These easy zucchini fritters are a fun way to enjoy veggies! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, packed with fresh zucchini and a bit of cheese.
Making these fritters is like a mini cooking party! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream. They’re great for snacks or as a side dish. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis work best. If you have zucchini that’s a bit old, just select those with firm skin and minimal blemishes. You can also substitute with yellow squash for a slightly different flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you need a gluten-free version, try almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor, but any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative works well too. I prefer the robust taste of aged cheese for deeper flavor.
Egg: The egg helps bind the fritters. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a tablespoon of applesauce.
Green Onions: These add a nice bite. You can swap them for chives, shallots, or even regular onions if you prefer. I’ve used a mix of herbs too for a fresh twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Fritters are Crispy?
Achieving crispy fritters is all about removing moisture from the zucchini and cooking them right. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini and salt it to draw out moisture. After letting it sit, squeeze it dry in a towel.
- When frying, ensure your oil is hot enough. A drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! This allows for better air circulation and browning.
After cooking, place fritters on paper towels to catch any excess oil. These tips will help you serve up delicious, crispy zucchini fritters every time!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook. You’ll need around 10 minutes for grating and mixing, plus about 8 minutes for frying. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is important to ensure your fritters don’t end up soggy!
2. Drain the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the salt. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the salt can help draw out more moisture. After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini again if needed to remove any remaining liquid.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper to the zucchini. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. You want just enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet for frying.
5. Form and Cook the Fritters:
Using a spoon or your hands, form small patties from the zucchini mixture and place them in the skillet, lightly flattening each fritter. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; you may need to fry in batches!
6. Fry Until Golden:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll love the aroma as they cook!
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them nice and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if you’d like, and sprinkle with fresh chives for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your tasty zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for the Fritters?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with another cheese like feta, cheddar, or Romano. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, and you might need to adjust the salt since some cheeses are saltier than others.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. If using almond flour, you might need a bit more moisture, so feel free to add an extra egg if the mixture seems too dry.
What Should I Do with Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or you can microwave them for 30-60 seconds. They’re great as a quick snack or added to salads!
Can I Bake Zucchini Fritters Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can! For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with olive oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until golden brown.
