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Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe

4.5 from 115 reviews

These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a delightful, golden-brown snack or side dish made from fresh grated zucchini, parmesan, and green onions. Lightly seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, they offer a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful inside. Served warm with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, they make a perfect appetizer or accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Fritters

  • 500 g (1 lb) zucchini (about 2 medium, ~23cm/9″ long)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 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
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, separated

To Serve

  • Yogurt or sour cream
  • More chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater on the diagonal to create long strands. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix well. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Remove Excess Water: Using your hands or a clean tea towel, squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini. Transfer the drained zucchini back into a bowl.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (100°C) and place a rack on a tray to keep the fritters warm and crispy after cooking.
  4. Mix the Batter: Add the egg, sliced green onions, grated parmesan, and minced garlic to the zucchini bowl. Mix to combine thoroughly.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients: Scatter the flour and baking powder evenly over the mixture (avoid adding it all in one spot) and add a pinch of pepper. Gently mix until the flour is just incorporated. The batter should be thick but soft.
  6. Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat (reduce to medium if your stove is strong).
  7. Form and Cook Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measure or ice cream scoop, drop 3 to 4 mounds of batter into the pan. Lightly flatten each to about 1cm (approximately 4/5″) thick with a spatula.
  8. Fry Until Golden: Cook the fritters for about 3 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown, adjusting heat if they brown too quickly. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes.
  9. Keep Warm: Transfer cooked fritters to the prepared oven rack to keep warm and crispy while you finish frying the remaining batter.
  10. Serve: Serve the zucchini fritters immediately with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For best texture, squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini so the fritters aren’t soggy.
  • Grating zucchini on the diagonal creates longer strands, which results in a better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep fritters tender.
  • Adjust oil amount as needed to prevent sticking when frying.
  • You can keep the fritters warm in a low oven on a rack to maintain crispness until serving.

Keywords: zucchini fritters, crispy fritters, vegetarian snack, parmesan zucchini, fried zucchini