Easy Zucchini Fritters
When I think of summer, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is Easy Zucchini Fritters. There’s something so satisfying about transforming those bountiful zucchinis from my garden into crispy, golden bites of joy. I remember the first time I made these fritters; it was a warm afternoon, and my kids were running around, and I thought, ‘What better way to use up all this zucchini than to fry them up?’ The kitchen filled with the unmistakable scent of sautéing vegetables, and before long, we were sitting down at the table, dipping these fritters into a tangy sour cream. It was an instant hit! Every bite was a delightful mix of crispy edges and tender centers, bursting with fresh flavors.
These fritters are perfect for those lazy summer days, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a quick appetizer, or just want to enjoy a light meal. You can serve them as a side with grilled chicken or fish, or even just enjoy them on their own with a sprinkle of salt. They’re quick to prepare and are a fantastic way to get some veggies into your family’s diet without them even noticing! Trust me, after trying Easy Zucchini Fritters, you’ll never look at zucchini the same way again.
Recipe Snapshot
39 mins
15 mins
24 mins
Easy
150 kcal
5 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Food Processor, Skillet, Frying Pan, Grater, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
Why You Need This Easy Zucchini Fritters
Versatile Ingredient
One of the things I absolutely love about Easy Zucchini Fritters is how versatile they are. Zucchini is mild in flavor, making it a blank canvas that can take on various seasoning and ingredient combinations. You can easily customize these fritters by adding herbs like dill or parsley, or even incorporating cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Quick and Simple to Make
If you’re looking for a dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these fritters are perfect. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip these up in no time. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner when you don’t want to spend too long cooking.
Healthier Option
Fried food often gets a bad rap, but with Easy Zucchini Fritters, you can indulge a little while still keeping things on the healthier side. Zucchini is low in calories and packed with vitamins, and by using olive oil for sautéing, you’re adding healthy fats. Each bite is not just delicious but also good for you.
Great for Meal Prep
These fritters are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can make a big batch in one go, and they reheat wonderfully. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes, and they’ll be as good as fresh. This makes them a great option for busy weekdays or even lunchboxes.
A Family Favorite
Finally, one of the best things about Easy Zucchini Fritters is that they’re a hit with both kids and adults. My little ones love them, especially when they get to help make them. Involving them in the cooking process not only makes for great bonding time but also encourages them to eat their veggies!
Easy Zucchini Fritters Ingredients
When it comes to making Easy Zucchini Fritters, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Each component brings something special to the table, ensuring that your fritters are not only delicious but also nutritious. The star of the show is, of course, the zucchini. It’s what gives these fritters their delightful moisture and texture. Combined with eggs for binding, flour for structure, and green onions for a punch of flavor, you have a winning combination that’s hard to resist.
- Zucchini: About 2 large or 5 medium, yielding that delicious base for the fritters. It’s important to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Fine sea salt: 1 and a half teaspoons, divided. A touch of salt enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. Eggs act as a binder, giving the fritters their structure.
- Green onions: 1/2 cup, chopped. They add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup, providing the essential structure to hold the fritters together.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon. This helps the fritters rise and creates a light texture.
- Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a subtle warmth to the fritters.
- Olive oil: For sautéing. It enhances the flavor and helps achieve that golden brown color.
- Sour cream: To serve. A creamy dip adds a refreshing contrast to the crisp fritters.
Putting Together Easy Zucchini Fritters
Making Easy Zucchini Fritters is a straightforward process that’s as rewarding as it is simple. Get ready to transform fresh zucchini into something delicious and crispy. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a plateful of these tasty bites in no time!
- Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Trim both ends and then grate it using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor grater attachment. This is where the magic begins! The grated zucchini should yield about 3 and a half to 4 cups.
- Once you have the grated zucchini, place it in a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the zucchini to release excess moisture, which can lead to soggy fritters.
- After the resting period, it’s time to squeeze that moisture out! Grab handfuls of the grated zucchini over the sink and squeeze tightly to remove as much water as possible. Don’t be surprised by how much liquid comes out. If you have a cheesecloth, it can help with this process.
- Transfer the squeezed zucchini back into a large mixing bowl. Add in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions and the 2 lightly beaten eggs. Mix well until combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. This will be your dry mixture.
- Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the zucchini mixture until everything is well combined. Ensure there are no dry spots, but don’t overmix!
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, use a heaping tablespoon to scoop the zucchini mixture and drop it into the skillet, flattening each scoop slightly to form pancake shapes.
- Cook the fritters for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until they’re beautifully golden brown. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. You want a nice, even color.
- Once they’re done, carefully remove the fritters from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Easy Zucchini Fritters!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choose Fresh Zucchini: The fresher the zucchini, the better the flavor. Look for firm, unblemished zucchinis for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Salting the grated zucchini is essential. It draws out moisture, which is crucial for the texture of your fritters.
- Adjust the Heat: If your fritters are browning too fast, lower the heat. This will allow them to cook evenly without burning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs like dill or parsley to give your fritters a unique twist. You can also try different onions!
Change It Up
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some tips to customize your Easy Zucchini Fritters. These variations will keep things exciting and cater to different tastes.
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked fritters! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated from frozen in the oven.
- Pairing: Serve them with a fresh salad or a cup of soup for a complete meal. They also pair well with grilled meats.
- Cheesy Addition: Add some grated cheese to the mixture for a richer flavor. Options like feta or mozzarella work great!
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
- Spice Levels: If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
Serving Options for Easy Zucchini Fritters
When it comes to serving Easy Zucchini Fritters, the possibilities are endless! Here’s how to enjoy them:
- As an Appetizer: These fritters are fantastic as a starter at your next gathering. Serve them warm with a variety of dips like tzatziki or marinara for a delightful appetizer platter.
- Pair with Salad: A fresh salad is a perfect accompaniment. Consider a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the fritters.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy them as a light lunch option. Pair with a side of fruit or a light soup for a wholesome meal.
- Picnic or BBQ: They’re a hit at picnics and barbecues. Pack them up, and they’ll hold well at room temperature!
- Breakfast Twist: Serve the fritters with poached eggs on top for a delicious breakfast option. A sprinkle of chives can elevate the dish even further!
- Seasonal Touch: In summer, serve fresh corn salsa alongside the fritters for a refreshing addition. In fall, a dollop of apple sauce can be a delightful contrast.
FAQ
Conclusion
Easy Zucchini Fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh summer produce while creating a dish that promises both flavor and crunch. I encourage you to try making these fritters at home; they are not only simple but also a delightful treat for the whole family. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Easy Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash zucchini and trim off ends. Grate on the large holes of a box grater or use the grater attachment for the food processor. Place zucchini in a large mixing bowl, stir in 1 tsp salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze handfuls of zucchini tightly over the sink to remove extra water. It helps to wring it out in a cheesecloth if you have one. You should end up with 3.5 to 4 cups of squeezed dry zucchini. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cups chopped green onion and 2 lightly beaten eggs.
- In a small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup flour with 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or season to taste. Add flour mixture into zucchini mixture and stir until well combined.
- Place a large heavy-bottomed cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini mixture a heaping tablespoon at a time and flatten out the tops slightly to make them pancake-shaped.
- Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Cooking Time: Cooking the fritters in 2 separate skillets will cut the cooking time in half.
- Size Matters: Use a trigger-release ice cream scoop to easily scoop the mixture and create equal-sized fritters.
