Crispy Zucchini Fritters You Can Make in Minutes!

Zucchini fritters are a simple and delicious treat that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients and are perfect as a snack, side, or light meal. The key to getting them golden and crispy is squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing it with flour, egg, and seasonings. Cooked in a little oil, they become crunchy, tender, and full of flavor, and you can easily customize them with herbs, spices, or extra vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

• 3 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• Optional for serving: sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and easy to find. The combination of Parmesan cheese and garlic gives the fritters a rich flavor while keeping them light. The green onions add a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the dish beautifully.

Step by Step Cooking Instructions for Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Preparing the Zucchini

Wash and grate the zucchinis, then place them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for ten minutes to draw out moisture, then squeeze out excess liquid with a towel to ensure crispy fritters.

Making the Fritter Mixture

Beat the egg in a bowl, then add zucchini, flour, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the batter holds together but is still slightly loose, adjusting with flour or a little water if needed, so it can form patties easily.

Cooking the Fritters

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop and flatten the zucchini mixture, cooking each fritter three to four minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Serving the Fritters

Serve zucchini fritters warm on their own or with sour cream or Greek yogurt. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, and topping with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan enhances the flavor.

Tips for Customizing Your Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are very versatile and easy to customize. You can add shredded carrots, sweet potatoes, or corn for extra color and texture, or a pinch of cayenne or jalapeno for spice. For gluten-free fritters, use chickpea or almond flour. To make them vegan, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives and spices like smoked paprika or cumin can add unique flavors, making these fritters perfect for experimenting.

Nutritional Information

These zucchini fritters are light, nutritious, and full of vegetables. One serving, assuming six fritters, has about 120 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 7 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 220 mg of sodium, and 2 grams of sugar. For an even lighter version, cook them with less oil or use an air fryer. They are a guilt-free way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful snack while getting the benefits of zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Zucchini fritters are versatile and pair well with grilled meats, salads, or roasted vegetables. They also make a great snack with dips or yogurt. You can use them in sandwiches or wraps with hummus and veggies. Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to three days, reheating in a skillet to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions