Description
Crispy Zucchini Fritters are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside – the perfect way to enjoy fresh zucchini. Lightly seasoned with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, these fritters are pan-fried until beautifully crisp and make a delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish. Serve them with sour cream, Greek yogurt dip, or tzatziki for a refreshing touch.
Ingredients For Crispy Zucchini Fritters
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2 medium zucchinis (about 3 cups grated)
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1 tsp salt (to draw out moisture)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
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3 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro)
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Oil for pan-frying (olive oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions
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Prepare the zucchini: Grate zucchinis using a box grater. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
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Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, then add flour, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Stir in the squeezed zucchini until combined.
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Heat the pan: Add a thin layer of oil to a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook fritters: Drop 2–3 tbsp of batter per fritter into the pan. Flatten slightly with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
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Drain and serve: Place fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Servings
Makes about 10–12 fritters (serves 4 as a side dish or appetizer).
Nutritional Info (per fritter, approx.)
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Calories: 85
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 190mg
Notes
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Be sure to squeeze out excess zucchini water – this step is crucial for crispiness.
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For gluten-free fritters, substitute flour with almond flour or chickpea flour.
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Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2 days; reheat in an air fryer or oven for best texture.
Tips
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Add shredded carrots or corn for variety.
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For extra crispiness, coat fritters lightly in breadcrumbs before frying.
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Serve with tzatziki, sour cream, or garlic aioli for dipping.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches for even browning.
Benefits
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Rich in fiber and antioxidants from zucchini.
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Contains protein and calcium from eggs and Parmesan.
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A healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks.
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Quick and easy way to include more vegetables in meals.
Q/A
Q: Can I bake zucchini fritters instead of frying?
A: Yes! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How do I keep fritters from falling apart?
A: Make sure the zucchini is well-drained, and don’t skip the egg and flour – they bind everything together.
Q: Can I freeze zucchini fritters?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer until crispy.
Q: What dips go best with zucchini fritters?
A: Greek yogurt dip, ranch, marinara, tzatziki, or even hummus pair wonderfully.