Easy Zucchini Fritters are crispy and tasty treats made with fresh zucchini, eggs, and a touch of flour. They make for a great snack or a fun side dish!
These fritters are so simple to whip up; just grate, mix, and fry! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream. They disappear fast at my table, and I bet yours will too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: The star of this recipe! Look for medium-sized zucchinis, as they’ll give you the right amount of moisture. If zucchini is scarce, try using summer squash or yellow squash for a similar texture and flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can swap it for gluten-free flour if needed. Almond flour or oat flour can also be a good choice, just keep in mind they might change the texture a bit.
Cheese: I love adding Parmesan for its salty kick. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast to give some cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Oil: Olive oil adds a nice taste, but vegetable oil is fine too. Choosing oil with a higher smoke point, like canola or grapeseed, will work well for frying.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Either adds creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a dollop of plain yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt for a fresh zing.
How Do I Keep My Fritters from Being Soggy?
The key to crispy zucchini fritters lies in squeezing out the moisture. After grating the zucchinis, let them sit with salt for about 10 minutes. This draws out even more water, so give them another squeeze with a towel or cheesecloth before mixing. The drier the zucchini, the better your fritters will turn out!
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
- Mix with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to the mix.
Taking time in this step will help you achieve that perfect golden, crispy fritter that you’ll love!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes cooking the fritters until they are golden brown and crispy. Gather your friends and family to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis with a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. This is a key step to making sure our fritters stay crispy and don’t end up soggy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the salt. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. Afterward, give it another squeeze to remove any remaining moisture. Next, add the flour, egg, Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Fry the Fritters:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and form it into a fritter. Gently place the fritter into the hot oil. Repeat this with the remaining mixture, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan!
4. Cook Until Crispy:
Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. If you find they’re browning too quickly, just adjust the heat to keep them from burning. Once cooked, place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zucchini fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chives on top for an added touch! Enjoy your delicious zucchini fritters with family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may absorb more moisture, so you might need to slightly increase the liquid in the recipe or add a bit more zucchini if the mixture seems dry.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you want to skip the Parmesan cheese or need a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Alternatively, you can omit the cheese altogether; the fritters will still be delicious!
How Long Do Cooked Zucchini Fritters Last?
Cooked zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep them crispy, consider reheating them in a skillet instead of the microwave!
Can I Freeze Zucchini Fritters?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the fritters cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
