Name: Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium); 1 small yellow onion; 2 green onions, white and green parts, chopped; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 large egg; ½ cup whole milk; Vegetable oil, for frying; Flaky salt; Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 84 reviews

I’m so excited to share this delightful Zucchini Fritters Recipe with you! These golden, crispy fritters are bursting with fresh zucchini flavor, enriched with a touch of Parmesan and a hint of garlic. Perfectly light yet satisfyingly crispy, they’re a fantastic way to transform humble zucchini into a crowd-pleasing snack, appetizer, or side dish. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become an instant favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface with square lines. On the left side, there is a clear glass jug with light yellow oil, followed by a small white bowl containing grated cheese, a small green bowl with coarse salt, and a small white bowl with light brown powder. There is a single brown egg placed next to a whole yellow onion in the center. Three dark green zucchinis are lined up horizontally on the right side. Below the onion and zucchinis, there is a beige bowl filled with white flour, a small blue bowl with chopped green onions, a small dark grey bowl with white powder, and a clear glass jug with white milk. On the far right, there is a small green bowl with white cream and two small bowls — one wooden with black pepper mix and one black inner bowl with salt. The ingredients are evenly spaced with bright natural light that gives them a clean and fresh look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to your zucchini fritters. From the fresh zucchini to the sharp Parmesan and light flour base, these components come together to create something truly magical.

1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium): The main star of the fritters, providing freshness and moisture.
1 small yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Helps draw out excess moisture and seasons the fritters.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the fritters a light, airy texture.
2 green onions, white and green parts, chopped: Adds a mild, fresh oniony kick.
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan: Brings a savory, nutty flavor and golden color when fried.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
½ cup whole milk: Moistens the batter for tender fritters.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy note.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures perfectly crispy fritters with a beautiful golden finish.
Flaky salt, for serving: The final touch to enhance flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving: Creamy dip that balances out the fritters’ crispiness.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Strain the zucchini

Start by setting a strainer over a large bowl and placing a cheesecloth, nut bag, or clean tea towel on top. Grate your zucchini and onion directly onto the cloth, then sprinkle with the kosher salt. Toss gently so the salt is evenly distributed. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This step is essential because it draws out excess liquid from the zucchini and onion, ensuring your fritters don’t turn out soggy. After resting, gather the cloth and wring out as much moisture as possible—this is the secret to crispy fritters!

Step 2: Make the batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, chopped green onions, and freshly grated Parmesan. The Parmesan adds such a wonderful savory note here. Next, stir in the egg, whole milk, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined. Finally, fold in the drained zucchini and onion mixture. The resulting batter should be moist but thick enough to hold its shape when fried.

Step 3: Cook the fritters

Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, spoon ¼-cup portions of batter into the oil. Use a fork to gently spread each dollop into thick, round patties approximately ½ inch thick. Cook until they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, and sprinkle with flaky salt immediately for that perfect finishing touch. Repeat until all your batter is transformed into crispy delights.

How to Serve Zucchini Fritters Recipe

A stack of five golden-brown, crispy vegetable fritters with uneven edges is placed on white paper inside a white plate with red patterns. Each fritter has visible small green bits of herbs and vegetables throughout their uneven, crunchy texture. The top fritter is sprinkled with coarse salt and small pieces of green onion. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the background is plain white. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishing, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or dill is fantastic to brighten up those fritters. A light dusting of flaky salt right after frying enhances their crispy texture and adds a subtle crunch. Serving alongside a creamy dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a refreshing contrast that complements the crunch perfectly.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fritters pair wonderfully with a fresh salad for a light meal, or alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables to make a hearty dinner. They also work great as a fun appetizer at your next gathering. If you’re craving something a bit more substantial, try them with a side of quinoa or couscous tossed with lemon and herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by turning these fritters into sliders by sandwiching them between small buns with your favorite cheese and a smear of aioli or pesto. Another idea is to chop up leftover fritters and toss them into a green salad for extra crunch. They also make for terrific toppings on baked potatoes or as a base for poached eggs, adding texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your zucchini fritters adventure, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. To preserve their crispness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture.

Freezing

Want to keep these fritters handy for quick meals? Freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They lock in flavor perfectly and can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To bring your zucchini fritters back to their crispy glory, reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium heat or pop them under the broiler for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works wonderfully in this Zucchini Fritters Recipe and will give a similar texture and sweetness.

How do I prevent my fritters from being soggy?

The key is to really squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini and onion before mixing the batter. This step helps ensure your fritters turn out perfectly crisp.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, and be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

What is the best oil to use for frying?

Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use canola or sunflower oil for frying these fritters.

Can I bake the zucchini fritters instead of frying?

You can bake them, but frying gives the best crispiness. If baking, place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Zucchini Fritters Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is so easy to make. The mix of vibrant zucchini, savory Parmesan, and the satisfying crunch will quickly win everyone over. Whether you’re looking for a snack, side, or a fun way to use up summer zucchini, these fritters are sure to make your taste buds dance. Happy cooking!