healthy Frying 101: Oils, Smoke Points & What Actually Matters

Let’s clear the confusion real quick:

Best oils for frying

You want oils with a high smoke point, meaning they stay stable at high heat and don’t oxidize easily. Because, believe it or not, something that can be really healthy for you can become toxic real fast if it goes above its smoke point.

Use these for frying:

• Avocado oil (top choice, stable + neutral taste)

• Refined coconut oil (not virgin; refined has a much higher smoke point)

• Beef tallow (old-school, traditional, extremely stable, of course, only if you don't have fleishaphobia)
  
  

Best oils for baking

• Avocado oil

• Refined or virgin coconut oil

• Olive oil (for lower temps only)
  
  

Best oils raw (salads, drizzling, dips)

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Flaxseed oil (never heat)

Tip: If you see oil starting to smoke in the pan, dump it. Once it smokes, it oxidizes and becomes inflammatory (aka the thing we’re trying to avoid).

Now for the recipes:

White Sweet Potato Latkes

Crispy edges, soft centers, simple ingredients, gentle on digestion.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium white sweet potatoes, peeled & grated

• 1 small onion, grated

• 2 large eggs

• 2–3 tbsp arrowroot starch

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Avocado oil, for frying

Directions:
Mix sweet potatoes, onion, eggs, arrowroot, salt, & pepper. Heat the oil over medium heat. Scoop 2–3 tbsp, squeeze excess moisture, flatten, and fry 3–4 min per side until golden. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve warm.

Cauliflower Latkes

Light, savory, shockingly good.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower, riced or finely grated

• 2 eggs

• 2–3 tbsp arrowroot starch

• 1 small onion, grated

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: garlic powder, parsley

• Avocado oil, for frying

Directions:
Steam cauliflower until just softened, and squeeze out moisture. Mix with eggs, starch, onion, & seasonings. Form patties and fry on both sides until golden.

Fried Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients:

• 6 thinned chicken breasts (3-4.5 lbs)

• 1 ¼ cups arrowroot starch

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• Onion powder & black pepper

Directions:
Mix eggs, starch, salt, seasonings, & oil. Coat chicken thoroughly and fry on both sides until golden & cooked through.

White Spelt Donuts

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white spelt flour

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp refined coconut oil

• 2 eggs

• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions:
Beat 1 ½ cups flour + other ingredients 30 sec low, 2 min medium. Stir in remaining flour. Roll 3/8" thick, cut, and fry 1–1½ min per side in hot avocado oil (375 degrees).

Maple Glaze (optional):

• 4–6 tbsp coconut butter, melted & cooled

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Splash non-dairy milk (if needed to thin)

Mix then dip donuts into glaze or coat with powdered monk fruit.

Grain-Free, Sugar-Free Baked Donuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour

• 3 tbsp monk fruit sweetener or birch xylitol

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp salt

• ¼ cup refined coconut oil, melted

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• Powdered monk fruit for coating

Directions:
Mix dry + wet separately, combine, and divide into a greased donut pan. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 min. Cool completely, coat with powdered monk fruit.

Grain-Free Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• ½ cup coconut flour

• ½ cup arrowroot flour

• 1 cup canned coconut milk

• 1 tbsp birch xylitol or honey

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

• Avocado oil, for frying

Directions:
Mix dry + wet separately, combine. Fry 2–3 min first side, 1–2 min second. Optional: These are super cute if you use a Chanukah-shaped waffle maker.

Celebrating Mindfully

Chanukah is eight days long, plenty of time to enjoy the traditions without feeling weighed down. These recipes let you savor the cozy, fried-food nostalgia while still honoring your body.

And here’s one more gentle tip that helps everyone feel better during the chag:

Build your meals around protein first.

Whether it’s eggs, chicken, fish, or meat, start there.
Then add:

• your non-starchy veggies

• healthy fats (avocado, tahini, nuts/seeds)

• And those Chanukah treats can still be enjoyed, but supported by the protein and fiber, being the main parts of your meal.

This simple routine helps keep your blood sugar steady, stabilizes energy, supports hormones, and reduces the “fried food crash” that so many people feel during Chanukah.

If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear which ones your family loved most.
Wishing you a bright, nourishing, joy-filled Chanukah!