Homemade Crispy Zucchini Fritters

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zucchini fritter

What’s Up, Hungry People?

As we’re snuggling into sweater weather, let’s talk about a winter wonder that’s about to become your go-to snack – zucchini fritters. Brace yourselves; I’m about to unravel the secret to making these crispy delights with the zucchini that just won’t quit.

From Garden Glut to Gourmet Goodness

I’ll confess, my green thumb worked overtime this year. I planted zucchini for the first time and – surprise, surprise – ended up with enough to last through a zucchini apocalypse. One of them grew as big as my dog, Theo – and that’s not a tiny feat.

vegetables from garden

With this summer squash on steroids, I’ve been shredding and freezing like it’s the end of days. I’ve got zucchini coming out of my ears! But I’ve carved out a special stash for these fritters. They freeze beautifully, by the way, making my overzealous harvest seem like less of a rookie mistake.

sliced zucchini

Here’s What You Need

  • Zucchini: Provides the base and bulk of the fritters, adds moisture and mild flavor.
  • Panko: Japanese breadcrumbs that give the fritters a light, crispy texture.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the fritters together.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and helps draw moisture out of the zucchini.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, gives the fritters a golden color and crispy edge.
  • Mayonnaise: Base for the dipping sauce, adds creaminess and balances the heat from the sriracha.
  • Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the dipping sauce for a burst of flavor.
shredded zucchini

The Crispy Conundrum: Achieving the Perfect Fritter

Crispiness is the holy grail of fritterdom, and moisture is your mortal enemy here.

drying zucchini

The best way to ensure nice and crispy fritters is to squeeze out as much of the moisture from the shredded zucchini as you can. The easiest way to do this is to wrap the zucchini in a cheese cloth or paper towel and squeeeeeeze until liquid no longer comes out. Mix the zucchini shreds into a bowl with some panko and an egg. The panko is also key to a crispy zucchini fritter.

mixing zucchini fritters

Frying Up a Storm

Heat a good glug of vegetable oil over a medium-high flame. Now, craft those zucchini into patties – about half an inch thick and 3-4 inches round, pressing them like you mean it to get that perfect shape.

frying zucchini fritters

Slip them into the oil and let them fry for a golden minute or two on each side. You’re aiming for that golden brown hue that whispers “I’m crispy and I know it”.

golden brown zucchini fritters

Season the fritters with salt and pepper, and any other herbs and spices that fit your fancy. I see these fritters as a base for pretty much…everything delicious. They rival hash browns in flavor and texture, but not calories!

hot zucchini fritters

Dip It Good

While those bad boys are sizzling, whip up a quick dip. Just a dollop of mayonnaise, a swirl of sriracha, and you’ve got a spicy dipping sauce that plays well with the fritter’s crisp personality.

Fritter Finesse: Making the Perfect Zucchini Fritter

  • Dry the Zucchini Well: The drier the zucchini, the crispier the fritter. Don’t rush the drying process.
  • Panko vs. Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and will create a crispier fritter texture than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Consistent Fritter Size: Uniformly sized fritters cook evenly. Use a measuring cup or scoop to ensure consistency.
  • Oil Temperature Is Key: Too hot, and the fritters will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and become soggy.
  • Flipping Fritters: Flip gently to prevent breaking. Once golden on one side, they’re ready for a flip.
  • Excess Oil: Drain on paper towels to avoid greasy fritters. No one likes a soggy fritter.
  • Freezing for Later: Freeze uncooked fritters on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use. Thaw slightly before frying.
  • Spice to Your Taste: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the dipping sauce to suit your spice preference.
fritters in dip

Well, Hungry People, there you go – your guide to turning the humble zucchini into a crispy, comforting treat. The beauty of zucchini fritters lies in their simplicity and versatility, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack or a novel side dish.

Remember, the trick is in the squeeze; get that zucchini as dry as the humor here and you’re golden – quite literally once they hit the oil! Keep those patties uniform for an even cook and don’t forget that spicy kick of a dip. It’s a testament to the might of the zucchini and a salute to all things deliciously simple. So let’s cook, enjoy, and maybe share… but only if you’re feeling generous.

zucchini fritter

Zucchini Fritters

The Starving Chef
Crispy zucchini fritters with a spicy mayo-sriracha dip – an easy and tasty way to enjoy your greens.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Batch Fry 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Garden, Quick & Easy
Servings 24 fritters

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Use a large cheese grater or mandoline to shred the zucchini until you have about 4 cups of shredded zucchini.
  • Wrap the zucchini in two layers of paper towels (or in cheesecloth) and squeeze until little-to-no liquid drips out.
  • Place the shredded zucchini in a large bowl with the 2 cups of panko, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix until combined, then use your hands to form patties about a half-inch thick and 3-4 inches wide.
  • Heat 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Place 2-3 fritters into the shallow oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the fritters from the skillet and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
  • While frying the fritters, in a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise and sriracha. Serve the fritters hot and enjoy!
Keyword fried, zucchini
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