These crispy zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty snack! Made with fresh zucchini, they are perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft inside. What more could you ask for?
I love how simple they are to whip up. Just mix, fry, and enjoy! These fritters pair great with a dip, making them a hit at snack time. Just be ready to share, or maybe not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh zucchini is key for a moist yet crispy fritter. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. You can even mix them to add some color and a bit of flavor variety!
Flour: All-purpose flour is a go-to, but if you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just remember, it might change the texture a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using Parmesan for its sharp flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste. Or try a vegan cheese that melts well!
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to create a similar binding effect.
How Do I Get My Fritters Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, you must drain excess moisture from the zucchini. This is crucial! After grating and salting, let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out moisture using a towel or cheesecloth. The drier your mixture, the crunchier your fritters!
- Heat oil until it shimmers in the pan; this helps achieve that nice golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the heat level, ensuring they get crispy!
- Also, consider pressing the fritters down gently with a spatula while they cook, helping them shape and brown uniformly.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe for Easy Snacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for frying, bringing the total time to about 30-35 minutes. You’ll be snacking on delicious fritters in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis with a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture, making your fritters crispy!
2. Squeeze Out Liquid:
After 10 minutes, grab a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth. Wrap the grated zucchini in it and squeeze as much liquid as you can. This step is super important for crispiness!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and chopped parsley (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s fully combined.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you start frying!
5. Form the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and shape it into a small patty. Carefully place the fritter in the hot oil. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
6. Fry Until Golden:
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm with your favorite dip, such as sour cream, tzatziki, or garlic aioli. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fritters as a tasty and easy snack!
FAQ About Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini can be too watery once thawed. If you do use frozen zucchini, make sure to thoroughly thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing.
How Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
To make vegan zucchini fritters, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Fritters?
Absolutely! Feel free to add finely grated carrots, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the amount of flour if the mixture becomes too wet!
