These easy zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! You’ll love the mix of grated zucchini, eggs, and a hint of cheese all cooked to crispy perfection.
I can’t resist the crunchy edges! Perfect for a quick snack or a fun side dish. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh medium zucchinis are key for this recipe. If you need a substitute, yellow squash works well too. Make sure they are firm and not too big, as large zucchinis can be watery.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work too. Just note that nutritional yeast won’t give the same creaminess.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard but feel free to use whole wheat flour for more nutrition. Gluten-free flour also works well; just make sure it’s a blend that behaves like regular flour.
Green Onions or Chives: These add a nice bite. If you don’t have either, finely chopped onion or shallots can be used in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your taste preference!
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Zucchini Fritters?
The key to great zucchini fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. Too much water will lead to soggy fritters. Here’s a quick guide:
- Grate the zucchinis and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, gather the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
- This step is crucial – the drier the zucchini, the better the fritters will hold together and get crispy!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream or yogurt for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes for some crispy, tasty zucchini fritters!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle the teaspoon of salt over it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out the extra moisture from the zucchini so your fritters won’t be soggy.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
After the 10 minutes are up, take a clean kitchen towel or a piece of cheesecloth and wrap the zucchini in it. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can—this step is key for achieving that perfect, crispy texture!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, black pepper, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and the finely chopped green onions or chives. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium heat and pour in enough oil to coat the bottom. Let the oil heat up so it’s nice and hot before adding the fritters.
5. Form and Cook the Fritters:
Using a spoon or your hands, form small patties from the zucchini mixture and carefully place them in the hot skillet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may have to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
6. Fry the Fritters:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they easily release from the skillet. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crisp when serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zucchini fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if you like. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for Zucchini Fritters?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, or even almond flour for a gluten-free alternative. If using a different flour, you may need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the right consistency.
What If My Zucchini Is Too Watery?
If your grated zucchini is still too watery after squeezing out the excess moisture, try using a clean dish towel or additional cheesecloth to squeeze even more liquid out. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be!
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again.
