Crispy Zucchini Fritters (Baked or Pan-Fried!) – Light, Savory & Absolutely Addictive
Let me start by saying — thank you for being here! Whether you're a seasoned kitchen whiz or someone just learning how to turn garden veggies into gold, your presence here means the world to me. And today, I’ve got a recipe that’s as comforting as it is clever: Zucchini Fritters. 🌿💛
This one’s a personal favorite — light, crispy on the edges, moist inside, and a delicious way to use up that overflowing summer zucchini basket. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These fritters are just as happy being a quick weeknight side as they are the star of a brunch table.
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Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters
These golden discs of green-flecked goodness are:
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Crispy outside, tender inside – that texture contrast is everything!
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Naturally vegetarian and easily gluten-free.
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Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
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Perfect hot, warm, or even cold from the fridge (yes, I’ve done that — no regrets).
And let’s talk taste — slightly nutty from the zucchini, savory with a little kick from cheese and herbs, and kissed with golden brown edges… anything but boring!!
What Do Zucchini Fritters Taste Like?
They’re mild, herby, cheesy, and wonderfully satisfying. You get the mellow sweetness of zucchini paired with the salty bite of cheese and the freshness of parsley or dill. Pan-fried or oven-baked, the aroma is incredible — they smell like comfort and taste like summer on a plate.
Benefits of These Fritters
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🌱 Sneaky veggie intake (even picky eaters love them).
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💚 Low in carbs, high in fiber and flavor.
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⏱️ Quick to prepare – 30 minutes from start to table.
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👩🍳 Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 medium zucchinis (grated)
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1/2 tsp salt (for draining zucchini)
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for GF)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan or feta cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Olive oil (for pan-frying) or spray oil (for baking)
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
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Box grater or food processor with shredder
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Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel (for squeezing zucchini)
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Mixing bowl
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Non-stick skillet or baking sheet with parchment
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Spatula
Optional Add-ins & Substitutes
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🧀 Swap Parmesan with crumbled goat cheese for tang.
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🌶 Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
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🧄 Use finely chopped scallions or minced garlic for more depth.
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🌾 Gluten-free flour works great here!
How to Make Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Grate zucchini and toss with 1/2 tsp salt. Let sit 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a cheesecloth or towel. This step is key for crispy fritters!
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, mix eggs, flour, cheese, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the squeezed zucchini.
Step 3: Cook
For pan-fried: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spoon 2 tbsp of batter per fritter and flatten slightly. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
For baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fritters on a lined tray, spray with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What to Serve with Zucchini Fritters
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A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Fresh tomato salad or a squeeze of lemon
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Poached eggs (brunch heaven!)
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Tzatziki or herbed mayo
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fritters
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Squeeze the zucchini really well — water is the enemy of crisp.
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Don’t crowd the pan when frying — space equals crispy edges.
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Want them fluffier? Add 1/4 tsp baking powder to the mix!
How to Store & Reheat
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Lay between parchment, freeze up to 2 months.
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To reheat: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven — they crisp back up beautifully!
General Info
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–20 minutes
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Yield: About 8 fritters
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Skill Level: Easy
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Diet: Vegetarian, easily gluten-free
FAQ
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use a flax egg and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Can I use yellow squash?
Absolutely — the flavor is nearly identical.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Nope! The peel adds color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Zucchini fritters are one of those dishes that feel like a little win every time you make them. They’re simple, adaptable, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe will keep you coming back.
💛 Love zucchini? Try these too:
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Baked Zucchini Chips
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Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
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Zucchini & Corn Salad with Feta
🥕 Share the Love!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version!
📌 Share your pics on Pinterest and tag me — I’m always excited to see what you’re cooking!
🥄 Nutritional Info (Per Fritter, Approx.)
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Calories: 90
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Protein: 4g
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Carbs: 6g
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Fat: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g