Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe: A Delicious Summer Treat

These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are seared to perfection in a skillet and then finished in the oven, resulting in a light, fluffy, and pleasantly non-soggy center. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-frying and are bursting with delightful Parmesan and garlic flavors, making them a favorite among even the most selective eaters! These fritters are a fantastic choice for a summer appetizer or a simple side dish during any busy weeknight.

Jump to:

• Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe: A Delicious Summer Treat
• Table of Contents
• Two Essential Steps to Ensure Success
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Zucchini Fritters
• Step 1: Grate the Zucchini
• Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
• Step 3: Make the Batter
• Step 4: Fry the Fritters
• Step 5: Serve with Sauce
• Tips for Achieving Crispy Fritters
• Meal Prep and Storage Suggestions
• Common Questions
• More Tasty Zucchini Recipes
• Zucchini Fritters Recipe
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Table of Contents

• Two Essential Steps to Ensure Success
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Zucchini Fritters
• Tips for Achieving Crispy Fritters
• Meal Prep and Storage Suggestions
• Common Questions
• More Tasty Zucchini Recipes
• Zucchini Fritters Recipe

It’s that wonderful time of year again… zucchini season!

Whether you buy them in bulk at the grocery store when they are discounted (I’m guilty of this!) or you have a flourishing garden full of them, I constantly find myself on the lookout for new and exciting ways to prepare this versatile vegetable.

While Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups, Baked Zucchini Fries, and Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are staples in our kitchen this time of year, nothing beats the deliciousness of Zucchini Fritters!

These fritters boast a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a light, airy interior, combined with incredible flavor and simple preparation.

Two Essential Steps to Ensure Success

First, there is a crucial reason why we pan-fry these fritters in an oven-safe skillet… they must be finished in the oven! Many recipes attempt to cook them completely on the stovetop, but this method can lead to a mushy interior with an excessively charred outside.

Second, it is essential to remove excess moisture from the shredded zucchini! Neglecting this step could result in a watery mixture.

Ingredients

For the precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

• Zucchini: Naturally, this is the star ingredient! You can source it from local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or grow your own. Avoid substituting with squash because the textures and moisture levels differ.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works well and creates the ideal consistency. Feel free to use a gluten-free 1-to-1 mix or a Paleo flour if you prefer.
• Salt: This ingredient is not just for flavor—it helps to draw out excess moisture from the zucchini to keep fritters crispy rather than soggy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Besides providing a tasty cheesy flavor, it helps the fritters hold together. If dairy-free is your goal, you can substitute with a dairy-free Parmesan.
• Egg: One large egg (not extra-large or medium) is required. The egg serves as a binder to keep the fritters intact while cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is highly recommended, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.

Preparing the Zucchini Fritters

For full instructions, ingredient quantities, and to print the recipe, check the card below.

Step 1: Grate the Zucchini

For the most efficient and uniform results, utilize a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Trim the ends, slice the zucchini into spears, and process until grated. A box grater works as well, but can take longer and might yield a mushier result.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

Spread the grated zucchini in a single layer or place it in a colander, sprinkling it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, wrap the zucchini in cheesecloth or a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this step is crucial for obtaining crispy fritters!

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, and black pepper, mixing well until combined. Shape the mixture into 8 evenly-sized balls, each about 2 to 3 tablespoons.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add 4 of the zucchini balls, and flatten them into 1/2-inch thick patties (approximately 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Repeat with the remaining fritters.

Transfer all fritters back to the skillet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for an additional crispiness. A cast iron skillet is ideal for an even char.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Enjoy these fritters with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt (dairy-free options available), or pair them with easy homemade sauces like Remoulade Sauce, Lime Crema, Tartar Sauce, Sriracha Mayo, Special Sauce, or Chick-fil-a Sauce.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Fritters

To guarantee your zucchini fritters turn out crispy:

1. Sprinkling the zucchini with salt before processing helps draw out extra moisture.
2. Using a cast iron skillet will give the fritters an even char and is the best type of skillet for cooking them.

Meal Prep and Storage Suggestions

• Prep Ahead: Cook the fritters completely. It’s best not to mix them ahead of time and leave uncooked; the zucchini continues to lose moisture, leading to a soggy outcome.
• Storage: Allow cooked zucchini fritters to cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, arrange fritters in one layer and freeze for 2-3 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: Reheat fritters in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer until warmed through.

Common Questions

Why are my zucchini fritters soggy?
If you do not remove enough moisture from the zucchini before cooking, the fritters may turn out soggy.

How can I make zucchini fritters crispy?
To ensure crispiness, remove excess moisture by salting the grated zucchini and straining it well with cheesecloth. Also, ensure your skillet is hot before frying and opt for a cast iron skillet if available.

How do you get water out of shredded zucchini?
Let the zucchini sit with salt for 10-15 minutes. Then, use cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel to squeeze out all the excess liquid.

Why do my fritters fall apart?
They may lack enough binder; the combination of egg, Parmesan cheese, and flour helps maintain their structure during cooking.

More Tasty Zucchini Recipes

If you’re stocked up on zucchini, consider trying these easy recipes:

• Sautéed Zucchini and Squash
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Zucchini Noodles
• Healthy Zucchini & Squash Casserole
• Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Zucchini Lasagna

With so many delicious options, your zucchini bounty won’t go to waste!

Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Please find complete instructions and measurements in the detailed recipe card below. Enjoy cooking and savoring these delightful crispy zucchini fritters!

 

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Salisbury Steak Meatballs
• Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Tomato Bruschetta
• Bruschetta Chicken

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