These Easy Zucchini Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, thanks to fresh zucchini, flour, and a bit of cheese.
Honestly, they’re perfect as a snack or a side dish. I love to dip them in some salsa or yogurt. It’s like a little veggie party on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose medium zucchinis for the best texture. If zucchinis are out of season, consider using yellow squash as a fun alternative, or even carrots if you’re feeling adventurous!
Salt: This helps draw out moisture from the zucchini, which is key. You can try using sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer them over regular table salt. Just adjust the quantity as needed since they can vary in saltiness.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or coconut flour. Just note that they might alter the texture slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a delicious flavor boost! If you want to keep it dairy-free, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, or try a vegan Parmesan if you want a similar texture without the dairy.
Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild flavor. You can swap them for shallots or regular onions if you prefer a stronger onion taste. Just use a little bit less to avoid overpowering the dish!
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Fritters Aren’t Soggy?
The trick to crispy fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze firmly until no more water comes out. This step makes all the difference!
- Grate the zucchinis first and then add salt; this helps to draw out water effectively.
- Let the grated zucchini sit for about 10-15 minutes after salting before squeezing. It’ll loosen more water that way.
Also, when frying, don’t overcrowd the pan! This keeps the oil hot and helps the fritters get that crispy texture we all love. Adjust the heat to medium to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to make these delicious zucchini fritters from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating your zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can! This is super important to prevent your fritters from turning out soggy. Set the drained zucchini aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with salt, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika (if you choose to use it). Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want it to be uniform and ready to form into fritters!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. This will give your fritters a nice crispy texture!
4. Fry the Fritters:
Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop, scoop some of the zucchini mixture and drop it into the hot skillet. Flatten each fritter gently with the back of your spatula. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—fry them in batches if necessary.
5. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. If they seem to be cooking too fast, adjust the heat to prevent burning. You want that perfect crispy outside!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. This helps keep them nice and light.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top and sprinkle with fresh chives for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious and crispy zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Yellow Squash Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini in this recipe. Just follow the same instructions for grating and draining moisture to ensure your fritters turn out perfectly crispy!
What if I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just keep the same quantity for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Bake These Fritters Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fritters on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
