These Easy Zucchini Fritters are crispy, tasty, and a fun way to use up extra zucchini. Just mix grated zucchini with eggs, flour, and a sprinkle of cheese, then fry them up!
Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they disappear fast! I love to dip them in some yogurt sauce for extra yum. Who knew veggies could be this delicious? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are key for a light and moist texture. If zucchinis are scarce, you can replace them with grated carrots or yellow squash for a different flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or chickpea flour. They can change the flavor slightly, but both hold well in fritters.
Parmesan Cheese: I love adding grated Parmesan for its salty kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor that’s vegan-friendly!
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If you can’t find them, regular onions will work—just use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings great flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a decent substitute—use about 1/2 teaspoon.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for Zucchini Fritters?
The secret to perfect zucchini fritters lies in removing excess moisture. Zucchini can be quite watery, which affects the fritters’ crispiness. Follow these steps:
- Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean towel. Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. Do this before seasoning with salt for the best results.
- Let the salted zucchinis sit for about 10 minutes to draw out more moisture. Remember to squeeze again after this step.
- Mix your other ingredients well, but don’t over-mix; gentle folding helps keep them light and airy.
With a little patience in these steps, you’ll end up with delightful and crispy zucchini fritters! Enjoy frying them to just the right golden brown. Happy cooking!
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
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Drain the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is important to prevent soggy fritters!
2. Season and Sit:
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the salt to draw out even more moisture. After 10 minutes, give it another squeeze to remove any remaining liquid.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
To the bowl with the zucchini, add the flour, grated parmesan, egg, green onions, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until well combined—this will form your fritter batter!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Now, heat a skillet over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of oil to the pan. You want the oil hot, but not smoking, before adding the fritters.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly to form patties. Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until they turn golden brown. Flip them gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
6. Drain and Repeat:
After cooking, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Keep repeating this process with the remaining zucchini mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your zucchini fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if you like, and sprinkle with fresh chives for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with alternatives like whole wheat flour, chickpea flour, or almond flour. Just keep in mind that different flours may change the texture slightly. If using gluten-free flour, add a bit more moisture if needed to achieve the right consistency.
How Can I Make These Zucchini Fritters Vegan?
To make these fritters vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a tablespoon of applesauce. Additionally, for the cheese, you can use a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Can I Prepare the Zucchini Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture just before frying to prevent soggy fritters.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also pop them in the microwave, but they may lose some crispiness.
