Forget everything you think you know about zucchini. This isn’t your grandma’s watery, bland vegetable. We’re talking about vibrant, golden-yellow zucchini fritters – crispy, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly versatile. They’re a fantastic way to use up a surplus of zucchini, a delicious breakfast option, or a delightful side dish for any gathering. Seriously, these are addictive. Let’s dive into how to create a batch that’ll have you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This
Let’s be honest, zucchini can be a bit of a challenge. It’s often overlooked, perceived as a bland vegetable. But when transformed with the right techniques – like frying – it becomes a star! Zucchini fritters offer a fantastic textural contrast to the soft, fluffy interior. They’re naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with sensitivities, and they’re packed with nutrients. Beyond the deliciousness, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and a quick turnaround time. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to reduce food waste – that zucchini is going to be used up! It’s a surprisingly satisfying and flavorful way to elevate your weeknight meals. Finally, they’re visually appealing – a beautiful golden hue is just irresistible!
Ingredients & Equipment
Yields: Approximately 12-16 fritters
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated (about 3 cups) – *Don’t worry, you won’t taste the zucchini! It’s all about the texture!*
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (sunflower, canola, or peanut oil) – about 1-2 inches deep in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Large skillet or pot with a lid
- Paper towels
- Whisk or fork
Note: Using a food processor can work, but be careful not to over-process the zucchini – you want it to remain somewhat chunky for a nice texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini. Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little bit of texture is part of the charm! Rinse the grated zucchini under cold water to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for crispy fritters!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Don’t overmix – a little bit of dryness is good.
Step 3: Heat the Oil. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of zucchini sizzles gently when dropped in. Don’t let it get too hot – you want a gentle sizzle, not a raging boil.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters. Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. They should puff up slightly.
Pro Tips
For Extra Crispy Fritters: Don’t flip the fritters! Let them cook undisturbed on one side until they’re golden brown. This allows the bottom to crisp up beautifully. You can also add a tablespoon of baking powder to the mixture for an even more pronounced crispiness.
Flavor Boosts: Experiment with adding herbs! Fresh dill, chives, or parsley work wonderfully. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky depth. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
Preventing Sticking: To prevent the fritters from sticking, use a generous amount of oil and make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the zucchini. A little bit of cooking spray can also help.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of honey. They’re also fantastic with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration: Let the fritters cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious! Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the fritters. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen fritters can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Enjoy! These zucchini fritters are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!
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Zucchini Fritters
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these zucchini fritters are a quick and delicious way to use up fresh summer zucchini.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup finely chopped scallions or onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Wrap zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. In a large bowl, mix the drained zucchini with scallions, garlic, Parmesan, flour, egg, pepper, and herbs until well combined.
4. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the skillet, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
You can add a pinch of baking powder for fluffier fritters.
For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free blend.
Leftover fritters can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American