These crispy parmesan yellow squash fritters are a tasty treat! Packed with fresh yellow squash and sprinkled with cheese, they have a wonderful crunch that everyone loves.
They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish, and honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I can eat these all day—just keep them coming! 😄
Making these fritters is super easy! Just mix the ingredients, shape them, and fry until golden. I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream for an extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is crucial for these fritters. If you can’t find it, zucchini works well too! The flavor will change slightly, but they will still be tasty.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using fresh grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give you a similar cheesy taste!
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is standard, you could substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
Green Onions: These add a nice mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, chives or even finely chopped regular onion can work in a pinch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crunch in Fritters?
The crunchiness of fritters comes from proper moisture removal and frying technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Moisture Removal: After salting the grated squash, letting it sit helps draw out excess water. Squeeze it tightly in a towel to get as much moisture out as possible—this step is key!
- Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. This helps create a crisp exterior. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry fritters in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to less crispy fritters.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfect, crispy fritters every time. Enjoy making and sharing them with family and friends!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or your favorite dip
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by around 10-15 minutes for frying. So, you can expect to have these crispy fritters ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Begin by grating the yellow squash into a colander. Sprinkle it with a bit of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, which is essential for crispy fritters!
2. Squeeze Out the Water:
After your squash has sat, take a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. The drier your squash, the better your fritters will be!
3. Make the Fritter Batter:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, green onions (if you’re using them), salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything together until you have a nice, even batter.
4. Fry the Fritters:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. Use the back of the spoon to flatten them slightly, forming fritters.
5. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce!
These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Yes! While yellow squash gives these fritters a lovely flavor, zucchini can be used as a substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar flavor. Just make sure it grates well!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before frying. This can save time and help the flavors meld nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
