½cupall-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
½cup grated cheese (optional – feta, parmesan, or cheddar)
2spring onions or ½ small onion or shallot finely chopped
1garlic clove, minced (or 2 small ones)
1teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Olive oil for frying
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Instructions
Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Add the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze as much liquid out as possible. You can also use a clean kitchen towel.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add flour, cheese (if using), onion, garlic, and any optional flavorings. Mix well.
Add the drained zucchini and mix until just combined. The mixture should hold together.
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Scoop the zucchini batter using an ice-cream scoop or add roughly 2–3 tablespoons per fritter into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of an egglifter or spoon.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel and repeat with remaining mixture.
Serve warm with yogurt, sour cream, guacamole, or a poached egg.
Optional Add-Ins:
Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint)
½ tsp cumin or smoked paprika
Lemon zest
A spoonful of ricotta or mashed peas
Notes
- No cheesecloth? No problem! Use your hands to squeeze the salted zucchini over the sink until hardly any liquid drips out. The drier the shreds, the crispier your fritters will be.- Zucchini moisture matters: Removing excess liquid is key to crispy fritters. A clean tea towel or cheesecloth works best if you have one.- Binding too loose? If your mixture feels too wet, add a spoonful of flour or breadcrumbs to help hold it together.- Cheese adds flavor but isn’t essential: Parmesan, cheddar, or feta add richness, but feel free to leave it out for a lighter option.- Gluten-free swap: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour or breadcrumbs.- Freezer-friendly: These fritters freeze well. Cool completely and store with parchment paper between layers.- Cooking methods: Pan-fry for classic fritters, or air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for a lighter version.- Optional puffiness: Add ½ teaspoon baking powder to the batter along with the flour for softer, puffier fritters that rise slightly without changing the flavor.