These crispy zucchini fritters are a fun way to enjoy veggies! Made with fresh zucchini, flour, and cheese, they are perfect as a snack or side dish.
They’re easy to whip up, and everyone loves that crunchy outside! I like to serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis work best for this recipe. They’re packed with moisture, making them perfect for fritters. If zucchinis are out of season, you can try yellow squash as a substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard for this dish, but for a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be tasty!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy flavor. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. I personally love using Mediterranean-style feta for a tangy twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the fritters together. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives awesome flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference; shallots are a good substitute if you’re out of garlic.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Fritters?
The secret to crispy zucchini fritters lies mainly in how you handle the zucchini. Squeezing out excess moisture is essential. If they’re too wet, your fritters will be soggy! Here’s how to ensure they are crispy:
- After salting the shredded zucchini, let them rest for at least 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible with a kitchen towel.
- Evenly heat the oil in your skillet. This helps the fritters fry instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This allows each fritter to get proper contact with the heat.
- Flatten the fritters a bit when placing them in the pan. This helps them cook through evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy and delicious zucchini fritters every time!
Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 4 cups shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dish. You’ll spend a few minutes shredding the zucchini and mixing the ingredients, then cook them up in batches. They’re ready to enjoy in just about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Rinse your zucchinis under cold water and trim off both ends. Using a box grater or food processor, shred the zucchinis into a large bowl. This will give you about 4 cups of shredded zucchini.
2. Drain the Zucchini:
Sprinkle the salt over the shredded zucchini and toss to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, which is key for crispy fritters!
3. Squeeze Out Excess Liquid:
After the zucchini has rested, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as you can; this is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
4. Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, eggs, black pepper, and baking powder if you’re using it. Mix everything until it forms a batter-like consistency, ensuring it’s well combined.
5. Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter—this helps get a nice golden crust.
6. Form the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture for each fritter and gently flatten it into a patty shape. Carefully place it into the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches for the best results!
7. Cook the Fritters:
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
8. Fry Remaining Fritters:
Add more oil to the pan as needed and continue cooking the remaining batter. Repeat the cooking process until all of the zucchini mixture is used up.
9. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help drain any excess oil and keep them crispy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm fritters topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright finish!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful zucchini fritters! They make a delightful snack or a great side dish! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Using frozen zucchini is not recommended, as they typically contain too much moisture once thawed, making it hard to achieve that crispy texture. If you have to use frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
No problem! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The texture may differ slightly, but your fritters will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to regain their crispiness, or use an air fryer if you have one!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Fritters?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped herbs (like dill or green onions), other grated vegetables (such as carrots or zucchini), or even cheese variations for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content so you can still achieve the perfect crunch!
