These easy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! Made with fresh zucchini, cheese, and herbs, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. Yum!
Making these fritters is super simple! I love having them as a snack or side dish. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some greens into my meals. Who can resist a crispy bite? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are best for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works too. Just make sure to grate and squeeze out excess moisture like with zucchini.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor. If you’re out, you could use Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free version.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the fritters. Gluten-free flour or almond flour can be a great substitute if you’re avoiding gluten; just check for a suitable brand for best results.
Green Onions or Chives: These boost the flavor. You can swap them with finely chopped regular onions or shallots for a different taste.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: These are optional for serving, but they add a creamy touch. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt can be a tasty alternative!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Fritters Crispy Without Being Soggy?
The secret to crispy fritters is in the moisture control of the zucchini. Here’s how to handle it:
- Start by grating the zucchinis and sprinkling them with salt. This draws out moisture, which helps keep the fritters crispy.
- After letting them rest for 10-15 minutes, make sure you squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel. Don’t skip this step!
- When frying, ensure the oil is hot before adding the fritter mixture. This helps create a nice crust quickly.
- Cook in batches without overcrowding to allow them to fry evenly, promoting that golden brown look!
Easy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
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
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving (optional):
- Sour cream or yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10-15 minutes for prep to grate the zucchinis and mix the ingredients, plus about 15 minutes to cook the fritters. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis into a large bowl. Sprinkle the grated zucchini with the salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This step helps to draw out the excess moisture, making your fritters crispy!
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After the resting time, take the grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze it tightly to remove as much liquid as you can. This ensures that your fritters won’t end up soggy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped green onions (or chives). Mix them together until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Add the squeezed zucchini and the egg to your dry mixture. Stir everything together until just combined. The mixture should feel slightly wet but should hold its shape when you form it into patties.
5. Heat the Skillet:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. This helps the fritters to fry nicely and become crispy.
6. Fry the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, scoop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Use the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to keep them from steaming.
7. Flip and Cook:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. This will give them a nice texture and flavor!
8. Drain the Fritters:
After cooking, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil. This keeps them from getting greasy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zucchini fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top, if desired. Enjoy your tasty homemade fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can substitute it with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but they can still create delicious fritters!
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Almond flour or oat flour are also great alternatives, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly since they can absorb moisture differently.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture in advance! Just make sure to cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, give it a good stir and ensure it’s at room temperature before cooking for the best results.
