These easy zucchini fritters are light, crispy, and packed with fresh veggies. They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish, and they come together in no time!
Cooking these fritters always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I love serving them warm with a dollop of sour cream. They disappear fast at my house—better make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow squash or grated carrots for a different spin.
Flour: I used all-purpose flour, which works perfectly. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a fantastic cheesy flavor. For a similar taste, you could use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together. If you’re vegan, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal to 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Green Onions/Chives: They add a nice oniony flavor. If you don’t have them, finely chopped regular onions or shallots can work too. Fresh herbs like parsley are also a great alternative!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Fritters Are Crunchy?
The key to crispy fritters is getting rid of excess moisture from the zucchini. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini and put it in a colander with salt to draw out moisture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- After resting, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. The drier your zucchini, the better the fritters will crisp up!
Also, ensure your oil is hot enough in the skillet before adding the fritters. If the oil isn’t hot, the fritters can absorb oil and become soggy.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Olive oil, for frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes grating and mixing, then cooking the fritters until they are golden and crispy. Enjoy the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle the salt over it. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring your fritters are nice and crispy!
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After the zucchini has rested, take a clean kitchen towel and use it to squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the zucchini. The drier the mixture, the better your fritters will turn out!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped green onions (or chives), garlic powder, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. It should be a slightly thick batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan so your fritters fry nicely.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, take about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and scoop it into the skillet, flattening it slightly with the back of a spatula. Repeat this process a few times, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan—give them some space!
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over halfway through cooking.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side, if you like. Enjoy your tasty zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with any cheese you prefer, like feta or cheddar. Just keep in mind that using a softer cheese like feta may affect the texture, so you might want to slightly reduce the amount of flour to maintain consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens). This will help bind the fritters together without compromising flavor.
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or skillet to help regain some of their crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these fritters gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the blend works well for frying, as some might perform better than others!
