These easy zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! With only a few simple ingredients, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Plus, they perfect for a quick snack or side dish. I love serving them with a dollop of yogurt—so refreshing! Who knew eating veggies could be this delicious? 🥒🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star of this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, summer squash would be a great alternative as it has a similar texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well in binding the fritters. However, for a gluten-free option, try using chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice savory flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, just use a vegetarian hard cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the mixture. If you prefer, you can substitute flax seed meal mixed with water or use a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives a wonderful flavor. If you’re not a garlic fan, onion powder can work in a pinch or just skip it.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Fritters Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispness takes a few key steps. First, salting the grated zucchini helps remove excess moisture, which can make fritters soggy. After resting for 10 minutes, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for squeezing. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be.
- Make sure to heat your skillet properly before adding the oil. A hot pan helps seal the fritters quickly, keeping them crispy.
- Add enough oil to coat the pan—it helps to fry rather than steam!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt (for zucchini)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (olive oil or vegetable oil)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Chives or fresh herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes for a delightful batch of zucchini fritters!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place them in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the teaspoon of salt. Let the zucchini sit for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture which helps keep your fritters crispy.
2. Squeeze the Moisture Out:
After 10 minutes, take the grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze the towel to remove as much moisture as possible. This is a key step to make sure your fritters don’t end up soggy!
3. Mix the Batter:
In a new mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed batter.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Wait for the oil to heat up – it should shimmer but not smoke.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Using a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the skillet for each fritter. Press down slightly with the back of the spoon to flatten them. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip them and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
6. Drain and Repeat:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil. Keep cooking the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zucchini fritters hot! Top each with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and sprinkle with chives or fresh herbs for a lovely finish. Enjoy your tasty, crispy treats!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini For This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini, but if you only have frozen, make sure to fully thaw and drain it first! Squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel to ensure your fritters stay crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind the taste may slightly change depending on what you use!
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free zucchini fritters, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. You may also need to adjust the quantity slightly, as not all gluten-free flours absorb moisture the same way.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to regain their crispy texture!
