If you’re searching for a delightful way to celebrate summer’s best bounty, look no further than this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe. These golden, crunchy little pancakes are bursting with fresh zucchini flavor, a subtle hint of garlic, and the savory bite of parmesan, making them irresistible snacks or sides. The magic lies in their perfectly crisped edges paired with a tender inside – truly an addictively delicious way to enjoy zucchini. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe. Each element is straightforward but pivotal: fresh zucchini provides moisture and flavor, parmesan adds a savory depth, and a touch of baking powder creates that perfect light crispness. The combination of green onions and garlic gives just the right aromatic lift, and the olive oil ensures that golden crust you’ll crave.
- Zucchini (500 g / 1 lb, about 2 medium): Use fresh, firm zucchini for the best texture and taste.
- Salt (1 tsp): Helps draw out moisture from zucchini, concentrating its flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the fritters together for a perfect consistency.
- Green onions (2, halved then finely sliced): Adds a bright, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Parmesan (1/4 cup, grated): Provides a savory, umami-rich kick that complements the zucchini.
- Garlic clove (1, large, minced): Infuses the fritters with aromatic warmth.
- Flour (1/2 cup / 75 g): Gives structure to your batter, keeping it tender yet firm.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps create a light, airy texture in the fritters.
- Pinch of pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat to balance the flavors.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp, separated): Essential for frying and achieving the desirable crispy golden crust.
- Yoghurt or sour cream (to serve): A cooling accompaniment for the warm fritters.
- More chopped green onions (to garnish): Freshens up the presentation and adds a crunch.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by grating your zucchini on a diagonal using a box grater; this technique creates long, elegant strands that fry up beautifully. Once grated, sprinkle with salt and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This step pulls out excess moisture, which is crucial to achieving a fritter that’s crispy and not soggy. After resting, squeeze out as much water as you can from the zucchini using your hands or a clean tea towel—this pressurized step is what makes all the difference.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
With your dry zucchini ready, add the egg, sliced green onions, Parmesan, and minced garlic directly into the bowl. Give everything a good mix to combine the fresh and savory flavors thoroughly. Then scatter over the flour and baking powder, seasoning all with a pinch of pepper. Gently fold the flour in just until it’s no longer visible—you want your batter thick but still soft and delicate. Avoid overmixing, as that can toughen the fritters.
Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, adjusting if your stove runs hot. Using a 1/4 cup scoop or ice cream scoop, drop three or four mounds of batter into the pan at a time and lightly press down them to about 1 cm thick. Fry for 3 minutes on each side until both sides are beautifully golden and crisp. Place cooked fritters on a wire rack set over a tray in a warm oven at 100°C (200°F) to keep them perfectly crispy while you cook the rest.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these fritters is their versatility when it comes to garnishing. A generous dollop of creamy yoghurt or sour cream adds a cool and tangy contrast that complements the rich parmesan and garlicky zucchini perfectly. Freshly chopped green onions sprinkled on top bring an extra fresh crunch and vibrant green color that makes each bite even more appetizing.
Side Dishes
Crispy zucchini fritters pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette, tangy tomato salsa, or even a simple cucumber and dill salad to continue the refreshing garden-fresh theme. They also complement grilled meats or fish superbly, making them a great option for barbecue menus or casual dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack these fritters with layers of smoked salmon and crème fraîche or serve them as mini sliders with fresh herbs and a spicy aioli. You can also transform them into appetizer bites by cutting them into smaller pieces and serving with a variety of dips for sharing. The crispy texture and crowd-pleasing flavor make them incredibly adaptable for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispness as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to save fritters for longer, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This is a perfect way to have a quick snack or side ready to heat up whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the fritters nice and crispy, place them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can lead to soggy fritters. A quick pan-fry for a minute each side also works brilliantly for restoring that freshly-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?
Absolutely! While parmesan gives a lovely savory depth, you can swap it with pecorino, cheddar, or even a crumbly feta for different flavor profiles. Each will bring a unique twist to the fritters.
Why do I need to remove so much water from the zucchini?
Zucchini contains a high water content, and if not properly squeezed out, the fritters won’t crisp up well and can become soggy. Removing excess moisture is essential for that golden, crunchy exterior you want.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Be aware that gluten-free flours might alter the texture slightly, but the fritters will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to keep the fritters warm in the oven?
Keeping the cooked fritters warm on a rack in a low oven helps maintain their crispiness until serving. This step is especially handy if you’re making a larger batch and want to serve them all warm and crispy.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can brighten the flavor, and spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a kick. Feel free to experiment according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comforting crunch and fresh taste of this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients creating a flavorful experience that’s equally satisfying as a snack or a side. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and see how quickly they disappear at your table. Trust me, once you try them, this recipe will be a staple you reach for again and again!
Print
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish featuring grated zucchini, parmesan, and green onions, pan-fried to golden perfection with a soft, thick batter. Served warm with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream, these fritters are perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Zucchini Mix
- 500 g (1 lb) zucchini (about 2 medium, ~23cm/9″ long)
- 1 tsp salt
Batter
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, halved then finely sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (fresh or store bought)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of pepper
Cooking
- 4 tbsp olive oil, separated
To Serve
- Yoghurt or sour cream
- More chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Grate Zucchini: Using a box grater, grate the zucchini on the diagonal to create long strands.
- Salt and Drain: Place the grated zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, and mix well. Leave it for at least 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze Excess Water: After resting, squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini using your hands or by wrapping it in a tea towel and pressing tightly. Return the drained zucchini to a bowl.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (100°C) and place a rack on a tray to keep the fritters warm and crispy while you cook the batches.
- Prepare Batter: Add the egg, finely sliced green onions, grated parmesan, and minced garlic to the zucchini. Mix to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Scatter the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of pepper over the zucchini mixture (don’t dump all in one spot). Gently mix until just combined—the batter should be thick but soft.
- Heat Pan and Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat (or medium heat if your stove runs hot).
- Form and Cook Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measure or an ice cream scoop, drop 3 or 4 mounds of batter into the hot pan. Lightly flatten each mound with a spatula to about 1 cm (4/5″) thick.
- Fry First Side: Cook for 3 minutes until the underside is deeply golden. Adjust heat if the fritters are browning too quickly.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Flip each fritter and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked fritters to the oven rack to keep warm and maintain crispiness.
- Repeat: Add more oil if needed and repeat frying with the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve fritters immediately with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream and garnish with extra chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Grating zucchini on the diagonal creates longer strands, which contribute to the fritters’ texture.
- Resting grated zucchini with salt helps extract excess moisture to prevent soggy fritters.
- Squeezing out excess water is critical to achieving a crispy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep fritters tender.
- If you don’t want to keep fritters warm in the oven, serve them immediately after frying for best texture.
- You can substitute plain yogurt or sour cream with Greek yogurt for a creamier topping.
