Zucchini Fritters are one of our favorite appetizers. A delicious combination of fresh zucchini, parmesan cheese, garlic, and scallions, they’re both healthy and flavorful… and so easy to make! If you’re looking for a fresh new way to use up your garden zucchini, you’ll LOVE these crispy, delicious fritters!
No matter how many zucchini recipes you have… somehow, it never seems like enough. Because when zucchini season hits, it hits hard and it hits fast. And you’d better be prepared!
Of course, our family loves zucchini bread just as much as the next family, but there’s only so much of it you can make. Not to mention… sometimes you just want to go savory. Which is where these Zucchini Fritters are our FAVORITE!
Not gonna lie… the first time I made them, my kids were disappointed. Because they were expecting bread. But as soon as they tasted them, they couldn’t deny they were absolutely delicious!
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have a healthy dose of garlic and Parmesan cheese. And when you whip up our easy sour cream dip to go with them… they’re nothing short of addictive!
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🥒 Ingredients
Zucchini comes in all shapes and sizes, and unless you have a food scale at home, it can be hard to know exactly how much you have on hand. This recipe calls for 4 cups shredded, which is the equivalent of 4 small zucchini or about 2 lbs. You could also substitute yellow squash if you have that available.
For the Parmesan cheese, I bought a wedge and shredded it by hand. You can also buy pre-shredded or grated Parmesan cheese from a shaker.
- 4 c. shredded zucchini (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. all purpose flour
- 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil – for frying
For the Sour Cream Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 c. sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
📋 Instructions
The first step is actually the most important step in this recipe. Zucchini holds a surprising amount of water, and without draining it first, your fritters will end up soggy.
The BEST way to drain zucchini is using cheesecloth, but since most people don’t have cheesecloth on hand, a clean hand towel (such as a flour sack towel) will work as a substitute. If you don’t have either, feel free to use a paper towel or just your hands!
- Place shredded zucchini in a large colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow zucchini to drain for about 10 minutes, then use your hands or a clean dish towel to drain zucchini completely.
- Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop 2 Tbsp. of batter into skillet for each fritter, then flatten gently.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, until golden brown. Then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
For the sauce:
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl; mix well.
🥓 Recipe variations
- Add 1/2 c. cooked, crumbled bacon
- Substitute feta, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan
- Use panko bread crumbs in place of flour for extra crispiness
- Add minced jalapeno for a spicy kick
- Add 2 Tbsp. chopped basil, cilantro, or dill
- Add 2 Tbsp. minced chives
♨️ Storing & reheating
Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, drizzle a small amount of olive oil into a skillet. Heat on medium, then add fritters and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. This method will not only heat the fritters, but will crisp them up as well!
🍞 More zucchini recipes
- Zucchini Bread
- Cheesy Zucchini Bake
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Butterscotch Zucchini Blondies
- Sheet Pan Greek Chicken
- Creamy Vegetable Lasagna
- Spring Vegetable Gnocchi
- Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas
Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Fritters are one of our favorite appetizers. A delicious combination of fresh zucchini, parmesan cheese, garlic, and scallions, they're both healthy and flavorful... and so easy to make! If you're looking for a fresh new way to use up your garden zucchini, you'll LOVE these crispy, delicious fritters!
Ingredients
- 4 c. shredded zucchini (about 2 lbs.)
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. all purpose flour
- 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil - for frying
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Place shredded zucchini in a large colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow zucchini to drain for about 10 minutes, then use your hands or a clean dish towel to drain zucchini completely.
- Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop 2 Tbsp. of batter into skillet for each fritter, then flatten gently.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, until golden brown. Then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Sour Cream Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 c. sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 71Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 259mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These Zucchini Fritters are mouth watering!
Kevin says
This is a perfect Summer recipe! I love your bright photos!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thank you!
Kimberley says
That looks really awesome. What type of sauce is that with it?
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks for asking! I added the sauce to the notes in the recipe, it is a sour cream dipping sauce.
Lacey says
Do you have a recipe for the dip or sauce that is good with the fritters?
Cathy Trochelman says
Yes! The sauce I made was 1/2 c. lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp. lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. salt & 1/4 tsp. pepper
Jeanine Alyse says
1/2 cup lemon juice and 2 tsp. lemon juice???
Cathy Trochelman says
Only 2 tsp. of lemon juice in the dip… I’m not sure where you’re seeing 1/2 cup?