Zucchini Fritter

Zucchini Fritters are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with fresh zucchini, parmesan, and garlic, these fritters are packed with savory goodness and a hint of cheesiness.

They’re easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples, and are perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or even as a tasty appetizer. Served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, these golden fritters are an irresistible way to enjoy zucchini in a deliciously crispy form.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a side dish, these zucchini fritters are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – These fritters have the perfect texture—golden and crunchy on the outside, yet light and tender inside.

Packed with Flavor – The combination of fresh zucchini, parmesan, garlic, and green onions creates a deliciously savory and aromatic taste.

Healthy and Nutritious – Made with zucchini, a low-calorie and nutrient-rich vegetable, these fritters are a great way to add more veggies to your diet.

Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these fritters come together in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, or even enjoy them as a light meal with a salad or eggs.

Pairs Well with Dips – Whether topped with sour cream, yogurt, or a tangy dipping sauce, the flavors blend beautifully for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love these crispy bites, making them a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Versatile & Customizable – Easily adaptable by adding herbs, cheese, or even grated carrots for a twist on the classic recipe.

Great for Meal Prep – These fritters store and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack.

A Fun & Tasty Way to Use Zucchini – If you have an abundance of zucchini, this is one of the best and most delicious ways to use it up!

Key Ingredients:

Zucchini – The star ingredient, adding a fresh, mild flavor and a tender texture.

Salt – Helps draw out excess moisture from the zucchini to ensure crispy fritters.

Egg – Acts as a binding agent to hold the fritters together.

Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness to the fritters.

Parmesan Cheese – Brings a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor to enhance the fritters.

Garlic – Infuses the fritters with a warm, aromatic taste.

Flour & Baking Powder – Help create structure and give the fritters a light, crisp texture.

Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor.

Olive Oil – Used for frying, giving the fritters a golden, crispy crust.

Yogurt or Sour Cream – The perfect creamy and tangy topping for serving.

Zucchini Fritter

Ingredients

ZUCCHINI:

500 g/1 lb zucchini (2 medium ~ 23cm/9″ long)

1 tsp salt

BATTER:

1 large egg

2 green onions , halved then finely sliced

1/4 cup parmesan , grated (fresh or store bought)

1 garlic clove , large, minced

1/2 cup / 75 g flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of pepper

4 tbsp olive oil , separated

FOR SERVING:

Yoghurt or sour cream

More chopped green onions

Instructions

ZUCCHINI:

Grate zucchini using a box grater. Grate on the diagonal so you get long strands.

Place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix, then leave for 10 minutes+.

Squeeze out excess water using hands (or bundle up tea towel) then place zucchini in a bowl.

Fresh Beans to eat with Pico de Gallo

Air Fryer Salsa

Easy Cheezy Sausage Biscuit Bites

BATTER:

Preheat oven to 200F/100C (for keeping fritters warm). Place rack on tray (helps keep crispy)

Add egg, green onions, parmesan and garlic into the zucchini bowl. Mix to combine.

Scatter over flour and baking powder (don’t dump in one spot), and add pinch of pepper. Mix until flour is just incorporated – batter should be thick but soft (see video, Note 1).

COOKING:

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan over medium high heat (or medium if stove is strong). Drop 1/4 cup batter in the pan (ice cream scoop is perfect). Do 3 or 4 mounds.

Flatten lightly with spatula to about 1cm / 4/5″ thick.

Cook for 3 minutes until underside is deep golden (adjust heat if browning too quickly). Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Transfer to tray and place in oven to keep warm.

Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve immediately with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream and garnish of extra green onions if desired.

Notes:

Remove Excess Moisture – After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel to ensure crispy fritters.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh zucchini, green onions, and garlic will give the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the fritters dense instead of light and crispy.

Adjust Heat While Cooking – If the fritters are browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow them to cook evenly inside without burning.

Keep Them Warm & Crispy – Place cooked fritters on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F/100°C) while finishing the rest. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Use the Right Amount of Oil – A thin layer of oil in the pan helps create a crispy golden crust without making the fritters greasy.

Customize the Recipe – Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor, or mix in grated carrots or feta cheese for a twist.

Serve Immediately – Zucchini fritters taste best fresh and hot, served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Make Them Gluten-Free – Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in the batter?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses.

Feta or cheddar can provide distinct flavors.

How do I prevent the fritters from being too watery?

After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s recommended to make the batter just before cooking to maintain its consistency.

Preparing it ahead may result in a different texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it might result in a denser texture.

How can I make the fritters gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free.
6. What’s the purpose of baking powder in the batter?

Baking powder adds leavening, making the fritters light and fluffy.

Can I fry the fritters in less oil?

You can use less oil, but ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.

8. What other sauces can I serve with zucchini fritters?

Besides yogurt or sour cream, try tzatziki, aioli, or a simple tomato salsa.

Can I freeze leftover fritters?

Yes, you can freeze them, but the texture might change slightly upon reheating.

Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container.

How do I reheat leftover fritters?

Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Avoid using a microwave to prevent sogginess.