Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zucchini Fritters are a fun and delicious way to enjoy vegetables. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor thanks to the savory zucchini and the seasonings. These fritters are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or even a light main course. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor. You can enjoy them fresh out of the pan or store them for later!

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated
1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 large egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is essential to make the fritters crispy.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped onion (if using), egg, flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour to help bind it together.
Fry the fritters: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, spoon heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture into the pan and flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the fritters in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Drain excess oil: Once the fritters are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve and garnish: Serve the fritters warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings (about 8 fritters)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Cheese Zucchini Fritters: Add more cheese, like cheddar or feta, to the mixture for extra flavor.
Vegan Zucchini Fritters: For a vegan version, skip the egg and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). You can also use a plant-based flour like chickpea flour.
Spicy Zucchini Fritters: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
Zucchini and Carrot Fritters: Add some grated carrots to the mixture for a touch of sweetness and additional color.
Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these fritters gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, lay the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat the fritters in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make zucchini fritters without flour?

Yes! If you need a flour-free version, you can use oat flour, almond flour, or even breadcrumbs as a binder. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the type of flour you use.

How do I keep my fritters from falling apart?

The key to keeping your fritters together is to make sure you squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. If your mixture is too wet, add more flour until it holds together well.

Can I bake zucchini fritters instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make zucchini fritters ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cook them fresh before serving for the best texture.

How can I make zucchini fritters crispier?

To make your fritters extra crispy, make sure to cook them in a hot pan with enough oil. Avoid overcrowding the skillet so that each fritter has enough space to fry evenly.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes, yellow squash can be used in place of zucchini. The texture and flavor will be very similar, so it’s a great substitute.

Can I add meat to zucchini fritters?

Yes, you can add cooked ground meat, like chicken, turkey, or beef, to the fritter mixture for added protein.

Can I use frozen zucchini for fritters?

Fresh zucchini is best for fritters, but if using frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

What can I serve zucchini fritters with?

Zucchini fritters are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with sour cream, Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, or a side of salad. You can also pair them with hummus or a tangy dipping sauce.

How do I prevent the fritters from getting soggy?

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters to the pan.

Conclusion

Zucchini Fritters are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, side dish, or light meal, these fritters are sure to hit the spot. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can adjust the seasonings, toppings, and even add different vegetables to suit your taste. With a simple preparation and delicious result, zucchini fritters are a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round!

Zucchini Fritters