Hearty Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Every summer brings an overwhelming amount of green squash, and I am always looking for new ways to use it. These crispy Zucchini Fritters have quickly become the most requested way to eat vegetables in my house.

They strike the perfect balance between a savory pancake and a hash brown with soft centers and golden edges. You only need a few pantry staples to turn a humble vegetable into something truly craving-worthy.

What Makes These Zucchini Fritters a Keeper

The texture is absolutely incredible with a crunch on the outside that gives way to a tender, cheesy interior. I find them impossible to stop eating straight out of the pan because they remain light rather than greasy.

You can whip up the batter in a single bowl without needing any fancy equipment or food processors. This makes cleanup incredibly fast so you can get back to enjoying your summer evening.

They are surprisingly versatile and work just as well for a savory breakfast as they do for a dinner side dish. My family loves dipping them in everything from cool ranch dressing to garlic yogurt sauce.

If you are looking for more satisfying comfort food, my Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a must-try dinner. You will also love the seasonal flavors in my Ultimate Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Pepitas when cooler weather hits.

Everything You Need for Perfect Zucchini Fritters

Here are the simple pantry staples required for this recipe:

• Fresh Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized squash that feels heavy for its size.
• Kosher Salt: This is crucial for drawing out excess moisture to ensure a crispy result.
• Large Eggs: These bind the ingredients together so the patties hold their shape.
• All-Purpose Flour: A little flour creates the necessary structure for the batter.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that melts perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: This adds a savory depth without the risk of burning raw garlic.
• Onion Powder: A pantry staple that boosts the overall savory profile.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice bit of heat to the fritters.
• Avocado Oil: This neutral oil handles higher heat well for frying without smoking.
• Ranch Dip: I love serving these with a creamy dip for extra flavor.

My Method for Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Start by grating your fresh zucchini and placing it into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the shreds and let them sit for at least ten minutes to draw out the water.
2. Gather the corners of the towel and twist tightly over the sink to squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible. You want the zucchini to be very dry and compact so your fritters fry up crispy instead of soggy.
3. Transfer the dried zucchini shreds into a large mixing bowl along with the eggs, flour, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together with a fork until the mixture is fully combined and sticky.
4. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Scoop portions of the batter into the pan and flatten them gently with a spatula to create even patties.
5. Cook the fritters for about two to three minutes on the first side until deep golden brown. Flip them carefully and cook for another two minutes on the second side before transferring to a paper towel.

Secrets for the Best Zucchini Fritters

The most important step is squeezing the liquid out of the Zucchini Fritters mixture until your arms feel a bit tired. If you skip this part or rush it, the batter will become watery and the patties will fall apart in the pan.

Make sure your oil is hot enough before dropping the batter in to prevent the fritters from absorbing too much grease. I like to test a tiny piece of batter first to see if it sizzles immediately upon contact.

Do not overcrowd the skillet because too many patties at once will drop the oil temperature drastically. I always cook these Zucchini Fritters in batches to ensure every single one gets that signature crispy edge.

How I Like to Serve These Zucchini Fritters

I usually serve these hot right off the stove with a side of cool ranch dressing or a garlic-herb yogurt dip. They also make a fantastic base for poached eggs if you want to turn them into a hearty brunch.

You can pair this Zucchini Fritters recipe with a fresh green salad for a light lunch. My kids even enjoy them cold in their lunchboxes the next day as a savory treat.

Come verify these recipes and see more inspiration by following me on Pinterest.

Zucchini Fritters

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 24 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, these easy zucchini fritters are the perfect summer appetizer or side dish.

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Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb zucchini (about 3 medium)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp avocado oil for frying
• Ranch dressing for serving

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Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater and place it into a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle the salt over the zucchini and let it rest for 10 minutes to release moisture.
2. Twist the towel tightly over a sink to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. The dryer the zucchini, the crispier the fritters will be.
3. Place the drained zucchini into a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork until the batter holds together.
4. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop about 3 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan and flatten slightly with a spatula.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.

Notes

Ensure you squeeze the zucchini very thoroughly; excess water is the enemy of crispiness.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 12 min
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 fritters
• Calories: 255
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: zucchini fritters, savory pancakes, summer side dish, easy zucchini recipe