These Easy Zucchini Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
I love making these on busy days since they come together quickly. Just mix, scoop, and fry! You can even dip them in your favorite sauce for extra yumminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star of this dish. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash can be a great substitute. They both have similar textures and flavors.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to for binding the fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or chickpea flour, which work well too.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese.
Green Onions or Chives: These add freshness and crunch. If you don’t have them on hand, diced onions or even fresh herbs like parsley can work in a pinch.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together, but if you’re egg-free, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) is a great alternative.
How Do I Avoid Soggy Fritters?
The key to crispy zucchini fritters is removing excess moisture. After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This is essential because too much water can lead to soggy fritters!
- Let the grated zucchini sit with salt for 10 minutes to draw out even more moisture.
- Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the fritters. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of batter; if it sizzles, you’re ready!
Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend some time grating the zucchini and squeezing out the moisture, but it’s all worth it for those crispy fritters. So in total, expect to spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Squeeze the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis with a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and give it a good squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is super important to make sure your fritters don’t turn out soggy!
2. Season the Zucchini:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the teaspoon of salt. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will help draw out even more moisture, ensuring your fritters are perfectly crispy.
3. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
After 10 minutes, it’s time to mix! Add the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions or chives, egg, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it) to the bowl. Stir everything together until you have a nice, cohesive batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Make sure there’s enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the skillet. This will help the fritters fry evenly and get that delightful golden brown color.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and shape it into a patty. Carefully place it in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You can cook in batches if needed!
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Fry the fritters for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat—you might need to adjust it to prevent burning!
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm zucchini fritters with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side, if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite of these crispy fritters!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with shredded mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
What Should I Do If My Fritter Mixture Is Too Wet?
If your mixture feels too wet after mixing, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a suitable consistency. Alternatively, you can let it sit for another 5-10 minutes after mixing to allow moisture to drain off.
How to Store Leftovers?
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 until warmed through and crispy again. This helps restore some of that initial crunch!
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Depending on the blend, you might need to adjust the amount slightly, so start with the same amount and add more as needed to achieve the right batter consistency.
