Easy, crispy Zucchini Fritters recipe for quick and tasty pan-fried, golden and crisp patties. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
From savory, salty Zucchini Fries to sweet, tender Zucchini Bread, there’s endless delicious and creative ways to use up a bunch of this summer squash! These crispy fritters are sure to be a new family favorite Side.
Sabrina’s Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish for family dinner, or a light tasty snack, these Zucchini Fritters are sure to please. Made with simple ingredients, and brief prep work, you can enjoy these golden crispy patties in minimal time. Not only are they easy to make, but they are versatile too. Keep it simple with sour cream to dip, or serve them as an appetizer with Ranch Dressing or Marinara Sauce. I’ve included air fryer instructions below as well, for a lower fat option.
Recipe Card


Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini , grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the zucchini and salt.
- Let sit for 20 minutes, then remove zucchini in small handfuls and squeeze well to remove as much water as possible.
- If still wet add to paper towels and roll into a log and squeeze to remove more liquid.
- Add squeezed zucchini to a mixing bowl with garlic and egg, mixing well.
- In a small bowl stir together the flour, parmesan cheese, and pepper, then add it to the mixing bowl with the zucchini and stir well to combine.
- Add vegetable oil to a large heavy skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add ¼ cup spoonfuls of the fritter mixture to the skillet, and shape into an even circle.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the center is cooked through.
- Add cooked patties to a cooling rack instead of a plate to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.
- Serve on a platter with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition
Chef’s Note
Removing most of the moisture from the grated zucchini is a very important step. It will ensure that your fritters stay together, and be crispy. However, if your batter is falling apart, adding a binding agent such as breadcrumbs or additional flour will help keep things together. Add a little at a time until your batter has thickened.
Table of contents
Can this be made ahead of time?
This is one of those wonderful recipes you can prepare ahead of time. Assemble the fritters and store them before or after cooking. Whether they are cooked or not, freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer fritters to a storage container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and cook in the oven or fry fresh in a hot skillet.
How to Store
- Store: To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freeze: Allow to cool and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a sealed freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen fritters, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed.
Air-Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Follow the recipe as directed until step 5. Instead of frying the fritters in a pan, lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
- Scoop ¼ cup of the fritter mixture into the basket of the air fryer and gently flatten it into a small patty.
- Repeat with the remaining fritter mixture, making sure to leave space between each fritter.
- Lightly spray the top of each fritter with cooking spray.
- Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Repeat with any remaining batter.
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