These easy zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Made with fresh zucchini, eggs, and a bit of cheese, they make a tasty snack or side dish.
I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. They’re perfect for using up extra zucchini from the garden. Plus, who can resist a golden, crunchy bite? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. If you can’t find zucchini, consider cucumbers for a similar effect, but they may be a bit more watery.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works well too. I often use chickpea flour for a nice nutty taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) for a similar effect.
Chives: Fresh chives add a nice oniony flavor, but feel free to substitute with green onions or even parsley if you’re short on chives.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Fritters Are Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit in a colander. This process helps draw out the water.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini with your hands or a towel. The more moisture you remove, the crispier the fritters will be!
- Don’t skip the frying oil! Make sure your skillet is hot enough to create a golden crust.
Lastly, cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing each fritter to get that perfect crunchy edge. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tsp salt (for draining)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Oil for frying (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 35 minutes to prepare your delicious zucchini fritters. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
First, grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture, which is important for making crispy fritters!
2. Drain the Zucchini:
After letting it rest, use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the zucchini. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped chives. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed together into a hearty mixture.
4. Heat Your Skillet:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, drop tablespoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Gently flatten each fritter slightly with the back of a spoon to form a nice shape.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. To ensure they cook evenly, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Enjoy the sizzling sound!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This will keep them nice and crispy!
7. Finishing Touches:
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra chopped chives over them for added flavor and a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty, easy zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or use gluten-free flour blends if you’re avoiding gluten. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour used.
What Should I Do If My Zucchini Is Too Wet?
If you find that your grated zucchini is still too moist after squeezing, you can set it aside in the colander for a bit longer. You can also add a bit more flour to the mixture to help absorb excess moisture, but be careful not to add too much or it may affect the fritter’s texture.
How to Store Leftover Fritters
Store any leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Can I Freeze These Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini fritters! Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
