These crispy zucchini fritters are a fun way to enjoy veggies! With just a few simple ingredients like zucchini, flour, and cheese, they’re quick to make and full of flavor.
Making these fritters is a blast, and they disappear fast! I love serving them with a dollop of yogurt on top—makes them even tastier! Perfect for lunch or a snack! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the show! Look for firm, shiny zucchinis. If you’re in a pinch, you can use yellow squash as a fun alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or chickpea flour. They’ll give a nice texture, too!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast might be good substitutes. Vegan cheese can also work well if you need a dairy-free option.
Fresh Parsley: This is optional but adds a lovely color and freshness. You could also use chives or green onions if you prefer something different.
How Do I Make Sure My Fritters Are Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture comes down to a few key steps. Make sure to remove as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. The salt helps draw out water, and it’s important to press the grated zucchini well in a towel after it sits.
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt; let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out even more water to ensure the mixture is dry. This is crucial for crispiness!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying. Give each fritter plenty of room to cook evenly and become golden brown.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Made Easy and Delicious
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 15 to 20 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish! Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate the Zucchini:
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Use a box grater to grate them into large shreds. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This time helps draw out moisture, keeping your fritters crispy!
2. Squeeze Out Extra Moisture:
After the 10-minute wait, gather the corners of the towel and twist it to squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as you can. The drier your zucchini, the better your fritters will turn out!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, the egg, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in a thin layer of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You want just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
5. Form the Fritters:
Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, form small patties. Carefully place each patty in the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this allows them to cook evenly.
6. Fry to Perfection:
Fry each fritter for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Gently flip them and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. They should be crispy and beautiful!
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This keeps them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top if you like. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy zucchini fritters! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other shredded vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even yellow squash. Just make sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly by squeezing out excess liquid.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. They should still turn out delicious and crispy.
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Fritters?
These fritters are great on their own or served with a dipping sauce. Pair them with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a zesty marinara sauce for added flavor. They also complement salads or creamy soups beautifully!
