These crispy zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty treat! Made with fresh zucchini, flour, and a sprinkle of cheese, they’re perfectly golden and oh-so-delicious.
They’re great as a snack or a side dish, and trust me, they vanish fast! I love dipping them in some yogurt sauce; it makes every bite even better. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are key to these fritters. Look for firm ones without blemishes. If zucchini isn’t available, shredded carrots or yellow squash can also work nicely.
Flour: I use all-purpose flour for binding. If you need a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just adjust the amount as needed.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds flavor and helps with crispiness. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with grated Pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Fritters Crispy?
The secret to crispy fritters is removing excess moisture from your zucchini. After grating, salt it and let it sit for 10 minutes. Squeezing out the liquid is essential! Here’s how to ensure they turn out crunchy:
- Grate the zucchinis coarsely, rather than fine, for better texture.
- Heat the oil! Make sure it’s hot before adding the patties. This will help them sizzle and get crispy right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady.
- Let them rest on paper towels post-frying to absorb extra oil.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 30 minutes. You’ll have crispy, delicious fritters ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Start by washing your zucchinis and then grate them using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring your fritters are crispy.
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
Once the zucchini has sat for 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wrap the grated zucchini. Squeeze it tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. The drier the zucchini, the crunchier your fritters will be!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, black pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. Stir everything well until it’s evenly mixed.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour a few tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that it sizzles when you drop in a bit of the mixture.
5. Form and Fry the Patties:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and shape it into small patties. Carefully place them in the hot oil. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it is golden brown and crispy, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
6. Drain the Fritters:
Once golden and crispy, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them nice and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These fritters are best served warm! Enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. They make a delicious snack or a tasty side dish!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy your crispy and flavorful zucchini fritters!
FAQ about Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for the best texture and flavor. However, if you have frozen zucchini, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess liquid before using. Keep in mind that frozen zucchini will be softer, which may affect the fritters’ crispiness.
Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
Absolutely! To make the fritters vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to use a vegan cheese alternative if you want to keep the cheesy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
To store leftovers, place the fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat to help them regain their crispiness, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, though they may get a bit soft.
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Fritters?
Zucchini fritters are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of dips such as sour cream, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or even a spicy aioli. They also pair well with salads or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.
