Crispy Zucchini Fritters with a Zesty Lemon Twist

Get
FREE
Recipes!

Get My Favorite Recipe

These zucchini fritters are perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and the tangy tahini sauce complements them perfectly. Serve them as an appetizer or a side dish, and watch them disappear quickly!

Zucchini fritters are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your vegetables! Imagine a plate of crispy, golden-brown fritters with a savory, herb-infused aroma wafting from their centers. With each bite, you’ll taste a perfect balance of flavors – the zucchini’s mild sweetness, the tangy zest of lemon, the herbaceous notes of cilantro and scallions, and the salty bite of feta cheese.

These fritters are delicious and versatile – you can serve them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Whether you savor them piping hot straight from the skillet or let them cool to room temperature and enjoy them on the go, these fritters will satisfy your cravings.

You’re in for a treat if you’ve never tried zucchini fritters. This recipe is an upgrade from a classic family recipe – it uses the whole zucchini instead of just the core. It incorporates a range of flavorful ingredients to create a more complex and dynamic taste. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Preparing Zucchini for Perfectly Crispy Fritters

Preparing the Zucchini
The key to making delicious zucchini fritters is to prepare your zucchini appropriately. Zucchini fritters are pan-fried, so excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up and give them a soggy texture. Therefore, removing as much water from the zucchini is essential before you begin.
To prepare the zucchini, shred it into thin, uniform pieces. You can use a box grater or food processor to make this process faster and easier. Once the zucchini is shredded, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out excess water from the zucchini.
After 15 minutes, rinse the zucchini thoroughly under cold water and squeeze out any extra water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Be sure to squeeze as much water as possible from the zucchini, so your fritters will be crispy and flavorful.
By adequately preparing your zucchini, you can ensure that your fritters turn out perfectly every time.

Customize Your Fritters with These Delicious Add-Ins

Don’t limit yourself when making zucchini fritters – the possibilities are endless! While the base recipe is simple, there are many ways to add unique and exciting flavors to your fritters. I like to use fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or mint for a burst of freshness. Zest some lemon or lime to add a tangy twist. You can also add some heat with chopped red chili or jalapeno.
If you have leftover vegetables in your refrigerator, don’t hesitate to add them. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or onions can add texture and flavor. Another option is to mix in some cheese – feta, parmesan, or cheddar can all work well. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or curry powder.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to make zucchini fritters. Get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and discover what flavor combinations you enjoy the most!

What to serve with zucchini fritters:

Zucchini fritters are versatile dishes that can be served at any time of day and paired with various other foods. Try serving them with fried eggs and sliced avocado for a savory breakfast. If you’re serving them for lunch or dinner, they make a great side dish next to roasted chicken breast, panko-crusted halibut, or a serving of couscous. Or, for a vegetarian meal, pair the fritters with a slice of ricotta and pea pie. For a larger gathering, you can serve the fritters as an appetizer with a selection of dips, such as hummus or tzatziki, or alongside a mezze platter with olives, feta cheese, and pita bread. The possibilities are endless with these delicious and versatile fritters!

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and mix them all together.
Mark as complete
2.
Add 4 tbsp of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mixture to the hot skillet with an ice cream scooper or a spoon. Flatten the mix to the desired thickness. Cook on one side for about 6 minutes, then flip and cook on the other for another 6 minutes.
Mark as complete
3.
Serve with tahini sauce and lemon wedges! Enjoy
Mark as complete
4.
Tahini Sauce: Add all of the ingredients for tahini sauce to a small bowl. Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients. Adjust the spice to your taste!
Mark as complete

Please Support The SiteHome Cooking is Easy!With These Minimalist Kitchen Essentials

Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
2 large zucchinis (shredded, and water strained)
1 lemon zest
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 scallions (chopped)
½ red chili pepper (chopped optional)
2 whole eggs
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon dry dill
1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
olive oil for frying
For the tahini sauce
2 tablespoons tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup ice water
a pinch of salt
a pinch of cumin
1 minced garlic clove

Preparation

1
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and mix them all together.
2
Add 4 tbsp of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mixture to the hot skillet with an ice cream scooper or a spoon. Flatten the mix to the desired thickness. Cook on one side for about 6 minutes, then flip and cook on the other for another 6 minutes.
3
Serve with tahini sauce and lemon wedges! Enjoy
4
Tahini Sauce: Add all of the ingredients for tahini sauce to a small bowl. Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients. Adjust the spice to your taste!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Tips For The Best Zucchini Fritters 

Shaping - the fritters should be about 1/2 inches high and 3 inches wide. An ice cream scooper is the easiest way to get the best size and shape. Scoop the mix and place it directly in the skillet. Then you can use the back of the spoon to flatten it out a bit. 

Texture - I combine breadcrumbs and flour with a small amount of baking powder to give the final texture some crunch and a little fluffiness.

Cooking temperature - When making fritters, cook them on medium-high heat. If the heat is too high, then the outside of the fritters will burn without the inside cooking.

Rana’s Notes!

How to Know if the Fritters are Done? You can tell your zucchini fritters are done once both sides of the fritter are golden-brown. If you like them toastier, you can wait until they turn a deeper shade of brown. Cook these fritters for about 6 minutes on each side for the best result.
To make these fritters gluten-free, simply omit the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs and use a combination of almond flour and ground walnuts instead. The result is a crispy and flavorful fritter that's perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Serve with a creamy tahini sauce for a delicious and satisfying snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Suggestion for storing and reheating the zucchini fritters: Place leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the fritters on a baking sheet to reheat and maintain their crispy texture. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this may make them soggy.
You can freeze zucchini fritters for later use. After cooking the fritters, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a Ziploc bag. Make sure to label the container with the date of freezing. To reheat the frozen fritters, preheat your oven to 375°F , place the frozen fritters on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving the frozen fritters, as this can make them soggy. It's best to consume the frozen fritters within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

Have You Tried This Mediterranean Recipe?

If So, Mention Us @ranasrecipe

Or Use Hashtag #ranasrecipe

Let’s Start Cooking With Love!

Tell Me How I’m Doing?

Have you made these zucchini fritters? I love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave me a comment below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *