These easy zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Made with fresh zucchini, they are perfect for a tasty snack or a side dish.
They’re so simple to whip up, even I can do it! Just mix, fry, and enjoy. Pair them with some yogurt or sauce for a delicious treat. You’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh zucchinis are the star of this dish. If you can’t find them, yellow squash can work as a substitute. It’s tasty, too! I prefer using smaller zucchinis as they tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds.
Cheese: I love adding sharp cheddar for its flavor, but parmesan adds a nice savory touch. If you’re vegan, a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Green Onions: They provide a mild onion flavor. If you’re out, you can use regular onions, but chop them finely to avoid overpowering the fritters. Chives or leeks could also work well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed. This can change the texture slightly, but it still makes delicious fritters!
How Do I Get Crispy Zucchini Fritters Without Sogginess?
The key to crispy fritters lies in removing excess moisture from the zucchini. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze firmly to extract as much water as possible. You want to keep it dry; soggy fritters are a no-go!
- Don’t skip the salt; it draws out moisture, helping in this process.
By giving it that extra squeeze, the fritters will fry up beautifully golden and crispy. Enjoying these fritters warm, with a dollop of sour cream, is a real treat!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or parmesan, optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (or 1/4 cup of onion)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh chives or herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In just half an hour, you can have delicious and crispy zucchini fritters ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Squeeze the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This will help the fritters turn out crispy instead of soggy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, salt, all-purpose flour, egg, black pepper, garlic powder (if you’re using it), cheese (optional), and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Heat the Oil and Cook the Fritters:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 inch deep). Once the oil is hot, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. Gently flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of the spoon. Remember not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in batches if necessary.
4. Fry Until Golden Brown:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until they are golden brown. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Once cooked, take them out of the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve the zucchini fritters warm. You can garnish them with fresh chives or herbs and add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side if you like. Enjoy your tasty fritters!
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While medium green zucchinis are the most common, you can also use yellow squash or even pattypan squash for a fun variation. Just make sure to follow the same process of grating and squeezing out excess moisture to keep your fritters from becoming soggy.
How to Make These Vegan?
You can easily make these fritters vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, and then mix it into your ingredients. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for flavor!
What Should I Do if the Mixture is Too Wet?
If you find that your mixture is too wet after mixing, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to help bind it together. Alternatively, try squeezing out even more moisture from the zucchini, as this would help achieve the right consistency.
How to Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet for a quick option!
