Easy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy fresh veggies! Made with grated zucchini, eggs, and a bit of flour, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
These little guys are a hit at dinner. I love how they are perfect for sneaking in some extra greens, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love something you can dip? 🤗
For a fun twist, I like to serve them with yogurt or sour cream. They’re a simple and yummy treat that even the kids will eat without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh green zucchinis are key for this recipe. They’re mild, tender, and hold moisture. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the final color!
Parmesan Cheese: This gives flavor and helps bind the fritters. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste or just omit it entirely. The fritters will still be delicious!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for gluten-free options, almond flour or chickpea flour can be used instead. Note that the texture may vary slightly with alternatives, so adjust the amount as needed.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both are great for serving. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is fantastic. For lactose-free choices, coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt can work well too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Fritters?
Getting crispy zucchini fritters is all about managing moisture. Grating the zucchinis and salting them is crucial as it draws out the liquid. After letting them sit, squeezing out the excess moisture with a towel is vital. Don’t skip this step!
- Use a clean kitchen towel to really get that water out. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be.
- When cooking, make sure the oil is hot enough. Test by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture into the pan; it should sizzle right away.
- Flatten the fritters slightly in the pan to ensure even cooking.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (for serving)
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll spend a total of about 30 minutes making these delicious zucchini fritters! Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place them in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let the zucchini sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out some moisture, making it easier to form the fritters.
2. Squeeze Out Moisture:
After 10 minutes, grab a clean kitchen towel and put the grated zucchini in it. Squeeze tightly to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial for getting crispy fritters!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with flour, Parmesan cheese (if you chose to use it), the egg, chopped green onions, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this is your fritter mixture.
4. Heat the Oil:
Now, heat a frying pan over medium heat and pour in enough oil to cover the bottom. You want it hot enough that a bit of the mixture sizzles when it hits the pan.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is ready, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the zucchini mixture into the pan. Flatten each scoop slightly to form fritters. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. You can cook them in batches if your pan isn’t big enough.
6. Drain the Fritters:
After cooking, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them nice and light!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chives or parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works great, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten. Just keep in mind that different flours may slightly change the texture, so you might need to adjust the amount used.
How to Make Zucchini Fritters Vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gel-like) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup). Also, skip the Parmesan cheese to keep it entirely plant-based!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To retain their crispness, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can crisp them back up in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Freeze Zucchini Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini fritters! Allow them to cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or pan-fry until warmed through and crispy!
