Zucchini Fritters Recipe

If you’re looking for an irresistible yet simple way to turn a humble summer squash into something you’ll crave year-round, Zucchini Fritters are it! Packed with flavor, crispy on the outside and tender inside, they always disappear the second they hit the table – and they’re a total crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or even as an appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Zucchini Fritters is their simplicity, letting every ingredient shine in its own way. Each component brings something special to the party—texture, color, subtle flavor, or that satisfying crispiness that makes these fritters unforgettable.

• Zucchini (about 2 lbs): The star of the show! Use firm, fresh zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Don’t peel them—you want their vibrant green skin.
• Fine Sea Salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture from zucchini and bringing all the flavors together.
• Large Eggs: Gently bind the mixture so your fritters hold together beautifully.
• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, slightly peppery note and a pop of color throughout each fritter.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives body and just enough crispness, without heaviness.
• Baking Powder: The secret to a little lift and a light, fluffy interior.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a background warmth to balance the mellow zucchini.
• Olive Oil: For that golden, flavorful crust when sautéing.
• Sour Cream (for serving): The perfect creamy and tangy complement, making every bite extra luscious.

Variations

Zucchini Fritters are endlessly adaptable—swap, add, or subtract ingredients based on your mood, diet, or whatever you’ve got handy. It’s so much fun to put your own spin on this classic, and the results are always delicious.

• Cheesy Fritters: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, feta, or cheddar for an even richer, more savory bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend—no one will notice the difference.
• Herby Twist: Add fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to brighten things up and layer in even more flavor.
• Spicy Zing: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a minced hot pepper if you love a little heat.
• Low-Carb Swap: Swap flour for almond flour for a subtly nutty, carb-conscious version.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters

Step 1: Grate and Salt the Zucchini

Start by washing your zucchini thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Use the large holes of a box grater or your food processor’s grating attachment to shred the zucchini. Toss the grated squash with salt in a big bowl, then let it rest for 10 minutes—this step helps draw out all that sneaky excess water.

Step 2: Squeeze Out the Moisture

After letting the salted zucchini rest, grab handfuls and squeeze as much water out as you can—seriously, you’ll be shocked at how much liquid comes out! If you have cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, wring out the shreds until they’re nearly dry. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your fritters.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a mixing bowl and add chopped green onions and your lightly beaten eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, some more salt, and black pepper. Add the dry mix to the zucchini mixture and stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, just enough for all the flour to disappear.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or nonstick is perfect) over medium heat. Drop in heaping spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture, then gently flatten each with the back of a spoon so they cook evenly. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes per side, flipping once they’re deep golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat if they brown too quickly—your patience will be rewarded!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve your Zucchini Fritters warm with dollops of cool, creamy sour cream (or try Greek yogurt!). Cue the awestruck hush that always falls as everyone takes their first crispy bite.

How to Serve Zucchini Fritters

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs (think dill, chives, or parsley) is always a welcome finishing touch, bringing freshness and color. A little scatter of flaky sea salt atop the hot fritters elevates them from delightful to downright irresistible, while a swirl of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt cools and balances every bite.

Side Dishes

Zucchini Fritters are fantastic alongside crisp salads—imagine them with a tomato and cucumber salad or tossed greens with vinaigrette. For brunch, pair with smoked salmon and poached eggs, or keep it simple with fresh fruit and crusty bread for dunking into the fritters.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them sky-high for dramatic brunch boards, miniaturize them for bite-sized party appetizers, or layer them in a wrap with tzatziki, salad, and grilled chicken for a fun and fresh lunch. Zucchini Fritters are just as at home at a picnic as they are at your fanciest brunch table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Zucchini Fritters (lucky you!), let them cool completely before layering with parchment in an airtight container. Pop them into the fridge and they’ll stay lovely for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or packed lunches.

Freezing

Zucchini Fritters freeze like a dream! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just reheat straight from frozen for instant crispy goodness.

Reheating

To revive that irresistible crisp, reheat fritters in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil until warmed through and crunchy again, or pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the exterior won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Zucchini Fritters are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—easy, comforting, and simply full of joy. Give them a try this week, and don’t be surprised if they make it onto your regular rotation. Happy cooking!

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