These crispy zucchini fritters are a super tasty snack! With fresh zucchini, a crunchy coating, and a hint of seasoning, they’re hard to resist.
Plus, they are easy to whip up! I love making a big batch and freezing some for later—perfect for snacking anytime! Who doesn’t love a crunchy treat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis are best for this recipe. If you’re short on zucchinis, you can mix in some carrots or even shredded squash for variety.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can use whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour if needed. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the batter!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Egg: The egg helps bind the fritters together. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Fritters Are Crispy?
The key to getting those perfect crispy fritters is removing as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. First, after grating, sprinkle salt on the zucchini and let it sit to draw out the liquid, about 10 minutes. Then, use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any leftover moisture.
- Grate zucchini and sprinkle with salt.
- Let it rest in a colander for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze the excess liquid using a towel.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Keeping the oil hot while cooking is important too! If the fritters are cooking too slowly, they might absorb more oil and become soggy. Adjust the heat as necessary and enjoy your crispy fritters!
Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes in total before you can enjoy these crispy snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture from the zucchini, making your fritters crispy.
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After the 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and use it to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. This step is super important—moisture will make your fritters soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix everything together until a batter forms. It should hold together but not be too wet!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, but not so much that the fritters are swimming in it.
5. Shape the Fritters:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the batter and form it into small patties (about the size of your palm). Carefully place them in the hot oil, flattening them lightly with the back of a spatula. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary!
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Let the fritters cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. When they are golden brown, flip them over gently and cook on the other side for another 3-4 minutes until crispy. You want them to be beautifully browned!
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm crispy zucchini fritters with your favorite dipping sauce—sour cream, tzatziki, or a spicy mayo are all great options!
Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make crispy zucchini fritters as a snack or appetizer! They are sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is best for texture, you can use frozen zucchini in a pinch! Thaw it completely and drain off excess moisture. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible, just like with fresh zucchini, to keep those fritters crispy!
What Can I Use Instead of Flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the fritters. Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing, and layer between parchment paper in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other grated vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or add herbs like cilantro or dill for extra flavor. Just be sure to maintain the moisture balance by squeezing out excess liquid!
