These easy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use up fresh zucchini! With a crunchy outside and a soft inside, they are perfect for a snack or a side dish.
They’re so simple that even my dog, Sparky, sits in the kitchen watching me make them. Just grate the zucchini, mix with some eggs and flour, then fry them up! Yum!
I love serving these with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on the side. They vanish in minutes at my house, and they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the dish! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a great substitute as they have a similar texture and flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour holds the fritters together well. If you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. Just note that the texture may differ slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a wonderful flavor. If you’re not a fan, you could opt for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. Always adjust the amount to your taste preference!
Green Onions/Chives: They add a pop of flavor. If unavailable, finely chopped onion can work too, but use a little less, as their flavor is stronger. You could also use herbs like parsley or dill!
How Do You Get Perfectly Moist Zucchini Fritters?
The key to great zucchini fritters starts with removing excess moisture from the zucchini. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters. Here’s how you do it:
- Grate the zucchini, then sprinkle with salt. Let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes. The salt helps draw out moisture.
- After the time is up, make sure to squeeze out any liquid with a clean towel or your hands. This step makes a big difference!
- Mix the remaining ingredients well but be careful not to over-mix, as it can create dense fritters.
Fry them in a hot pan without overcrowding, so they brown nicely on both sides. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for zucchini)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 25 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll grate and mix the ingredients quickly, then fry the fritters until they are crispy and golden. Easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander, sprinkle it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out extra moisture, making the fritters crispier.
2. Squeeze Out Extra Water:
After letting the zucchini sit for 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel or your hands and squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the zucchini. It’s important that the zucchini is not too watery, so give it a good squeeze!
3. Mix the Fritter Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the flour, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and the chopped green onions or chives. Mix everything well until all the ingredients come together. It should look like a thick batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a non-stick skillet, pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to fry the fritters but not so hot that they burn quickly.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is nice and hot, scoop about 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture into the skillet for each fritter. Gently flatten each scoop with a spatula to form round fritters. Fry them in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
When the fritters are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. This will help them stay crispy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side, if desired. Enjoy your delicious easy zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Other Types of Flour in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using alternative flours might slightly alter the texture, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg needed. These substitutes help bind the mixture while keeping it moist!
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or use an air fryer for a crisp finish.
Can I Bake the Zucchini Fritters Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fritters on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
