Zucchini fritters are a delightful and versatile dish that makes the perfect summer appetizer or side dish. With their crispy golden exterior and tender interior, they’re an ideal way to use up a bounty of fresh zucchini. Whether served with a tangy sauce or enjoyed on their own, these crispy zucchini fritters are sure to impress at any gathering.
This recipe offers a balance of lightness and flavor, with fresh zucchini paired with fragrant herbs and spices. The best part? You can prepare these fritters in under an hour, making them an easy addition to your meal plan. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fritters offer a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for snacking or as a savory side.
What Makes These Zucchini Fritters Stand Out?
These crispy zucchini fritters are more than just a way to use up extra zucchini. They are a flavorful, healthy snack or side dish that can be customized to fit various tastes. The light, crispy texture comes from perfectly grated zucchini and the use of panko breadcrumbs, which create that satisfying crunch without making the fritters too heavy. The addition of fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic offers a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the mild zucchini.
Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy exterior, while the zucchini stays tender and flavorful inside.
Savory Flavor: The blend of garlic, dill, lemon zest, and scallions adds an aromatic kick that makes these fritters delicious on their own or paired with sauces.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, these fritters are quick to make and perfect for last-minute meals or a light appetizer.
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or a part of a larger meal, these zucchini fritters are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients for Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these crispy zucchini fritters irresistible:
Zucchini: The main ingredient, which gives the fritters their light and fresh flavor. Make sure to shred the zucchini finely and remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
Eggs: They help bind the fritter mixture together, giving it structure and making it easy to form patties.
Scallions (Green Onions): These provide a mild onion flavor and add some color to the fritters.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic adds a fragrant punch that pairs perfectly with the zucchini.
Fresh Dill: This herb is essential for its tangy, aromatic flavor. It adds a savory note that enhances the fritters’ overall taste.
Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brightens up the fritters with a fresh citrusy note.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Used both inside the fritter mixture and as an outer coating, panko creates a crispy, golden crust.
All-purpose Flour: This helps to bind the mixture and gives the fritters a little more structure.
Avocado Oil: This high-smoke-point oil is perfect for frying the fritters to a crispy finish. It’s neutral in flavor and ideal for achieving a golden brown color.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Making crispy zucchini fritters is simple, and the process can be broken down into three main steps: prep the zucchini, make the batter, and fry the fritters.
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Begin by grating the zucchini. Use the large holes of a box grater to shred the zucchini evenly. Once shredded, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the crispy texture of the fritters. If you skip this step, the fritters could end up soggy.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the shredded zucchini, scallions, grated garlic, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Next, add 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs and the flour. Fold everything together until the mixture is well combined. It will be a bit loose, but that’s normal.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Fritters
To form the fritters, use a ¼-cup measuring cup to scoop the mixture and then shape it into thin patties. Coat each patty with the remaining ¾ cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will give the fritters their crispy exterior.
Now, heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat and add a generous amount of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fritters in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the fritters from becoming crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Season with a pinch of salt, and they’re ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Squeeze the zucchini: Don’t skip the step of removing moisture from the zucchini. If the zucchini is too wet, the fritters will fall apart and become soggy.
Size matters: Make the fritters thin rather than thick. Thin patties will cook faster and become crispier.
Preheat the pan: Make sure the skillet is preheated before adding the fritters. A hot pan ensures that the fritters fry evenly and become golden brown.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the fritters in batches to allow enough room for the oil to crisp up the fritters properly.
What to Serve with Crispy Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some great options:
Tzatziki: This creamy, tangy yogurt-based dip is a classic pairing for zucchini fritters.
Tartar Sauce: The richness of tartar sauce complements the crispy fritters perfectly.
Creamy Dill Sauce: A mild dill sauce adds an extra boost of flavor and is a great alternative to heavier dressings.
Lemon: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the fritters.
For a complete meal, serve the fritters with a hearty salad, such as a Greek salad or a fresh panzanella. They also pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or any simply cooked protein for a light, flavorful dinner.
Storing and Reheating Crispy Zucchini Fritters
While zucchini fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot, they can also be stored and reheated without losing their crispy texture. Here’s how you can keep them fresh for later use:
Storing Zucchini Fritters
Once the fritters have cooled down completely, you can store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of paper towels between the fritters to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Zucchini Fritters
If you’ve made a large batch or want to save some for later, zucchini fritters freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, placing parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking. Frozen fritters can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Zucchini Fritters
To reheat zucchini fritters, you can either use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to restore their crispiness:
Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet and heat them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy again.
Air Fryer: If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fritters in a single layer and air fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and heated through.
Skillet: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and quickly re-crisp the fritters, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Fritters
While these crispy zucchini fritters are delicious on their own, they are also versatile and can be paired with various side dishes, salads, or sauces. Here are a few ideas to elevate your zucchini fritters experience:
Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy, and tangy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill is a perfect dip for zucchini fritters. The freshness of tzatziki enhances the savory flavor of the fritters.
Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese pairs wonderfully with these fritters, adding a Mediterranean touch to your meal.
Hummus: A smooth, creamy hummus offers a great contrast to the crunchy fritters. You can serve it as a dip or spread it over the fritters for a delicious twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the fritters alongside roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or tomatoes for a complete, light meal.
Simple Lemon and Herb Garnish: A light drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor profile of the fritters without overpowering them.
Health Benefits of Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a nutritious and guilt-free dish when prepared with fresh ingredients. Here’s why they make a great addition to your meal plan:
Low in Calories: Zucchini fritters are a light, low-calorie option that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish without adding too many calories to your diet.
Rich in Fiber: Zucchini is a high-fiber vegetable, and the fritters made with it provide dietary fiber that supports digestion and overall gut health.
Packed with Nutrients: Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and eye health. The addition of herbs like dill and scallions further boosts the vitamin and antioxidant content.
High in Protein: With the addition of eggs and breadcrumbs, zucchini fritters provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Versatile and Adaptable: These fritters can be customized to fit various dietary needs. You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or add more herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Zucchini Fritter Variations
If you enjoy experimenting with new flavors, try adding different ingredients to your zucchini fritters. Here are a few variations to consider:
Cheesy Zucchini Fritters: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese to the batter for a richer, cheesy flavor.
Spicy Zucchini Fritters: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
Vegan Zucchini Fritters: To make these fritters vegan, simply replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Herbed Zucchini Fritters: For extra flavor, mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the fritter batter.
Sweet Zucchini Fritters: For a sweeter twist, add a tablespoon of honey or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sweet cream for a delicious treat.
FAQs on Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Why aren’t my zucchini fritters crispy?
If your zucchini fritters aren’t crispy, it’s likely due to excess moisture in the zucchini. To fix this, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after shredding the zucchini. Also, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying, as cooking in oil that’s too cool can result in soggy fritters.
What flour do you use for zucchini fritters?
The most common flour used for zucchini fritters is all-purpose flour, as it helps bind the ingredients together. However, you can also use alternative flours like chickpea flour or gluten-free flour for a different texture or to accommodate dietary needs. Both options will help the fritters stay together and crisp up.
How to keep fritters crunchy?
To keep fritters crunchy, make sure to use the right amount of breadcrumbs in the batter, as they help with crispiness. Additionally, ensure that you don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can cause the fritters to steam rather than fry. Let the fritters rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying to absorb any excess oil and maintain their crunch.
Why are my zucchini fritters soggy?
Zucchini fritters can become soggy if the zucchini isn’t properly drained of moisture. Shredding the zucchini and then squeezing out as much water as possible is key to avoiding sogginess. Another possible cause is using too much batter or not allowing the fritters to cook long enough to achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior.
What makes fritters crispy?
Fritters become crispy from a combination of factors: the right amount of breadcrumbs or flour in the batter, frying in hot oil, and forming thin patties. The outer coating of breadcrumbs or flour helps create a crisp texture while the frying process gives the fritters that golden brown crunch. Avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure the oil is at the right temperature for perfect crispy fritters.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe Card
Ingredients:
1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium zucchini)
2 large eggs
1½ cups chopped scallions (about 1 bunch)
3 garlic cloves, grated
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon sea salt
2¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Avocado oil (for frying)
Freshly ground black pepper
Tartar sauce or creamy dill sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
Prep the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to avoid soggy fritters.Make the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the grated zucchini, chopped scallions, grated garlic, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add 1½ cups of panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle in the flour. Stir until the mixture is combined. Set the remaining ¾ cup of panko breadcrumbs aside in a shallow dish.Shape the Fritters
Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop the fritter mixture and form it into thin patties. Coat each fritter in the reserved panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.Fry the Fritters
Preheat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat. Add a generous amount of avocado oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fritters in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like tzatziki, tartar sauce, or creamy dill sauce.
Notes:
Squeeze out excess moisture: This step is key to achieving crispy fritters. If the zucchini is too moist, the fritters will be soggy.
Small patties for crispiness: Form the fritters into thin, small patties to ensure they crisp up well during frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the fritters in batches to allow for even cooking and prevent steaming.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
