Zucchini Fritters Recipe: How to Make Fried Zucchini Patties

Zucchini fritters are savory, vegetable-packed pancakes pan-fried or deep-fried in oil until crisp and golden. Think potato latkes, but with shredded zucchini and herbs instead of potatoes.

Zucchini fritters are delightful on their own but even better with a dipping sauce or garnish. Here are some ways to enjoy these versatile fritters:

1. 1. Add to a grain bowl. Add these fritters to a grain bowl for an extra boost of green vegetables and crunchy texture.
2. 2. Make an accompanying dipping sauce. A cooling yogurt-based sauce is a perfect accompaniment for fried zucchini fritters. Try this authentic tzatziki recipe, featuring Greek yogurt, grated garlic cloves, and finely chopped and strained cucumbers. Or, go Indian with this cucumber raita recipe from Madhur Jaffrey, which adds mint and freshly ground cumin seeds to the mix.
3. 3. Make a sandwich. Shape the batter into balls (instead of patties) and deep-fry them like falafel. Enjoy them in a homemade pita bread sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and Yotam Ottolenghi’s saucy tahini recipe.
4. 4. Make a seasonal vegetarian picnic. These fritters harmonize well with other in-season summertime dishes. Serve zucchini fritters alongside grilled corn, garlic scape pesto, and a quinoa salad.
5. 5. Use garnishes. It’s easy to transform zucchini fritters into a complete appetizer or side dish by spreading them with a creamy element and then garnishing them with fresh herbs. Try a dollop of lemon aioli or sour cream on top and some minced chives or fish eggs for an unexpected canapé.

Crispy zucchini fritters are a simple dish that packs a flavorful punch. Here’s how to make them come out perfectly.

1. 1. Strain the zucchini. Remove as much water as possible from the zucchini so your fritters can properly pan-fry. Otherwise, the excess water will cause the zucchinis to steam rather than brown and crisp up in the hot oil, yielding soggy fritters.
2. 2. Check the temperature of the oil. The ideal temperature for oil to fry food is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature will allow the fritters to cook through and turn golden brown without burning. If the oil is under temperature, the fritters won’t crisp up. If the oil is too hot, the patties may burn before their insides have fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
3. 3. Freeze for later. Freeze your zucchini fritters for a quick and easy reheatable snack. After cooking the zucchini fritters, let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer bag or resealable container. To reheat, place the zucchini fritters in the toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes, or warm them in a pan over medium heat until crispy.
4. 4. Make them gluten-free or vegan. Make gluten-free fritters by swapping the all-purpose flour for almond flour, chickpea flour, rice flour, or your favorite gluten-free blend. Use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg and skip the cheese to make them vegan.
5. 5. Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Cut down on the oil and cook your zucchini fritters in an air fryer for a healthier option. The result will still be hot, crispy, and delicious.