These Easy Zucchini Fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Made with fresh zucchini, these tasty bites are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a veggie turning into a fun fritter? They disappear fast at my house—especially with a dollop of sour cream! Trust me, you’ll want to make extras!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh zucchinis are key for these fritters. Look for firm ones with a shiny skin. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works as a good substitute to maintain that light, veggie flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the classic choice here. If you’re gluten-free, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Both will help bind the fritters without changing the taste too much.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese if that’s your preference. They won’t melt like Parmesan, but they’ll still give a nice cheese-like flavor.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you’re looking for a vegan option, one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water can replace one egg. Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Fritters are Crispy?
Getting crispy fritters is all about removing excess moisture from the zucchinis. After grating them, sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out the water.
- After resting, use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. The drier the zucchini, the better they’ll fry.
- When frying, make sure the oil is hot before adding the fritter batter. This ensures they brown nicely instead of soaking up oil.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches to allow enough space for air circulation and even cooking.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30 minutes. After grating the zucchinis, you’ll let them drain for a bit, then mix everything up, cook the fritters in batches, and serve them hot. It’s a quick and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. This will create fine pieces. Once grated, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This step is important as it helps to remove excess moisture, making your fritters crispy.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the zucchini. This helps the fritters hold their shape while cooking, so don’t skip this part!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re using it. Stir everything together until well blended. You want a nice, thick consistency.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Now it’s time to cook! Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. You want the oil hot enough that it sizzles when you drop in the mixture!
5. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Use the back of the spoon to flatten each fritter slightly. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so cook them in batches if necessary.
6. Cooking Time:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; you want that lovely golden color!
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to drain any excess oil and keeps them crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your fritters with freshly chopped chives and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side. Enjoy these delicious and easy zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other grated vegetables like carrots or yellow squash. Just be sure to adjust the moisture levels by salting and draining them similarly to zucchini to maintain the fritters’ texture.
What If My Fritters Are Falling Apart While Cooking?
If your fritters are crumbling, try adding a bit more flour or another egg to the mixture for better binding. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the vegetables as possible, as excess liquid can cause the fritters to break apart during frying.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy, or use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
Yes! To make the fritters vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) or use a vegan egg replacer. Additionally, you can omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
