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Easy crispy zucchini fritters stacked on a plate and served with sour cream, cucumber slices, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
Inga

Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters

These easy crispy zucchini fritters are golden on the outside, tender in the center, and made with simple everyday ingredients. Pan-fried until beautifully browned and served warm with sour cream, they are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, savory snack, or light meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini Fritters
  • 2 large zucchini about 2 pounds (900 g)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt (9 g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion about 2 ½ ounces (70 g), peeled
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (94 g), plus more as needed for shaping
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
For Frying and Serving
  • 4 tbsp tablespoons neutral cooking oil (30–45 ml), as needed
  • Sour cream for serving

Equipment

  • Box grater
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Shallow bowl or plate
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Grate them using the large holes of a box grater and place the grated zucchini in a large bowl.
  2. Salt and rest: Sprinkle the salt over the grated zucchini and mix well. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the salt can draw out the excess moisture.
  3. Squeeze out the liquid: Take small handfuls of zucchini and squeeze them very firmly to remove as much water as possible. Place the well-drained zucchini in a clean mixing bowl.
  4. Add the onion and eggs: Grate the small onion directly into the bowl. Add the eggs, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Stir until no dry patches remain and the mixture is thick, moist, and slightly sticky.
  6. Shape the fritters: Place a little extra flour in a shallow bowl. Lightly coat your hands with flour, take a small portion of the zucchini mixture, and form it into a ball. Lightly coat the ball with flour, then press it gently between your palms to create a small, round fritter. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make approximately 20 fritters.
  7. Heat the skillet: Add a thin layer of oil to a large skillet and warm it over medium heat.
  8. Cook the fritters: Arrange several fritters in the hot skillet without overcrowding the pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Continue cooking in batches, adding more oil when needed.
  9. Serve: Transfer the cooked fritters to a serving plate and serve them warm with sour cream.

Notes

  • Squeeze the zucchini very thoroughly to prevent soft or soggy fritters.
  • If the mixture feels too wet to shape, add a small amount of additional flour.
  • Keep the heat at medium so the fritters brown evenly without burning before the centers cook.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet because this can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze the completely cooled fritters for up to 2 months.