Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy {ish} recipe your whole family will love, look no further than these Crispy Zucchini Fritters! This amazing side dish makes great use of summer zucchini in a delicious way that goes with so many of your favorite foods. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these fritters are easy to make for all skill levels. They’re also a great way to sneak some extra veggies onto your plate!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about making this great recipe for crispy fritters, including what to serve them with, how to pan fry OR air fry them, and how to make sure they turn out crispy every time!

What is the Best Way to Shred Zucchini for Making Fritters?

You have a few options but my favorite is using a box grater. It’s even easier than grating cheese since zucchini is so soft! You could also use a food processor with a shedding attachment if you don’t have or want to use a box grater.

How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Fritters Turn Out Crispy?

There are a few steps you can take to prevent soggy fritters from excess moisture or other common troubles from frying fritters! Here are some tips to make the best summer zucchini fritters ever:

• Squeeze out as MUCH liquid as possible from the shredded zucchini. Make sure you let that zucchini sit in the salt for 20-30 minutes to extract as much water as possible. You can even let the zucchini sit out overnight to remove every last extra drop.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. When frying, work in batches and avoid sticking the fritters too close together in the pan. If they are too close, they’ll create steam which will make them too soft.
• Use hot oil! Don’t add the fritters to the pan until the oil is nice and hot. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of fritter batter into it. If it sizzles and starts cooking immediately, it’s ready to go!
• Also make sure to use enough oil. If there isn’t enough oil to fully submerge the fritters, they won’t cook evenly and won’t crisp up.

What Dipping Sauces Go Well with Crispy Zucchini Fritters?

There are so many great options to serve with your zucchini fritters! I love them with some {plant-based} sour cream and green onions and sometimes even a fried egg, but here are some other options:

• Tzatziki Sauce
• Marinara Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• Sour Cream and Chives
• Honey Mustard Sauce

What Are Some Good Main Dishes to Serve with Crispy Zucchini Fritters?

You can serve these fritters with whatever you want, but they’re especially great with some lighter fare like grilled chicken, grilled fish, or salad. They can also be a meal on their own when served with some hummus and pita bread!

Can I Use a Different Vegetable, Like Carrot Fritters or Potato Fritters?

Those would both make absolutely delicious appetizers, but I wouldn’t recommend using this recipe to make them. Zucchini has a lot of water, which means the process of cooking these fritters is very different than making fritters with other vegetables.

How Long Do Leftover Zucchini Fritters Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

You can store leftovers of these crispy fritters in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure you allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them or you might end up with soggy fritters.

To reheat them, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, place the fritters on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

If you won’t be enjoying these within a few days, you can also freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe container or food storage bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then follow the same reheating instructions above.

Can I Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters in the Air Fryer?

Yes! To make these in the air fryer instead of on the stovetop, follow these directions:

• Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees
• Follow the recipe as written {stopping before frying, of course}
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray
• Place the zucchini patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between each one
• Spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the fritters are crispy and golden brown

​As all air fryers are different, be extra careful to keep an eye on your crispy fritters and adjust your cooking time as needed in either direction

What Supplies Do You Need to Make this Delicious Zucchini Fritters Recipe?

To make Zucchini Fritters, you’ll need:

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• Cheesecloth or flour sack towel {optional but recommended}
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Skillet

Step by Step Guide

Ready to cook? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!

Shred fresh zucchini until you have 3 cups of shredded zucchini

Sprinkle salt onto shredded zucchini and let sit for 20-30 minutes

Transfer grated zucchini to a cheesecloth or flour sack towel to squeeze out the liquid {paper towels work too if you don’t have those}

Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and transfer zucchini to a mixing bowl

Add all purpose flour, large eggs, onion, salt and pepper and mix until well incorporated

Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat. Drop zucchini mixture by the spoonful into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown

Optionally serve fritters with a fried egg, a dollop of sour cream and some green onions!

Tip: You can let the zucchini set overnight in the salt- it gets out even more excess water

Hungry for More?

Want more delicious zucchini recipes and side dish ideas? Try these:

• Zucchini Fries
• Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Sandwiches
• Easy Roasted Carrots
• Mini Hasselback Potatoes
• Jalapeno Cornbread Swirls
• Pepperoni Pasta Salad