These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are golden brown on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and packed with fresh zucchini, herbs, and just the right touch of cheese. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and are perfect as a savory snack, light lunch, appetizer, or even a vegetarian main dish.
If you have a garden full of zucchini or just love finding new ways to enjoy vegetables, this recipe is a must-try. The key is squeezing out the moisture to get that perfect crunch—and once you try them, you’ll be making them all summer long!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating the zucchini)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (or ¼ cup finely diced onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier fritters)
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Grate and Salt the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss to combine. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess water.
Step 2: Squeeze Out Moisture
- After resting, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is key to getting crispy fritters.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the drained zucchini, flour, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, oregano, pepper, and baking powder if using. Stir until a thick batter forms.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Let it heat until shimmering.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and gently flatten in the skillet. Fry 3–4 fritters at a time, cooking for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Repeat
- Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Variation:
- Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the batter for melty goodness.
- Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Herby: Add fresh chopped parsley, dill, or mint.
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
COOKING Note:
Don’t skip salting and squeezing the zucchini—it removes excess moisture and prevents soggy fritters. Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet for best results. Keep the heat moderate so the fritters cook through without burning.
Serving Suggestions:
- With dip: Serve with sour cream, tzatziki, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- As a side dish: Perfect alongside grilled meats or seafood.
- Breakfast or brunch: Top with a fried egg and avocado.
- Sandwich-style: Stack between slices of bread with hummus or cheese.
Tips:
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for evenly sized fritters.
- Keep finished fritters warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet for crispiness.
- Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for storage.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per 1 fritter, based on 10 fritters):
- Calories: ~110
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fat: ~8g
- Sodium: ~220mg
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~1g
Nutritional values vary depending on oil and flour type used.
❓FAQs
Can I bake zucchini fritters instead of frying?
- Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still tasty.
Why are my fritters falling apart?
- Too much moisture or too little binder (egg/flour) can cause this. Be sure to squeeze the zucchini well and measure ingredients carefully.
Can I make them ahead of time?
- Yes, refrigerate the batter up to 1 day ahead or cook and store the fritters for quick reheating.
Do I have to peel the zucchini?
- Nope! The skin is tender and adds color and nutrients.
What can I serve with zucchini fritters?
- Try yogurt dip, hummus, marinara sauce, or even spicy ketchup.
Conclusion:
Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a simple, satisfying way to enjoy zucchini in a savory, golden-brown form. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and always a hit—whether you’re making them for a healthy snack, a veggie-packed side dish, or a light vegetarian meal.
With the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and freshness, this recipe will have you reaching for zucchini again and again.