These easy zucchini fritters are crispy, tasty, and perfect for a snack or side dish! Made with fresh zucchini, eggs, and a sprinkle of cheese, they’re a hit for everyone!
When I make these, I usually end up munching on them straight off the pan. It’s hard to resist that golden-brown goodness! 😋 They’re great with a dollop of sour cream too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the base of these fritters. They’re best when grated because they soften easily during cooking. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works great too!
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the fritters. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour. Adjust the amount of liquid if needed with these alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese. Or, you can use vegan Parmesan if you prefer.
Green Onions: They bring a fresh flavor to the fritters. If you don’t have green onions, finely chopped regular onions or shallots can be a great substitute in a pinch.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This is optional for serving but adds creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a thicker alternative or skip it for a lighter version.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture in Zucchini Fritters?
The key to getting the right texture in your fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Grate zucchinis and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Afterward, place the grated zucchini in a clean towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze tightly to get rid of as much liquid as possible.
- This process prevents sogginess in your fritters, ensuring they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes to make these crispy, flavorful zucchini fritters. Perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Once grated, place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out the excess moisture.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After 10 minutes, take the towel or cheesecloth and squeeze the zucchini tightly to remove as much liquid as you can. This step is important to ensure that your fritters are crispy. Once drained, transfer the dried zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In the bowl with the dried zucchini, add the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, eggs, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together well until combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when formed into patties.
4. Heat the Oil:
Place a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan—about 2-3 tablespoons should do the trick. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s shimmering, but not smoking.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, use a tablespoon to scoop portions of the zucchini mixture and carefully place them in the skillet. Gently flatten each scoop with the back of the spoon. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
After frying, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy and not overly greasy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These zucchini fritters are best served warm! Place them on a plate and add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top if you like. Garnish with fresh chives for a bit of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum, as this helps with the texture. Mix it in the same way as you would with regular flour!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they warm up and regain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make Zucchini Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and fry just before serving. Alternatively, you can fry the fritters and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months!
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or swap in another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Just keep in mind that different cheeses might alter the flavor slightly, so choose one you enjoy!
