These easy zucchini fritters are crispy, tasty, and a fun way to enjoy veggies! With just zucchini, flour, and a few spices, you can whip these up in no time.
Every time I make them, I can’t resist snagging one straight off the pan! They’re perfect as a snack or side dish with your favorite dip. Give them a try at your next meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Zucchini is the star of this dish, offering moisture and a mild flavor. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash can work well too. It’s slightly sweeter but will do the trick.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the fritters structure. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix. I’ve found that almond flour adds a nice nuttiness!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a rich, salty flavor. If you’re looking to save calories, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. For dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Chives: Fresh chives add a lovely onion flavor without overpowering. If you don’t have chives, green onions or even parsley are great alternatives.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Zucchini Fritters?
The key to crispy fritters lies in removing as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate your zucchinis and sprinkle them with salt. This helps to draw out excess water.
- Let them sit in a clean towel for about 10 minutes. You’ll see water accumulate.
- Afterward, squeeze the zucchini in the towel until no more water drips out. This step is crucial for crispiness!
When frying, heat the oil until it’s hot, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each fritter gets that golden-brown crust we all love.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Olive oil, for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, plan on about 30-35 minutes to make these delicious zucchini fritters from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean towel and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out the moisture from the zucchini. After 10 minutes, pick up the towel and squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini – this is an important step to keep your fritters from being soggy!
2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped chives. Mix everything together until well blended. The mixture should be thick enough to hold together when scooped.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet for frying.
4. Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small amount of the mixture in – if it sizzles, it’s ready), drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Gently flatten them with the back of your spoon to form fritters, but don’t crowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to prevent burning. You want them nice and crispy!
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. This will help them stay crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, garnished with some extra chopped chives. For an added treat, offer some sour cream or yogurt on the side. These fritters are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! You can substitute Parmesan with pecorino, mozzarella, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have varying moisture contents, so adjust the flour if needed to maintain the right consistency.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. If using almond flour, you may need to add slightly less than the recipe calls for, so start with 1/3 cup and adjust as needed.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat rather than in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mixture?
Absolutely! You can mix in finely grated carrots, corn, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture if they have high water content, similar to the zucchini!
