These crispy zucchini fritters are a tasty, easy snack that everyone will love! Made with fresh zucchini and a few simple ingredients, they are super fun to eat.
Honestly, they’re so good, they might just disappear before you can share! I love enjoying them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt—perfect for a quick and yummy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchini is key for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini, try yellow squash as a great alternative. Both have similar textures and flavors that work well in fritters.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the fritters, but you can swap it for gluten-free flour if needed. I’ve found that oat flour can also work nicely and adds a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice richness. If you want a lactose-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. For a vegan option, use a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a similar binding effect.
Green Onions: These add a fresh bite, but chopped chives or even regular onions can be used if you prefer. Be careful with stronger onion varieties, which can overpower the dish.
How Do I Remove Extra Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing the excess moisture is essential for crispy fritters! After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and set it aside for 10 minutes. The salt will draw out the water, making your fritters less soggy.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to hold the zucchini. It’s best to do this in batches.
- Wring the towel tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this step makes a big difference!
Trust me, this prep ensures your fritters are light and crispy rather than heavy and mushy!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook the fritters. This includes 10 minutes for the zucchini to drain excess moisture. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle the salt over the zucchini, mix it in, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step will help remove excess moisture, which is key for crispy fritters.
2. Drain the Excess Moisture:
After 10 minutes, grab the corners of the towel and twist it to wring out as much moisture from the zucchini as you can. This will ensure your fritters don’t end up soggy!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and pour in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up, but be careful not to let it smoke!
5. Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, take spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture and drop them into the skillet. Use the back of the spoon to flatten them slightly. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; you can cook them in batches if needed.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once the fritters are cooked, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the warm fritters topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if you like. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chives on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or cheddar. Keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor slightly, so choose one that you enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just note that the texture may differ a little, but they should still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or use the oven for more crispiness.
Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, ensure you mix it again before frying to combine any ingredients that may have settled.
