These crispy zucchini patties are a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! Made with grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, and a few spices, they turn golden in the pan!
Kids and adults will love them, and they can be a fun side dish or a snack. I love to dip mine in some yogurt sauce—it’s like a celebration for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. For a colorful twist, try using a mix of both.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a delicious flavor boost! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is great for an extra crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work nicely too, just check the label to ensure they’re really gluten-free!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the patties. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, resting for 5 minutes) can serve as a great substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Zucchini Patties?
The key to crispy zucchini patties is managing the moisture. Start by grating the zucchini and salting it to draw out excess water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then squeeze all the liquid out using a clean kitchen towel—this step is crucial for preventing sogginess!
- Always check the consistency of your mixture. If it feels too wet, adding a little more flour or breadcrumbs can help firm it up.
- Fry the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t steam each other.
- Don’t rush the frying! Cooking them long enough on both sides allows a perfect golden crust to form.
Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!
Easy Crispy Zucchini Patties Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 3 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing moisture)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor
- Optional: Dipping sauce (sour cream, tzatziki, or garlic yogurt sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus about 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes to make these crispy zucchini patties from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Using a box grater, grate the zucchinis into a large bowl. Be sure to sprinkle the grated zucchini with salt and mix well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After 10 minutes, it’s time to remove the excess water. Place the salted zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth. Squeeze and twist until you’ve removed as much moisture as possible. This step will help ensure your patties turn out crispy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, half of the Panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and you have a nice mixture.
4. Shape the Patties:
With your hands, form the mixture into patties that are about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. After shaping each patty, coat them in the remaining Panko breadcrumbs for that additional crunch!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a generous layer of oil (about 1/4 inch deep) over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot before adding the patties, as this helps achieve a crispy texture.
6. Fry the Patties:
Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zucchini patties warm with lemon wedges on the side and a dollop of your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your tasty and crispy snack or side dish!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Zucchini Patties
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is best for this recipe, you can use frozen zucchini as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the excess moisture before using it. It’s important to squeeze out as much water as possible to keep the patties crisp!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Patties?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side over medium heat instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make These Patties Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many great gluten-free breadcrumbs available that will work perfectly in this recipe!
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Patties?
These patties are versatile! They can be served as a snack with dipping sauces like tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or sour cream. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad, pasta, or whole grains like quinoa or rice.
