These easy zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a tasty treat! Made with fresh zucchini, herbs, and a bit of cheese, they’re simple to whip up.
They make for a perfect snack or side dish, and you can even enjoy them for breakfast. Just don’t be surprised if they disappear fast—everyone loves these little green wonders! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this recipe! Look for firm, bright green zucchinis. If you’re out of zucchini, you could use yellow squash as a substitute. Just make sure to grate them the same way!
Green Onions: These add a nice mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, leeks or chives can work too. You can also leave them out, but they enhance the taste nicely!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind everything together. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap it with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, but the texture may slightly vary.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a tasty, cheesy flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Egg: Acts as a binder here. If you’re vegan or egg-free, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead!
What’s the Best Way to Remove Excess Water from Zucchini?
Removing moisture is key for crispy fritters. Start by grating the zucchinis and sprinkling them with salt to draw out the water. Let them sit in a clean kitchen towel for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, tightly squeeze the towel to get as much water out as possible.
- This step prevents soggy fritters, allowing them to fry up nice and crispy!
Don’t skip this step; it’s the secret to achieving that perfect texture! Your fritters will thank you!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 30-35 minutes to have delicious zucchini fritters ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Then, place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle the salt over the zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, which is important for crispy fritters!
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After your 10-minute wait, take the towel and squeeze out all the excess water from the zucchini. Once done, transfer the drained zucchini into a mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In the bowl with zucchini, add the chopped green onions, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything well until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
4. Heat the Oil:
Grab a large skillet and heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to fry the fritters but not smoking.
5. Form and Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, take heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and spoon them into the skillet. Flatten each fritter slightly with the back of the spoon. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—it’s better to work in batches if necessary.
6. Brown the Fritters:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
7. Drain and Serve:
After cooking, place the fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them nice and crispy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm zucchini fritters garnished with chopped chives and a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade fritters!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like feta or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the moisture content can vary, so if using a softer cheese, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of added liquid or flour.
What Should I Do If My Zucchini Mixture is Too Wet?
If the mixture seems too wet after squeezing out the water, consider adding a bit more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a consistency that holds together better. The goal is for the fritters to form easily and not fall apart while frying.
Can I Bake Zucchini Fritters Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a greased baking sheet, and spray them lightly with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help them regain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy.
