Crispy Zucchini Fritters
These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a beloved family favorite that combines the fresh taste of zucchini with a perfectly crispy exterior. Ideal as a delicious side dish to complement chicken, steak, or pork chops, these fritters can also stand alone as a delightful snack or appetizer. With their vibrant green hue and savory flavor, they are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while appealing to both kids and adults alike. After over 20 years of making these fritters, I can confidently say they never fail to impress!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 cups (grated, unpeeled)
Flour
1/3 cup (all-purpose)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Milk
1 tablespoon
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Butter
as needed (for cooking)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, baking powder, beaten eggs, salt, sugar, pepper, milk, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
2
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter, approximately 1 tablespoon or enough to coat the pan.
3
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, pour about 1/4 cup of the zucchini batter into the skillet for each fritter.
4
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown.
5
Carefully flip the fritters and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the second side is golden brown.
6
Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Continue this process with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
7
Serve the fritters immediately while they are warm and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Zucchini Fritters?
Crispy Zucchini Fritters are savory vegetable pancakes made from grated zucchini, flour, eggs, and seasonings, fried until golden and crisp.
Do I need to peel the zucchini for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of grated, unpeeled zucchini for the best texture and color.
How many ingredients are required to make these fritters?
There are 10 main ingredients: zucchini, flour, baking powder, eggs, salt, sugar, pepper, milk, parmesan cheese, and butter.
What is the secret to making zucchini fritters crispy?
Cooking them in bubbling butter over medium heat and placing them on a paper towel-lined plate after cooking helps maintain their crispiness.
How long do the fritters need to cook on each side?
Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the second side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
What size should each zucchini fritter be?
You should use approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter to ensure even cooking.
Are these zucchini fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these fritters are vegetarian as they contain vegetables, dairy, and eggs but no meat products.
What can I serve with zucchini fritters?
They are excellent as a side dish for chicken, steak, or pork chops, or they can be enjoyed alone as an appetizer.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?
While the recipe calls for grated parmesan for a savory flavor, you could experiment with other hard grated cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
Is there any sugar in these savory fritters?
Yes, a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of sugar is included to balance the savory flavors.
What role does baking powder play in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the fritters rise slightly, giving them a lighter and less dense texture.
How do I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be grated while still unpeeled to provide 2 cups of prepared vegetable.
What kind of fat should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends using butter to coat the skillet or griddle for a rich flavor.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
They are best served immediately while warm and crispy, but they can be reheated in a pan to restore some of the crunch.
How do I know when the skillet is ready?
The skillet is ready when the butter has melted and started bubbling over medium heat.
Do these fritters appeal to children?
Yes, their mild savory flavor and crispy texture make them a great way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine grated zucchini, flour, baking powder, eggs, salt, sugar, pepper, milk, and parmesan in a large bowl.
Should I beat the eggs before adding them?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies using 2 beaten eggs for proper incorporation into the batter.
How much milk is needed for the batter?
Only 1 tablespoon of milk is needed to help bind the ingredients together.
What should I do if the fritters are too oily?
Immediately place the cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate after removing them from the skillet to absorb excess oil.
Can I add extra seasoning?
The recipe includes salt, pepper, and parmesan, but you could add herbs like dill or chives if desired.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with only a few minutes of prep and about 6-7 minutes of cook time per batch, it is considered an easy and relatively fast recipe.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a grater, and a large skillet or griddle.
Why is the zucchini unpeeled?
Leaving the skin on adds nutrition, fiber, and vibrant green flecks to the finished fritters.
Can I use this as a snack?
Absolutely, these fritters work wonderfully as a snack or a light appetizer.
How much pepper is used?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use a griddle instead of a skillet?
Yes, either a large skillet or a griddle will work perfectly for frying the fritters.
How long has this recipe been tested?
The author mentions making these fritters for over 20 years, ensuring it is a tried-and-true family favorite.