These Easy Zucchini Fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty treat in no time!
Honestly, who knew zucchini could be this fun? I love to dip them in sauce and see how many I can eat before my family asks for some. 😄 They’re super easy to make, just mix, fry, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are crucial for this recipe. You might also try yellow squash or even grated carrots as a fun alternative. Just be sure to follow the same moisture-removal steps!
Salt: Salt not only flavors but helps draw out moisture from the zucchini. If you’re watching your sodium, consider using a light sprinkle of herb seasoning instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour or make it gluten-free with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the batter.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a lovely richness. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute, bringing a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Chives: Fresh chives add a nice oniony twist. You can substitute with green onions or even fresh dill if that’s what you have on hand.
What’s the Trick to Perfectly Cooked Fritters?
Getting fritters just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious.
- Remove Moisture: Grating the zucchini is just the start. Letting it sit with salt helps draw out excess moisture. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can for a crispy fritter!
- Right Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter. You can test by dropping a small amount in; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches! Overcrowding the skillet lowers the oil temperature, causing soggy fritters instead of crispy ones. Give them space!
- Drain Well: After frying, let the fritters drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy and less greasy.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time grating the zucchini and mixing the batter, followed by frying the fritters until they’re crispy and golden. Simple and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater—this makes them nice and fine for the fritters. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, so your fritters will be extra crispy!
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After the 10 minutes are up, grab the towel and squeeze the grated zucchini to remove as much liquid as you can. You want to make sure they are not soggy. Once drained, transfer the zucchini to a mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Batter:
In the bowl with the squeezed zucchini, add the flour, grated parmesan cheese, eggs, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped chives. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined into a thick batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. To check if it’s hot enough, you can drop a small spoonful of the mixture in—if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Use the back of the spoon to flatten them slightly. Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches!
6. Drain and Serve:
After frying, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy. Serve the fritters warm, garnished with extra chives and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side, if you like. Enjoy your crunchy, delicious zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like feta for a tangy flavor, or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just make sure the cheese you choose can melt well and has a similar texture!
What If My Zucchini is Very Watery?
If your zucchini is exceptionally watery, try squeezing out even more moisture after salting. You can also pat the grated zucchini dry with paper towels before mixing in the other ingredients to ensure your fritters are crunchy!
Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture a few hours in advance! Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry the fritters. However, try to fry them fresh for the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again!
