These easy zucchini fritters are crispy and full of flavor! Made with fresh zucchini, a bit of cheese, and simple spices, they are perfect as a snack or side dish.
You know they’re good when they disappear fast! I like to serve mine with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for that extra zing. Yum! 🥒😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish, fresh zucchini adds moisture and a subtle flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, try using yellow squash as a great alternative for similar results.
Flour: All-purpose flour binds the fritters, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the nutty flavor Parmesan brings, but you can replace it with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Egg: The egg helps hold the mixture together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for frying, as it adds a lovely taste. Alternatively, light olive oil or avocado oil works well too.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters are Crispy?
The key to crispy zucchini fritters is all in the moisture management. After grating the zucchini and salting it, let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out water. This is an easy, but important step!
- After resting, squeeze the zucchini tightly to remove excess liquid. You can use a kitchen towel for this!
- Cook in batches; overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of frying. Maintain a good space between fritters in the skillet.
- Use enough oil—let it heat well before adding fritters to help achieve that golden brown crust.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your crispy zucchini fritters in about 35 minutes. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
First, grab your box grater or food processor and grate the zucchini. Place the grated zucchini into a colander and sprinkle the salt over it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out extra moisture, ensuring your fritters are crispy.
2. Drain the Zucchini:
After the 10 minutes are up, it’s time to squeeze the zucchini! You can do this with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel. The goal is to remove as much liquid as possible to enhance the crispiness of your fritters. Don’t skip this step!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Now, take a mixing bowl and combine the drained zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a well-combined batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture and drop them into the skillet. Gently flatten each one with a spatula to form fritters.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Let the fritters cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook them in batches if needed.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once they’re cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping them light and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your zucchini fritters warm, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with chopped chives or parsley for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your deliciously crispy zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Just remember that coconut flour absorbs a lot of moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly or add more zucchini to keep the batter moist!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Grana Padano instead. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy—just use about 2 tablespoons in place of the Parmesan.
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through. This will help them regain some crispiness!
Can I Freeze Zucchini Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini fritters! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
