These 4 ingredient Zucchini Fritters are the perfect and delicious snack during the zucchini season. With shredded zucchini, all-purpose flour, an egg, and a hint of onion, these fritters are simple yet flavorful. Enjoy them hot or cold and get creative with different herbs and spices to customize the taste!
Today, I have something quick, easy to make, and delicious fritters make from zucchini and 3 other ingredients.
Forget about complicated recipes that make you scratch your head and rush to the store for a long list of ingredients. These fritters are all about simplicity and flavor, making them the perfect go-to treat for the zucchini season.
You won’t believe how easy it is to create these little bites of heaven. Grab some shredded zucchini, a sprinkle of all-purpose flour, crack in an egg, and chop up half of a medium onion (the other half can wait for another recipe!).
That’s it – you’re just moments away from deliciousness!
Now, I know what you’re wondering, “Can something so simple be truly delicious?” Oh, my friends, prepare to be amazed! These fritters will blow your mind with their fantastic taste and crispy texture.
But here’s the best part – you’re not limited to just one flavor. These versatile fritters can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and experiment!
Add some aromatic herbs or your favorite spices into the mix, and watch how these fritters transform into something entirely new and exciting each time.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, get ready to shine like a culinary superstar with this easy-peasy recipe. It’s time to impress yourself and your loved ones with a quick, delightful snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
🥰 Why Will You Love This Recipe?
- Effortless Snack. With just four simple ingredients, making these zucchini fritters is a breeze. No need to spend hours in the kitchen – it’s a quick and satisfying snack that won’t leave you stressed.
- Delicious and Versatile: These fritters offer a delightful burst of flavor that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. They make a perfect companion for any meal, a scrumptious appetizer, or a satisfying snack at any time of day.
- Creativity Unleashed: Get ready to play with flavors! You can sprinkle in your favorite aromatic herbs or spices to customize the fritters and create new taste experiences with every batch.
- Family and Friends Approved: Impress your loved ones with these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritters. They’re sure to be a hit at gatherings, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Packed with nutrients, zucchini adds a healthy touch to these fritters. Plus, it’s a wallet-friendly recipe that won’t break the bank, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your pocket!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Shredded Zucchini: Zucchini provides the base and moisture for the fritters. You can make this recipe also using grated summer squash, grated cucumber, or grated carrots for a twist in flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour acts as a binding agent to hold the fritters together. For a gluten-free option, you can use chickpea flour (besan) or almond flour, ensuring the fritters maintain their structure and deliciousness.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients further and adds a light, airy texture. For a vegan alternative, consider using a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to achieve a similar binding effect.
- Half of a Medium Onion: Onion provides a delightful savory flavor to the fritters. If you prefer a milder taste, swap it with shallots. For an onion-free option, use finely chopped scallions or skip it altogether.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Quick Note: As zucchini is a water-based vegetable, to be able to make zucchini fritters with as little flour as possible, it’s necessary to extract the excess liquid from the zucchini.
Use a grater with large holes to grate the zucchini. Then to remove the water excess from the zucchini, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over it and mix well. Let it stand like this for about 20 minutes.
Place the zucchini over a sieve and let all the excess juice that has been drawn out by the salt drain.
Pro Tip: To remove even more juice, squeeze the mass tightly in your fists to get rid of all the excess liquid.
Quick Note: This was the most complex step in the whole recipe.
After you have drained the zucchini well, put all the ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix well and at this stage, if you wish, you can add any additional seasonings and other aromatic spices that you like in combination with zucchini.
Pro Tip: I would advise you to try a simple version first, and then experiment to your liking.
I really like it with a bit of finely chopped dill or a small clove of crushed garlic, but don’t hesitate to add a touch according to your taste.
Once you’ve made the mixture, take a pan with a thick bottom, and pour a little oil into it.
Heat the pan and then using a spoon, pour a little of the composition that we made previously.
Quick Note: You can adjust the size of the fritters to your liking, but keep in mind that you also will need to adjust the timing.
In my case, from the quantity indicated above, I made 8 zucchini fritters.
Cover with a lid and cook on low heat until the zucchini fritters turn golden on the bottom, this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Pro Tip: To be sure they don’t burn, check periodically by carefully lifting one of the fritters to ensure you get the desired color. Then flip them over and this time cook without the lid to keep the crust as crispy as possible.
When they’re browned on both sides, they’re ready to be served.
Serve with your favorite sauce. This time, I chose a cheese sauce. Another great alternative will be serving them with a yogurt-based sauce like traditional Greek tzatziki sauce or an authentic marinara sauce.
Enjoy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Mediterranean Brunch Delight: Arrange a beautiful platter of warm zucchini fritters, alongside a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle some freshly chopped dill and mint over the top, and serve it with a side of vibrant Greek salad. This Mediterranean brunch ensemble will whisk you away to the sun-kissed shores of Greece!
- Picnic Perfection: Pack these fritters in your picnic basket, and head out to your favorite spot in nature. They are delightful on their own, but a side of tangy lemon aioli for dipping will take them to a whole new level of yumminess. Enjoy the great outdoors with a basket full of scrumptiousness!
- Fritter Sliders Party: Turn these fritters into the star of a slider party! Grab some soft slider buns, layer each one with a fritter, and top it off with a slice of juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing. Your guests will thank you for this explosion of flavors in every bite!
- Tapas: Get ready for a Spanish-inspired tapas feast! Serve your zucchini fritters with a variety of small plates, like patatas bravas, marinated olives, and Spanish tortilla. Sip on some sangria, and let the good times roll with this flavor-packed fiesta!
- Zucchini Fritter Bowls: Create vibrant and nourishing fritter bowls with a base of fresh greens, quinoa, or couscous. Top it all off with the warm fritters, and add your favorite roasted veggies, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lemony tahini dressing. These bowls are a true celebration of colors and flavors!
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- After shredding the zucchini, it’s essential to give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture. You don’t want soggy fritters! A good squeeze will keep your fritters delightfully crisp and golden.
- While the recipe calls for four basic ingredients, don’t be shy to play with spices and herbs! Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or toss in some garlic powder for an aromatic kick. The world of flavors is your oyster!
- When combining the shredded zucchini with flour and egg, you want a batter that’s not too runny or too thick. Aim for a slightly thick consistency to achieve perfectly shaped fritters with just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Don’t rush the cooking process! Cook the fritters at low heat, allowing them to cook through without burning the outside. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a delectable, evenly cooked batch.
- The fun doesn’t stop at the fritters – prepare some delightful dipping sauces to elevate the experience! Try a zesty yogurt-dill sauce or a refreshing lemon aioli to take your fritters to a whole new level of yumminess!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own! You might discover new favorite combinations of herbs and spices that will leave you coming back for more.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Make the Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! These fritters can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they become crispy again.
Can I Freeze the Fritters?
Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze the cooked fritters for future enjoyment. Once they’ve cooled down, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Can Kids Help With Making the Fritters?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic opportunity to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with shredding the zucchini, mixing the batter, and forming the fritters. It’s a fun and educational way to introduce them to cooking and healthy ingredients.
Can I Make a Vegan Version of the Fritters?
Absolutely! To make the fritters vegan-friendly, simply replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. Then use it as a substitute for the egg in the recipe.
Can I Make the Fritters Without Frying?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the fritters in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), lightly grease a baking sheet, and place the fritters on it. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become golden and crispy.
📋 Recipe Card:
4 Ingredient Zucchini Fritters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups Zucchini Grated (~15 oz)
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 Egg
- ½ Onion Medium
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini on the large grater and add a teaspoon of salt over it, mix well.3 cups Zucchini
- Leave the zucchini for about 20 minutes to allow the excess liquid to come out, then drain well.
- Chop half of the onion.
- Then, take a large bowl in which it will be convenient for you to put all the ingredients, and mix them well.1 Egg, ½ Onion, 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- Fry in a pan with a little oil until they turn golden on both sides.
- Serve hot or cold alongside your favorite sauce.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- After shredding the zucchini, make sure to give it a gentle squeeze using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial to achieving crispy fritters.
- Cooking the fritters over medium heat is essential to cook them through without burning the exterior. Patience is key to achieving a golden, crispy result.
- You can prepare the fritters in advance and reheat them before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for future enjoyment.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, bake the fritters in the oven until golden and crispy.
- This recipe is an excellent opportunity to involve kids in the kitchen and introduce them to the joy of cooking with healthy ingredients.
- For an extra burst of freshness, consider infusing the oil with herbs before frying the fritters. Simply heat the oil with your favorite herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or sage) for a few minutes, then strain before frying.
- Add a zesty twist to the fritters by incorporating grated lemon or lime zest into the batter. The citrusy aroma complements the zucchini’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Betty Groh
I’m 92 years old and grew up on fritters. I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My parents emigrated from Germany soI was brought up mostly on European food. Our main meal was at noon and the evening meal was light, mostly left over from lunch and the leftover veggies were, more often then not, turned into fritters. Zucchini was often mixed with mashed potatoes, which reduced the amount of flour in the recipe. Mine and my brother’s favorite was cauliflower. Sliced, cooked and drenched in a “liquidy” flour, egg and milk batter and fried in butter. Delish!
Thank you for bringing back this old recipe.
Victoria
Hey there Betty,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memories and experiences with fritters! It’s truly heartwarming to hear about your upbringing and the delicious dishes you enjoyed in Brazil. It’s amazing how food can connect us to our past and bring back cherished memories.
Victoria
Arlene Reno
Have you tried to cook these in a waffle iron? Wondering if doing so would fry them out.
Victoria
Hey Arlene,
I haven’t personally tried cooking the zucchini fritters in a waffle iron, but I tried a few other similar recipes and the results always was great.
I’d recommend lightly greasing the waffle iron to prevent sticking and cooking them on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Victoria
Kenneth
You mention you made eight fritters from the quantity mentioned above, but I re-re-read your very very long composition but nowhere you MENTION THE WEIGHT OF INGREDIENTS USED.
Please HELP
Victoria
Hi Kenneth,
Thank you for your question! I used arround 14-15 oz to fill those 3 cups of grated zucchini.