Zucchini fritters are one of those humble dishes that instantly transport me to a sunlit Greek kitchen. I can almost hear the sound of sizzling oil and smell the aroma of fresh dill mingling with garlic. There’s something truly comforting about the way simple ingredients like zucchini, eggs, and cheese come together to create golden, crisp perfection.
During the summer months, especially when zucchinis are everywhere, these fritters are my go-to. They’re incredibly easy to make, undeniably satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch or hosting a casual gathering, these crispy zucchini fritters fit right in. Best of all, you can have them on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters
To begin with, these zucchini fritters have everything you want in a light yet flavorful dish. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of herby, cheesy goodness.
Moreover, the recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, tuck them into a wrap, or enjoy them as a light vegetarian main course. Not only are they family-friendly, but they also freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep.
Here’s why these fritters are worth making:
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Crispy golden edges with a soft and savory center
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Packed with vegetables, making them nutritious and satisfying
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Ready in 25 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights
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Great for make-ahead meals, since they reheat well
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Loved by kids and adults alike, even picky eaters
In short, they’re a delicious solution for anyone looking to eat more veggies without sacrificing taste.
How to Make These Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Although they might look like a gourmet treat, these zucchini fritters are surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and one bowl, you’ll have everything ready in no time.
First, you’ll need to prepare your zucchini. Then, combine it with eggs, herbs, cheese, and flour to create a thick batter. After that, it’s just a matter of frying them until golden and crisp.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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Fresh zucchini (grated and drained)
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Eggs (for binding)
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Feta cheese (crumbled for salty creaminess)
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Green onions or shallots (thinly sliced)
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Fresh dill (finely chopped)
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Flour and baking powder (to hold it all together)
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Garlic, salt, and pepper (for seasoning)
As you can see, it’s a simple yet flavorful combination. Once mixed, the batter fries up beautifully in just a few minutes per side.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Zucchini Fritter
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you get the best results:
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Grate and Salt the Zucchini
First, grate 3 medium zucchinis (approximately 400g or 14 oz) using a box grater. Then, place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes so the excess water drains away. -
Squeeze Out the Moisture
After salting, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial, as it helps ensure your fritters turn out crispy instead of soggy. -
Mix the Ingredients
Next, add the zucchini to a large bowl along with the eggs, green onions, minced garlic, crumbled feta, dill, salt, and pepper. Then, sprinkle the flour and baking powder over the top. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light. -
Heat the Pan
Meanwhile, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Be sure the oil is hot before adding the batter, as this helps achieve that golden crust. -
Fry the Fritters
Scoop about a tablespoon of batter for each fritter and drop it into the pan. Flatten it slightly with a spatula. Fry 3 to 4 fritters at a time, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned. -
Drain and Repeat
As each batch finishes, transfer the fritters to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Continue frying until all the batter is used.
Finally, serve them hot with a dipping sauce or your favorite sides.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and what you can substitute if needed:
Zucchini
You’ll need about 3 medium zucchinis. If you have slightly more or less, that’s okay. Just be sure to drain the liquid thoroughly.
Feta Cheese
Use a firm, crumbly Greek-style feta. Avoid marinated varieties, as they may alter the flavor and texture.
Flour
Wholemeal flour adds a bit of nuttiness, but regular all-purpose flour works just as well. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 GF flour blend is great too.
Herbs
Dill gives a traditional Greek flavor, but you can substitute fresh parsley or mint if desired.
Onions
Green onions add a mild bite, though finely chopped red onion or shallots also work nicely.
Thanks to these flexible ingredients, the recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand.
Helpful Tips for Crispy Zucchini Fritters Every Time
Getting your fritters just right doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep these tips in mind for perfect results:
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Always drain the zucchini well to prevent soggy fritters
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Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the texture too dense
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Preheat the oil to ensure the fritters get crisp and golden
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Test one fritter before frying the whole batch — it’s a great way to check seasoning
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Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and make flipping easier
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Drain on paper towels to absorb any extra oil and keep them light
By following these simple steps, you’ll consistently make fritters that are crisp, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Tasty Variations
If you’re looking to change things up, here are a few creative ideas to try:
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Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat
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Grate in lemon zest to brighten the flavor
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Use different cheeses, like goat cheese or mozzarella
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Make mini fritters for party bites or lunchboxes
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Serve them as part of a Greek mezze platter, with olives, hummus, and pita
Additionally, you can add shredded carrots or sweet potato for color and nutrition.
How to Store and Reheat Your Zucchini Fritters
Whether you’re making a big batch or saving leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your fritters:
In the Fridge
Place cooled fritters in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer
Freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for 1 month.
To Reheat
Use the oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 10 minutes, or pan-fry until heated through. This restores their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the edges.
As a result, you’ll always have a quick and delicious snack on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Fritters
Can I make these fritters without eggs?
Yes, you can. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or mashed potato to help bind the batter.
Why are my fritters falling apart?
It usually means the batter is too wet. Be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture and add a little more flour if needed.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Place spoonfuls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C / 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway.
More Crispy Recipes Like These Zucchini Fritters
If you enjoyed these fritters, don’t miss these other crave-worthy bites from my kitchen:
For even more ideas, follow me on Pinterest where I share home-cooked comfort food, lunchbox ideas, and seasonal meals.
Let me know how your zucchini fritters turn out — I’d love to hear your favorite way to serve them!