Zucchini Fritters: 2 Best Crispy Recipes

Zucchini fritters have quickly become my go-to for using up that garden bounty, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember my first attempt at making these; I was worried they’d be soggy and bland, but boy, was I wrong. The smell of the garlic and onion sizzling in the pan was incredible, and the first bite was pure magic – perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender, savory center. These pan-fried zucchini fritters are a revelation! They’re so simple to whip up, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters

These aren’t just any fritters; they’re a game-changer for your weeknight meals and snack times. You’ll adore how incredibly easy they are to make, turning humble zucchini into something spectacular.

• Super Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes total, perfect for busy evenings.
• Uses Up Your Garden Bounty: A fantastic way to enjoy fresh zucchini.
• Incredibly Crispy Texture: We’ve perfected the method for a delightful crunch.
• Versatile Appetizer or Side: They’re delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or tzatziki.
• Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples, making this a go-to recipe.
• Flavorful and Savory: Garlic and optional herbs add a wonderful depth.
• Great for Picky Eaters: Who can resist a crispy, golden bite?
• Best Zucchini Fritters Ever: Seriously, they live up to the hype!

Ingredients for Zucchini Fritters

Gather these simple ingredients for the best zucchini fritters. This straightforward recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh zucchini, making it incredibly accessible. I find that using medium zucchinis works best for that perfect texture.

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated – about 2 cups of shredded zucchini. Make sure to squeeze out the excess water!
• 2 large eggs – these act as the binder for our fritter batter.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – this helps thicken the batter to hold its shape.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – essential for flavor and helps draw out moisture from the zucchini.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds a gentle warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that savory kick that makes these irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh herbs (optional) – like chives or parsley, for a pop of freshness.
• 2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying – you need enough to get a nice sizzle and golden crust.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters

Making these delicious zucchini fritters is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, golden bites every time. Don’t worry if your mixture seems a little wet; the key is squeezing out that zucchini moisture. I always get excited when I hear that sizzle in the pan!

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re considering the baking option, or have your skillet ready for pan-frying. Grate the 2 medium zucchinis. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Take the drained zucchini and squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. You want to remove as much liquid as possible – this is crucial for achieving crispy fritters! I usually give it a good twist.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. This forms the base of your zucchini fritter batter.
4. Step 4: Add the squeezed, drained zucchini to the egg and flour mixture. Stir in the optional 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh herbs if you’re using them. Mix everything gently until just combined; overmixing can make them tough.
5. Step 5: Heat 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
6. Step 6: Carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon to create nice, even fritters. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Step 7: Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the centers are cooked through. The aroma is amazing at this stage!
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked zucchini fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain that perfect crispiness.
9. Step 9: Serve your hot, delicious zucchini fritters immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this simple zucchini fritter recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Fritters

I’ve made countless batches of these and learned a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time. Follow these tips for the crispiest, most flavorful zucchini fritters!

• Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze! Seriously, get as much water out of the zucchini as humanly possible. I like to wrap it in a cheesecloth or a clean, thin kitchen towel and give it a good, hard squeeze. This is the number one secret to avoiding soggy fritters.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan. Give your fritters plenty of space in the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, less crispy results. Cook in batches if needed; it’s worth the extra few minutes.
• Medium Heat is Key. Too high, and they burn on the outside before cooking through. Too low, and they absorb too much oil and become greasy. Medium heat ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust and a tender interior.

What’s the secret to perfect Zucchini Fritters?

The absolute biggest secret is thoroughly draining the grated zucchini. Removing excess moisture is non-negotiable for achieving that delightful crispiness. A good squeeze in a towel makes all the difference for these savory zucchini fritters.

Can I make Zucchini Fritters ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best crispness, I recommend frying them just before serving. The zucchini can release more water if left in the batter too long.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Zucchini Fritters?

The most common mistake is not draining the zucchini enough, leading to soggy fritters. Another pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which results in uneven cooking and greasiness. Always cook in batches over medium heat.

Best Ways to Serve Zucchini Fritters

These versatile zucchini fritters are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments. They make a wonderful appetizer for parties or a light lunch with a side salad. For a delicious dinner option, consider serving them as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

• Cooling Dips: A dollop of cool sour cream, creamy tzatziki sauce, or even a simple Greek yogurt dip cuts through the richness and complements the savory flavor perfectly.
• Fresh Salads: Serve these crispy zucchini fritters alongside a light, crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• As a Side Dish: They pair wonderfully with main courses like roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even a hearty lentil soup.

Nutrition Facts for Zucchini Fritters

These delicious zucchini fritters are a lighter option, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per fritter, based on the recipe yielding 10-12 servings. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and frying method.

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 140mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Fritters

Got leftover zucchini fritters? Don’t worry, storing and reheating them is a breeze! For the best results, always let your fritters cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents any trapped steam from making them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can easily keep these homemade zucchini fritters in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks or quick sides.

If you want to keep these delicious zucchini pancakes for longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Fritters

Can I make Zucchini Fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free zucchini fritters, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve found that blends containing rice flour and xanthan gum work best for maintaining a good texture. You might need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the blend. It’s a simple substitution that works wonderfully! For more information on dietary needs, please see our GDPR information.

Are Zucchini Fritters healthy?

These zucchini fritters are relatively healthy, especially when you consider they’re a fried treat! They’re packed with zucchini, which is full of vitamins and fiber. The recipe uses moderate amounts of flour and oil. For an even healthier approach, consider baking them or using an air fryer, which significantly reduces the amount of oil needed. They’re a great way to sneak in veggies! You can learn more about the benefits of air frying from resources like Serious Eats.

What can I serve with Zucchini Fritters?

The best part about these zucchini fritters is how versatile they are! They are fantastic served warm with a cooling dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a zesty tzatziki sauce. They also make a great appetizer alongside a fresh green salad, or as a delicious side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite dips! For more recipe ideas, check out our latest recipes.

How do I make my Zucchini Fritters crispy?

The key to crispy zucchini fritters lies in two main steps. First, you absolutely must squeeze as much moisture out of the grated zucchini as possible. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; give them space so they can crisp up evenly on medium heat. Letting them drain on paper towels after frying also helps maintain that delightful crunch.

Variations of Zucchini Fritters You Can Try

While this recipe for zucchini fritters is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and methods. These simple variations can elevate your zucchini pancakes to a whole new level, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried and loved!

• Cheesy Zucchini Fritters: For an extra layer of deliciousness, stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or feta cheese into the batter along with the zucchini. The cheese gets wonderfully melty and adds a savory punch.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results. This makes them a perfect option for those avoiding gluten.
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters: Want a healthier, crispy alternative? Prepare the batter as usual, then lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the fritters in a single layer and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. You can find more tips on air frying from our expert.
• Zucchini and Corn Fritters: Add about 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels to the batter for a sweet and savory combination. This is especially wonderful during the summer months when corn is in season!

Zucchini Fritters: 2 Best Crispy Recipes

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 fritters 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Zucchini Fritters are a flavorful and easy way to enjoy fresh zucchini. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal, they’re golden, savory, and naturally vegetarian.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh herbs (optional)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and place it in a large bowl.
2. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess liquid.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Add the drained zucchini and optional herbs, stirring until combined.
6. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot pan and flatten slightly with a spoon.
8. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
9. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Serve warm with sour cream, tzatziki, or your favorite dip.

Notes

• Be sure to remove as much moisture from zucchini as possible for crisp fritters.
• Adjust flour if the mixture seems too wet to hold together.
• For a healthier version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add cheese, herbs, or chili flakes for extra flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fritter
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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