These easy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! Made with fresh zucchini, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a snack or a side dish.
I love making these when I have extra zucchini. They disappear quickly from the plate, and you can dip them in your favorite sauce for even more flavor. Yum! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Choose firm and fresh zucchinis for the best flavor. If you’re out of zucchini, you can also try grated carrots or yellow squash, though the taste will shift a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor and helps bind the fritters. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here, but whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend can be good substitutes. Just know that using a different flour may slightly change the texture.
Egg: The egg helps hold everything together. For a vegan alternative, you can replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) that works nicely as a binder.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Fritters Crispy?
Achieving crispy fritters is all about removing moisture from the zucchini! After grating, sprinkle with salt and let the zucchini sit. This draws out excess water. Then place it in a towel, twist, and squeeze out even more liquid. This step is crucial for crispy results!
- Grate zucchini and sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 minutes.
- Wring out in a towel to eliminate excess water.
- Cook fritters in a hot skillet with enough oil – this ensures they fry quickly.
Keep the skillet from overcrowding, as this lowers the temperature of the oil and can make them soggy. If they stick, let them cook a bit longer before flipping!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus more for garnish)
- Olive oil for frying
- Sour cream or yogurt for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels. Sprinkle the zucchinis with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out some excess moisture, which is important for crispy fritters!
2. Remove Excess Moisture:
After your zucchinis have sat for 10 minutes, take the towel and wring out the grated zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible. This will help your fritters hold together better when cooking.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, the egg, black pepper, and if you’d like, the garlic and onion powder. Add in the chopped chives as well. Gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan—just enough to coat the bottom. You want a nice surface for frying!
5. Shape the Fritters:
Using about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture, scoop it into the skillet and gently flatten it into a fritter shape. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to fry in batches if needed.
6. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp. When they’re done, carefully remove them and place them on some paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
7. Repeat and Finish:
Continue the process with the remaining zucchini mixture, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed between batches. Keep frying until everything is cooked up!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the fritters are cooked, serve them warm. Garnish with extra chives and, if you’d like, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side. Enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or cheddar. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may change the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust according to your taste preference!
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for cooking. Make sure that the blend contains suitable starches to help bind the fritters together.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini 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 low heat for a few minutes on each side, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep them crisp.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush or spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
