Zucchini Fritters (2024)

Figuring out what to do with a mass influx of zucchini is a challenge I relish every summer. These cheesy, crispy Zucchini Fritters are a sensational seasonal solution! A savory zucchini pancake, they’re crisp outside, tender inside, and great for a side or even brunch!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Recipe

• Tasty Way to Use Zucchini. Because whether you grow zucchini, have neighbors who share their wealth, or (like me) go wild at the farmers market with dreams of Healthy Zucchini Muffins dancing in your head, at one point or another this summer, you are going to end up with Way. Too. Much. Zucchini.
• Fritters Are a Little Something Different. Zucchini is a fantastic fast, healthy side dish, but by the time you’ve eaten multiple rounds of Grilled Zucchini, Sautéed Zucchini, and Roasted Zucchini, it’s time for something new.
• They’re Everything You Want in a Fritter. Each zucchini fritter is crispy on the outside, and tender and cheesy inside. Soggy and bland? Never! (See Potato Fritters for another tasty savory fritter recipe!).
• Zucchini Fritters Are Versatile. These zucchini fritters go well with just about any protein to make it a full meal, from Grilled Salmon in Foil to Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Or, top zucchini fritters with a runny egg and avocado and serve them as a meatless main dish.
• This Recipe Is Fail-Proof. Have you been victimized by zucchini fritter recipes in the past? This one won’t let you down! The fritters won’t fall apart when you flip them and they have perfect crispy, golden brown exteriors.

More About These Zucchini Fritters

To make zucchini fritters, combine shredded zucchini with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices to make a savory, pancake-like batter that crisps on the stove.

I like to give my zucchini fritters an Italian twist with herbs and an Italian cheese like mozzarella or fontina, but you can play around with this recipe.

Zucchini fritters with feta will give it a Mediterranean flair; cheddar cheese is scrumptious and lends a classic all-American vibe.

Toss in a side of Baked Bacon in the Oven and you can even have zucchini fritters for breakfast.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters

The Ingredients

• Zucchini. Zucchini is mild and slightly sweet, making it the perfect veggie to star in these tasty fritters. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, zucchini is healthy too.

• Green Onions. For a hint of onion flavor.
• Eggs. Helps hold the fritters together.
• Flour + Breadcrumbs. These two ingredients give the fritters their shape and texture. I used Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs for a flavorful, healthy option.
• Spices. A simple mix of basil, garlic powder, a teaspoon salt, and pepper are all these fritters need.
• Lemon Zest. Adds brightness and accentuates all the other flavors.
• Cheddar. Melty, flavorful cheese adds richness to these wholesome fritters. Any cheese on the outsides of the fritters crisps up deliciously, and the cheese in the middle stays gooey.

• Toppings. Our favorite zucchini fritter toppings are Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and chives. Also could use sour cream, fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese.

The Directions

1. Prepare. Dry the zucchini with kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. Combine. Add the zucchini, green onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, flour, spices, and baking soda to a bowl.

3. Mix the Fritter “Batter”. Then fold in the cheese to the zucchini mixture. Form into patties.

4. Cook. In a large skillet or cast iron skillet, cook the zucchini fritters in oil until golden brown. After 4 minutes, flip the fritters and cook for 3 minutes more.
5. Serve. Season the cooked fritters with salt. Serve with lemon juice, yogurt, and chives. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of olive oil to crisp them back up and to prevent sticking. You can also rewarm leftovers in the microwave, but note they will be a little soggy.
• To Freeze. Freeze cooked fritters flat and separated with sheets of parchment paper in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

What to Serve with Zucchini Fritters

• Bacon and Eggs. These fritters make an excellent addition to a breakfast spread! Serve them alongside Air Fryer Bacon and Egg White Frittata. (Add Fruit Salad for a perfect, well-rounded meal.)
• Salmon. Pair these fritters with Smoked Salmon and sour cream or Salmon Cakes and avocado.
• Chicken. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Chicken Tenders, or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich would be wonderful with these fritters.
• Sausage. These zucchini fritters would be delicious with Sausage and Peppers or Italian Sausage Skillet with Vegetables.
• Chickpea Dishes. Chickpea-based dishes and savory zucchini pancakes match well! Try Chickpea Salad, or for chickpea patties, these Chickpea Quinoa Burgers.
• Applesauce. Take inspiration from classic Potato Pancakes, and serve your fritters alongside Crockpot Applesauce.
• Dip. We love them with a dollop of Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip or for something more elevated, Smoked Salmon Dip.

• Non-Stick Skillet. Ideal for making these fritters.
• Food Processor. Use a grating blade for an easy, quick way to grate your zucchini—although the large holes of a box grater work too.
• Cheese Grater. Grating your own cheese is worth the extra step.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Dry the Zucchini Super Well. The difference between bland, soggy, fall-apart zucchini fritters and the best zucchini fritters you’ve ever had is all about wringing out as much liquid as you can from the shredded zucchini. Press the zucchini until it’s dry to the touch, or wrap it in a kitchen towel and squeeze it over the sink to remove the excess moisture.
• Use Small or Medium Zucchini. It has smaller seeds and a more pleasant flavor than those baseball-bat-sized zucchini you find after a week or two of neglecting your garden.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Use Your Hands. You’ll be able to mix the ingredients more evenly if you ditch the wooden spoon and get in there with your hands. Just go for it!
• Use a Non-Stick Skillet. This helps avoid the problem of having half your zucchini fritter come up with the spatula and half remain sticking to the pan.
• Adjust the Heat as Needed. If you notice the fritters are browning quickly before the inside has a chance to cook through, lower the heat a bit.
• Season After Cooking. A sprinkle of salt right after the fritters are done in the skillet will help give their flavor a boost.