Zucchini fritters are the ultimate solution when you’re craving something savory, crispy, and quick to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a light lunch, or a veggie-packed side dish, these fritters check all the boxes.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make zucchini fritters that are golden brown and full of flavor—not soggy. We’ll share step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and variations to suit your dietary needs.
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🥒 Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly
- Great for using up garden zucchini
- Easy to customize with different spices or add-ins
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Yields about 10–12 fritters.
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup gluten-free flour (or regular all-purpose)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
🧰 Tools You’ll Find Helpful
- Box Grater – For quick and even shredding
- Nut Milk Bag or Cheesecloth – Crucial for removing moisture
- Cast Iron Skillet – Delivers crispy edges and even heat
- Silicone Spatula – Makes flipping easy without tearing
- Mixing Bowls – For prepping and mixing the batter
- Cooling Rack – Keeps fritters crispy after frying
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👩🍳 How to Make Zucchini Fritters – Step-by-Step
1. Grate and Salt the Zucchini
Grate zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture
Wrap the salted zucchini in a clean towel or nut milk bag. Squeeze firmly until you’ve removed most of the water. This step is key to avoiding soggy fritters.
3. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, flour, garlic, black pepper, paprika, and Parmesan (if using). Stir in the drained zucchini and chopped herbs. The batter should be thick and hold its shape.
4. Shape the Fritters
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter and shape into small patties. Keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
5. Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the patties without crowding the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, or better yet, a cooling rack to keep them crisp.
6. Serve Warm
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—sour cream, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or marinara all pair beautifully. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and dig in!
🌟 Recipe Tips for Crispy Fritters
- Drain thoroughly: The drier the zucchini, the crispier the fritters.
- Use medium zucchinis: Large ones hold more water and seeds.
- Customize the seasoning: Try cumin, za’atar, or curry powder for a unique twist.
- Add cheese: Parmesan, cheddar, or feta adds richness and extra flavor.
- Make ahead: You can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying.
🌀 Variations to Try
✅ Gluten-Free
Use chickpea flour, almond flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free blend instead of regular flour.
🌱 Vegan
Replace the egg with a flax egg:
Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water and let sit 5 minutes.
🍽️ Low-Carb / Keto
Swap the flour with almond or coconut flour, and skip the Parmesan if avoiding dairy.
🔁 Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
🥗 What to Serve with Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are super versatile. Here’s how to serve them:
- Brunch: With poached eggs and avocado
- Lunch: Alongside a green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Dinner: As a side with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
- Snack: With your favorite dip and a sprinkle of sea salt
📋 Nutrition (Per Fritter, without cheese)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
❓ FAQ
Can I bake zucchini fritters?
Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why are my fritters falling apart?
They’re likely too wet. Squeeze out more water from the zucchini or mix in a bit more flour to firm up the batter.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the batter ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. You can also cook the fritters and reheat as needed.
💡 Final Thoughts
These crispy zucchini fritters are a go-to favorite when you need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and endless ways to customize, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to pin or bookmark this recipe so you can make it all zucchini season long!