These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are a tasty treat! Made with fresh yellow squash, they’re golden brown and loaded with cheesy goodness.
To be honest, they disappear fast in my house! I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping. Perfect for snacking or as a fun side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star of this recipe. It’s best to grate it for a great texture in the fritters. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a perfect substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds wonderful flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano if you’d like a sharper taste. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps bind the fritters. If you need gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that the texture may change slightly.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives great flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or use garlic powder instead. But I love the fresh taste it brings!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Fritters?
The key to achieving crispy fritters lies in reducing the moisture from the squash. After salting the grated squash and letting it rest, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible. The dryer your mixture, the crispier your fritters will be.
- Place grated squash in a colander, sprinkle salt, and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Press or squeeze the squash with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Finally, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot, the fritters will absorb oil and become greasy instead of crispy!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. Overall, expect to spend around 40 minutes to enjoy your delicious fritters!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash and placing it in a colander. Sprinkle it with salt and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture from the squash, which is essential for making crispy fritters.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Water:
After the squash has rested, take the time to press or squeeze it thoroughly. You can use your hands or a clean kitchen towel. The goal is to remove as much water as possible, which will keep your fritters from being soggy.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The batter should be thick and hold together.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact with the oil.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Using a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the batter and gently drop it into the hot oil. Flatten it slightly with the back of the spoon to form small patties. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s best to fry in batches.
6. Cooking Time:
Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crunchy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the fritters warm, and feel free to pair them with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Yes! While yellow squash is ideal for this recipe, zucchini can also be used as a great substitute. It has a similar texture and flavor that will work well in the fritters.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly with different types of flour.
Can I Prep These Fritters in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just make sure to fry them fresh for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
