Oh my goodness, let me tell you about zucchini fritters! These little bites of crispy goodness are not just a snack; they can be a fantastic side dish too! I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen smelled heavenly, and the sound of them sizzling in the pan made my heart race with excitement. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is, yet so packed with flavor. The combination of grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and fresh green onions creates a delightful taste explosion. Plus, they’re super versatile! You can serve them with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, or even enjoy them plain, straight off the frying pan. Trust me, once you try these zucchini fritters, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for a quick weekday meal or a gathering with friends. Yum!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious zucchini fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated – Make sure to choose fresh ones for the best flavor!
- 1 teaspoon salt – This helps to draw out moisture from the zucchinis.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – This will bind everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that extra kick of flavor!
- 1 large egg – Acts as the binding agent.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just a pinch for a hint of spice!
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – Adds a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Oil for frying – I recommend using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating these mouthwatering fritters!
How to Prepare Zucchini Fritters
Preparing zucchini fritters is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step to ensure your fritters come out perfectly crispy and delicious!
- Grate the zucchinis: Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once you’ve grated them, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it draws out excess moisture, which helps your fritters become crispy.
- Squeeze out the moisture: After the 10 minutes are up, take a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels and place the grated zucchini in it. Squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. This is a key step—don’t skip it, or you’ll end up with soggy fritters!
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Mix everything together until well combined; it should form a thick batter.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of the batter sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the fritters: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary!
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, and serve warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the most delightful zucchini fritters. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for these zucchini fritters! Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: They come together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of zucchini, Parmesan, and fresh green onions creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthy Option: These fritters are loaded with veggies and can be a guilt-free snack or side dish.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a gathering, everyone will love them!
Seriously, these zucchini fritters are a must-try! You’ll be reaching for seconds, I promise!
Tips for Success
To ensure your zucchini fritters turn out perfectly crispy, here are my top tips:
- Don’t skimp on squeezing: After salting the grated zucchini, really squeeze out as much moisture as you can. The drier your zucchini, the crispier your fritters will be!
- Watch your oil temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fritters. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb oil and become greasy. A drop of batter should sizzle immediately!
- Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and allows for even cooking, giving you that golden-brown finish.
- Drain well: After frying, place fritters on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy and delicious!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the zucchini fritter champion in no time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your crispy zucchini fritters, you’ll want to know how to store the leftovers properly. First, let them cool completely on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup. Then, transfer any uneaten fritters to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key! I recommend popping them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat, which works wonders! Just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will do the trick. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Nutritional Information
These zucchini fritters are not only delicious but also relatively healthy! Each fritter has approximately 100 calories, 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy them guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious zucchini fritters? I’ve got you covered with some of the most common inquiries I hear:
Can I add herbs or spices? Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the flavor. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What can I serve with zucchini fritters? These fritters pair wonderfully with yogurt or sour cream. You can also serve them alongside a bright salad or as a side dish with grilled meats. Yum!
Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a delicious gluten-free version!
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat them to keep that crispy texture!
What’s the best way to customize them? Feel free to get creative! You can mix in grated carrots or corn for added flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Print
Zucchini Fritters: 5 Crispy Wonders You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and delicious zucchini fritters, perfect for a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate the zucchinis and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchinis.
- In a bowl, mix the zucchinis, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, pepper, and green onions.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
- Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with yogurt or sour cream.
- Can be baked for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Zucchini Fritters