Zucchini Fritters

Name: Zucchini Fritters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, grated; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying

Author: Tessa

Published: September 18, 2025

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Oh, Zucchini Fritters! These crispy, savory bites have become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the summer months when zucchini is overflowing from everyone’s gardens. I remember the first time I tried them at a local farmer’s market – golden brown, perfectly seasoned, and impossibly delicious. I was instantly hooked and knew I had to figure out how to make them myself.

What started as a quest to recreate that perfect market fritter has evolved into my go-to recipe for using up all that beautiful squash. They’re incredibly versatile, equally at home as a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a delightful side dish. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques to whip up a batch, just a few simple ingredients and a little love. Get ready to fall in love with the sheer ease and deliciousness of homemade Zucchini Fritters!

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Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters

Making Zucchini Fritters is a rewarding experience, and I promise you’ll find so many reasons to adore this recipe. They’re not just tasty; they’re incredibly practical too!

Quick & Easy: From start to finish, these come together in under 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Delicious Flavor: Savory zucchini, a hint of onion and garlic, and fresh herbs make every bite irresistible.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a fantastic side dish to almost any meal.
Zucchini Hero: They’re an amazing way to use up all that summer zucchini bounty. No more wasted veggies!

The Allure of Zucchini Fritters

The magic of these Zucchini Fritters really lies in that incredible contrast: a tender, savory interior encased in a golden, unbelievably crispy crust. That texture alone is enough to make anyone a fan! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a casual brunch, a backyard BBQ, or just as a fun snack for the kids after school. They just disappear so fast!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Zucchini Fritters

You don’t need a professional kitchen to make amazing Zucchini Fritters. Just a few basic tools will do the trick! You’ll want a sturdy box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, a large mixing bowl, a clean kitchen towel for squeezing, a large skillet for frying, and some paper towels for draining.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Zucchini Fritters

The beauty of these Zucchini Fritters lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already! To get started, you’ll need two medium zucchini, ready for grating, along with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to bind everything together. We’ll also be using 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that lovely savory kick, and one large egg, thoroughly beaten. For fresh flavors, have 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, one small onion, very finely chopped, and one clove of minced garlic. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to give them a little lift, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, you’ll need vegetable oil for frying.

How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Making these Zucchini Fritters is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step will guarantee you the crispiest, most flavorful results. I’m going to walk you through it, from prepping your zucchini to frying them golden brown. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

First things first, grate your two medium zucchini. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment – whatever is easiest for you. Once grated, place the zucchini in a colander in your sink.
Now for the magic step: sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the grated zucchini. Give it a gentle toss to distribute the salt, and then let it sit for a full 10 minutes. This draws out a surprising amount of excess water, which is key for crispy fritters.
After 10 minutes, gather the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel. Twist and squeeze with all your might to remove as much liquid as possible. You’ll be amazed at how much water comes out! The drier your zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly squeezed zucchini, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large beaten egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 finely chopped small onion, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything gently with a spoon or your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fritters tough.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you drop a tiny bit of batter in, but not smoking.
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the skillet. I like to use about 1 1/2 tablespoons per fritter. Use the back of your spoon to gently flatten them slightly, shaping them into even discs.
Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
As they finish cooking, use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil and keep them crispy.
Serve your crispy Zucchini Fritters immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

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Preparing Your Zucchini for Fritters

This step is non-negotiable for truly crispy Zucchini Fritters! After grating your zucchini, salting it and then squeezing out every last drop of moisture is crucial. That excess water would otherwise steam the fritters in the pan, leading to a soggy, disappointing result instead of that glorious crunch we’re aiming for.

Mixing the Zucchini Fritters Batter

Once your zucchini is perfectly dry, it’s time to bring all those delicious ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the flour, Parmesan, egg, herbs, onion, garlic, baking powder, and seasonings. Mix gently until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making your fritters tough, so stop as soon as it’s combined.

Frying Your Zucchini Fritters to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. This is where the magic happens for those crispy edges! Carefully drop spoonfuls of your Zucchini Fritters batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Flatten them slightly with your spoon, and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t rush this step; that color means flavor and crispiness!

Expert Tips for the Best Zucchini Fritters

I’ve made these Zucchini Fritters countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I’m excited to share with you. These little pearls of wisdom will help you achieve consistently amazing results, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. From maximizing that irresistible crunch to exploring new flavor combinations, these tips are all about elevating your fritter game and making your cooking experience even more enjoyable.

Don’t be afraid to experiment a little once you’ve mastered the basic recipe; that’s where the real fun begins! Remember, cooking should be a joy, so embrace the process and savor every delicious bite of your homemade creations.

Ensuring Extra Crispy Zucchini Fritters

The number one secret to truly crispy Zucchini Fritters is moisture removal. After grating and salting, squeeze, squeeze, and squeeze again! I even sometimes place the grated zucchini in a potato ricer for an extra firm squeeze. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as this lowers the oil temperature and steams the fritters instead of crisping them. Fry in batches for best results.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Fritters

These Zucchini Fritters are fantastic on their own, but a good dipping sauce takes them to the next level! I love serving them with a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little fresh dill and lemon juice. A spicy sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce also makes for a delicious pairing. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad.

Common Questions About Zucchini Fritters

I get a lot of questions about making Zucchini Fritters, and for good reason! They’re so popular, and everyone wants to ensure they get the best possible results. Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best advice to help you master these delicious fritters every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make them your own!

Can I make Zucchini Fritters ahead of time?

While Zucchini Fritters are definitely best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, give it a quick stir. Frying them just before serving will ensure maximum crispiness. I don’t recommend frying them entirely ahead of time if you want that perfect crunch.

What are some variations for Zucchini Fritters?

Absolutely! The beauty of these Zucchini Fritters is how adaptable they are. Feel free to swap out the Parmesan for feta cheese for a tangier, Mediterranean twist. Incorporate other fresh herbs like chopped chives, mint, or even a pinch of dried oregano. For a little heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the batter. You can even finely grate a carrot or two into the mix for added color and nutrition.

How do I store and reheat leftover Zucchini Fritters?

Leftover Zucchini Fritters should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat them and bring back some of that crispness, I highly recommend using an air fryer or placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving them will make them soft.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Zucchini Fritters

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a typical serving of these Zucchini Fritters (approximately 1 fritter or 50g). Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the exact size of your fritters.

Calories: 150
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg