If you’re looking for a snack or side that delivers serious crunch alongside fresh, vibrant flavors, you’re going to love this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe. Think crispy edges, tender insides, and herbs that brighten every bite!

A white plate holds a stack of golden-brown fritters with small green bits visible throughout. On top, one fritter is broken in half, showing a soft, dense inside filled with shredded green vegetables. The fritters have a slightly crisp and textured surface, with some small green dill sprigs scattered for garnish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen back on this zucchini fritters recipe when I want something quick, satisfying, and just a little bit special. Every crispy bite makes it worth the little effort it takes!

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of herbs and spices elevates shredded zucchini into something truly irresistible.
Crispy Perfection: Removing excess moisture ensures each fritter fries up golden and crunchy.
Versatile Snack or Side: Serve them at brunch, alongside dinner, or just as a quick bite.
Simple Ingredients: Most you probably have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, fresh zucchini is obviously starring, but don’t miss the fresh herbs that really lift the flavor. Also, grabbing good-quality oil for frying will make a big difference in that perfect crust.

Flat lay of four medium fresh zucchini, one small mound of finely minced red onion, two whole uncracked brown eggs, two whole garlic bulbs with a few cloves separated, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh minced parsley leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh minced dill fronds, a small white ceramic bowl holding smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with baking powder all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: I prefer shredding with the skin on for better texture and nutrients.
Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the zucchini’s mildness.
Salt: Helps draw moisture out of the zucchini for crispiness.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a sturdy fritter.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without overpowering the veggies.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh, parsley adds a lovely herbal note.
Fresh Dill: A unique twist that adds an unexpected depth.
Baking Powder: Slightly aerates the batter so fritters aren’t dense.
Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth that’s just right.
Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle bite.
Oil for Frying: Helps get that golden, crispy crust we all crave.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Crispy Zucchini Fritters are such a versatile treat—you can easily tweak them to fit your taste buds or what's in your pantry. Whether you're feeling adventurous or just want a quick twist, there’s always room to customize these fritters and make them your own!

Herb Swap: I love swapping the fresh dill and parsley for basil and cilantro for a more Mediterranean vibe. It adds a fresh, bright flavor that’s perfect in summer.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the batter gives these fritters a subtle kick—great if you like a little heat without overpowering the zucchini’s sweetness.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra richness and a slightly salty tang. It’s a delightful upgrade that changes the flavor profile wonderfully.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour to keep the fritters crisp but accommodate dietary needs. Just make sure to adjust the moisture if needed.
Seasonal Veggie Boost: Mix in some finely shredded carrots or corn kernels to add color and sweetness, making it a veggie-packed snack or side dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe

The image shows a white plate with five golden-brown fritters stacked slightly on each other, each fritter having a rough, crispy texture with green herb bits visible throughout. The fritters have irregular, round shapes with some darker browned edges. On the left side of the plate is a white bowl filled with a creamy white dipping sauce speckled with black pepper or herbs. Small sprigs of fresh green dill garnish some of the fritters, adding a fresh pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let the Zucchini Rest and Release Moisture

Start by shredding 4 medium zucchinis (skin and all!). Toss them with ½ cup minced red onion and 2 teaspoons salt in a fine-holed colander. This step is crucial—allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess liquid. You’ll notice water pooling at the bottom—that’s what you want to get rid of to keep your fritters crispy!

Step 2: Squeeze Out Every Drop of Liquid

After 30 minutes, use your hands to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the zucchini mixture in the colander. Then, transfer it into a cheesecloth-lined bowl. Fold the cheesecloth corners, twist tightly, and squeeze again until almost no liquid remains. Trust me, this extra effort makes all the difference for that perfect crisp texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavors and Binders

Now, transfer the well-drained zucchini to a large bowl. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley and dill, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 eggs. Stir until everything is combined into a lovely batter. The batter should hold together but still be moist.

Step 4: Get Your Pan Hot and Ready

Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when you drop a tiny bit of batter in, but not smoking. A properly heated pan ensures your fritters develop that beautiful golden crust.

Step 5: Shape and Fry the Fritters

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out 2–3 tablespoons of batter for each fritter. Place 3 to 4 fritters in the skillet, then gently press down the top of each with the back of your spoon or scoop to ensure even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and crisp up nicely.

Step 6: Cook Until Crisp and Golden

Fry the fritters for about 5 minutes on the first side. When they’re golden brown, carefully flip each one and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side. If you notice them browning too fast, turn the heat down to medium or medium-low so they cook through without burning.

Step 7: Drain and Serve Warm

Transfer the cooked fritters onto a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and less greasy. Repeat frying the remaining batter in batches, then serve your crispy zucchini fritters warm. Enjoy that wonderful crunch and fresh veggie flavor!

Top Tip

Getting these crispy zucchini fritters just right is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips from my kitchen to yours that make all the difference!

Drain Thoroughly: Don’t rush the squeezing step! Removing every last drop of moisture from the zucchini is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Heat Control: >I learned that frying on medium-high heat at first, then lowering it if the fritters brown too fast, ensures they cook through without burning.
Even Thickness: Using a cookie scoop to portion and then gently pressing the fritters creates an even thickness that helps them cook uniformly.
Patience Over Speed: >When I tried to flip too soon, the fritters fell apart. Waiting full 4-5 minutes per side helps them set nicely and hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a thick, chunky mixture that has green and orange colors from finely shredded vegetables and small purple bits. A measuring spoon labeled 3 tablespoon holds a scoop of the mixture above the bowl, showing its moist and textured consistency with visible small pieces of ingredients mixed in. The overall look is fresh and colorful with a mix of soft and rough textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. A dollop of tangy sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of lemon aioli pairs beautifully and adds a creamy contrast to the fritters’ crunch. For a spicy kick, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fritters shine as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, a fresh garden salad, or even a bowl of hearty tomato soup. They also make a satisfying snack or light vegetarian meal when paired with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted cherry tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 4 days—perfect for easy weekday snacks or lunches.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze your fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months!

Reheating

To reheat, pop your fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or warm them gently in a skillet with a little oil to bring back that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini for fritters?

Absolutely! While zucchini is classic for these fritters, you can experiment with shredded carrots, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower for a fun twist. Just remember to drain excess moisture like you do with zucchini to keep them crispy.

How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart while cooking?

The key is thorough draining and squeezing of the zucchini to remove excess liquid, plus giving the batter enough time to bind with the eggs and flour. Also, avoid flipping too early—let them fry for a full 4-5 minutes on each side to set properly.

Can I make this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, like chickpea flour or a 1-to-1 baking flour substitute. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What oil is best for frying zucchini fritters?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point works best—like vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil. These oils let the fritters crisp up nicely without burning or imparting unwanted flavors.

Final Thoughts

These crispy zucchini fritters have become a beloved favorite in my kitchen for their simplicity, fresh flavors, and satisfying crunch. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or as part of a more elaborate meal, they bring warmth and comfort to the table. I hope you find joy in making and sharing this Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe just as much as I do!