Got an abundance of zucchini from your garden or the farmers market? These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are the ultimate way to transform those versatile veggies into a truly delicious meal. Enjoy irresistible crispy edges, tender centers, and a delightful savory flavor. They are incredibly simple to make and quickly become a favorite for both kids and adults. Get ready to add this amazing dish to your regular rotation!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Fritters Recipe
You will adore these Zucchini Fritters for so many excellent reasons!
- They are incredibly quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize a surplus of garden zucchini effectively.
- Each fritter boasts a delightful crispy texture on the outside with a wonderfully tender interior.
- These versatile fritters pair well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, fitting any meal occasion.
- It’s truly a family-friendly dish, even picky eaters enjoy these savory delights.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make amazing Zucchini Fritters:
- 2 lb zucchini, about 2 large or 5 medium
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Sour cream, to serve
Notes & Substitutions
When gathering your ingredients, remember that the quality of your zucchini makes a difference; medium-sized zucchini often have less water and smaller seeds. You can certainly adjust the salt in the batter to your personal taste, especially if you are watching sodium intake. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If zucchini is scarce, yellow squash works interchangeably and yields similar delicious results. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add an extra layer of flavor to your fritters.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for these Zucchini Fritters, making this recipe even simpler. A box grater or food processor with a grating attachment will make quick work of shredding the zucchini. You will need a couple of large mixing bowls for combining ingredients and a small bowl for dry ingredients. Cheesecloth is optional but highly recommended for squeezing out excess liquid from the zucchini. A large heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, is ideal for even browning. An optional trigger-release ice cream scoop helps create uniformly sized fritters.
Instructions
Let’s make some delicious Zucchini Fritters! Follow these easy steps for perfect results.
- Prepare the zucchini: First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or the grater attachment on your food processor. Transfer the grated zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture.
- Remove excess liquid: After 10 minutes, gather handfuls of the salted zucchini and squeeze them tightly over the sink to remove as much water as possible. For best results, wring the zucchini out in a cheesecloth if you have one. You will be amazed by the amount of liquid that comes out! You should end up with approximately 3 ½ to 4 cups of squeezed, dry zucchini. Transfer this to a clean large mixing bowl. This is a crucial step for crispy Zucchini Fritters.
The culinary science behind crispy fried foods explains that removing moisture is essential for achieving the desired texture, as detailed by JRFOOD. Learn more about the dehydration process for crispiness. - Combine wet ingredients: To the dry zucchini, add ½ cup of chopped green onion and the 2 lightly beaten large eggs. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, the remaining ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste here.
- Form the batter: Add the whisked flour mixture into the zucchini mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Cook the fritters: Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet, such as a cast iron or non-stick pan, over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, use a heaping tablespoon or an ice cream scoop to drop portions of the zucchini mixture into the pan. Gently flatten the tops slightly with the back of the spoon to create pancake-shaped fritters.
- Sauté until golden: Sauté the Zucchini Fritters for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. If the fritters start browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade crispy Zucchini Fritters!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Zucchini Fritters is easy with these helpful tips.
- Squeeze Zucchini Well: This is the most critical step for crispy fritters. Excess moisture makes them soggy. Don’t skip the salt-and-squeeze process!
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Cook fritters in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents even browning, resulting in less crispy results.
- Adjust Heat: Monitor your skillet’s heat. If fritters brown too fast, lower the heat to prevent burning while ensuring they cook completely through.
- Uniform Fritter Size: Use a scoop or consistent spoon measurements. This ensures all fritters cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked or overdone.
- Prevent Soggy Fritters: Always place cooked fritters on a wire rack over paper towels. This allows air circulation and prevents them from steaming and becoming soggy.
- Adding Flavor: For an extra kick, mix in a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of red pepper flakes into the batter.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile Zucchini Fritters are fantastic on their own or with creative additions!
To Serve
Serve these delicious fritters warm with a generous dollop of sour cream or a lighter Greek yogurt. Garnish them with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a homemade Tzatziki sauce, a simple marinara dip, or a zesty aioli. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a light lunch, or a satisfying snack.
To Store
Refrigerate any leftover cooked fritters in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure they cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
To Freeze
For longer storage, freeze cooked fritters for up to 3 months. Flash freeze them first on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
To Reheat
Reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, typically 10-15 minutes. An air fryer also works perfectly for crisp reheating. Microwaving is an option for quick warming, but it may result in a softer texture.
Variations
Get creative with your fritters! Add a quarter cup of shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar or Parmesan, to the batter for extra richness. Incorporate other finely shredded vegetables such as corn kernels or grated carrots. For a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enhance the savory profile with a half teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder.
Nutrition
These Zucchini Fritters offer a wholesome way to enjoy your vegetables. They provide essential nutrients and are relatively low in calories. Eating zucchini in this delicious form is a great way to boost your daily veggie intake.
As reported by WebMD, zucchini is a good source of fiber, minerals, and nutrients that support overall health, including the immune system and gut health. Discover more about the health benefits of zucchini.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 107kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 617mg |
| Potassium | 524mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 466IU |
| Vitamin C | 29mg |
| Calcium | 71mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are zucchini fritters?
Zucchini fritters are savory, pancake-like patties made from grated zucchini, flour, eggs, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. They offer a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh zucchini.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these fritters gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains a binder like xanthan gum.
Can I substitute yellow squash for zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash is a great substitute for zucchini in this recipe. It has a similar texture and moisture content, yielding equally delicious results.
Can I make these in the oven instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the fritters. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily if you need to feed a larger crowd or want to have leftovers. Just ensure you have a large enough bowl for mixing and cook them in batches.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are truly a delightful and effortless meal, perfect for any occasion. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini, transforming simple ingredients into a truly flavorful dish with irresistible crispy edges and tender insides. This recipe is beginner-friendly and so quick to prepare, making it a brilliant choice for busy parents and new cooks alike. Give them a try tonight – you will love how easy and delicious they are! We invite you to share your experience and rate this recipe in the comments below.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and trim zucchini, then grate it using a box grater or food processor attachment. Place grated zucchini in a large bowl, stir in 1 tsp salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, firmly squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini, using cheesecloth if available. You should have approximately 3 1/2 to 4 cups of dry zucchini.
- Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a large mixing bowl and add the 1/2 cup chopped green onion and 2 lightly beaten eggs.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add this flour mixture to the zucchini mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly to form pancake shapes, and sauté for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve warm with sour cream.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
