These Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! With fresh zucchini, flour, and a sprinkle of cheese, they’re golden and crunchy on the outside.
Who knew eating your greens could be this fun? I love making these fritters for snack time or as a side dish—everyone wants seconds, and I can’t blame them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best flavor and texture. They should be firm and shiny. If you can’t find zucchini, try using yellow squash as a tasty alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use oat flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option. I’ve found that chickpea flour adds a lovely nutty taste!
Cheese: Parmesan adds great flavor, but you can swap it for feta or a vegan cheese if you’re looking for dairy-free options. Just make sure it’s something that melts well!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley brighten the fritters. If you don’t have these, dried herbs like dill or oregano work too, but use less since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Fritters Crispy?
The secret to crispy zucchini fritters lies in removing excess moisture. Zucchinis are very watery, so follow these key steps:
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out extra water.
- After sitting, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze the grated zucchini until it’s as dry as possible. This ensures your fritters won’t be soggy.
- Fry the fritters in hot oil, making sure the pan isn’t overcrowded. Frying in batches helps them brown evenly and get that crisp texture!
Remember to keep an eye on the color while frying; you want them golden brown on both sides for that perfect crunch!
Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be ready to serve these delicious fritters in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a coarse grater. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out the excess moisture from the zucchini, which is important for achieving that crispy texture in your fritters.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:
After the 10 minutes are up, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and use it to squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the grated zucchini. This will help prevent soggy fritters, so don’t skip this step!
3. Make the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, one large egg, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh chives or parsley (if you are using them). Season the mixture with a little more salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot enough for frying, but not so hot that it smokes.
5. Shape and Fry the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and drop it into the hot oil. Gently flatten it with a spatula to form a small patty. Fry several fritters at once, but don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once the fritters are nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and not too greasy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, and garnish with extra chives if you like. Enjoy these crispy zucchini fritters as a light snack or a delightful side dish!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other veggies like shredded carrots, grated sweet potatoes, or even yellow squash. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if using different vegetables, as some may cook faster or slower.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use chickpea flour for a tasty option. Just ensure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free as well!
Can I Prepare the Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the fritters. Just give it a good stir before frying, as liquid may separate while sitting.
