Description
- Crispy Mediterranean-Style Zucchini Fritters with a savory interior, made with zucchini, Parmesan, and spices, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce. A delicious and easy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fritters:
- 1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium)
- 1 small yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon za’atar (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Flaky salt, for serving For Serving:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Set a strainer over a large bowl and line it with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a thin kitchen towel. Grate the zucchini and onion directly over the cloth. Sprinkle with salt and toss to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then gather the cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the egg, milk, black pepper, cumin, and za’atar (if using). Add the zucchini-onion mixture and stir until just combined. The batter will appear dry at first, but the zucchini’s moisture will loosen it.
- Fry the Fritters: Attach a deep-fry thermometer to a large, deep skillet. Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, drop ¼-cup portions of the batter into the hot oil. Use a fork to gently spread each portion into a ¾-inch thick round. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with flaky salt while hot. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce on the side.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Squeezing all the liquid from the zucchini is the single most important step for achieving a crispy, non-soggy fritter.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) is key to frying success. Too low, they become greasy; too high, they burn.
- Frying in Batches: Fry fritters in small batches. This prevents the pan from becoming overcrowded and keeps the oil temperature from dropping.
- Seasoning: Seasoning with flaky salt immediately after frying ensures a perfect salty crunch.
- Make Ahead: Fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving, ~1/6 of recipe with tzatziki).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying, Grating, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~2–3 fritters with a spoonful of tzatziki
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~480mg
- Fat: ~16g
- Saturated Fat: ~4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~9g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg
Keywords: Zucchini Fritters, Mediterranean Fritters, Zucchini Cakes, Parmesan Fritters, Appetizer Fritters, Easy Fritters, Savory Cakes, Vegetarian Appetizer, Tzatziki, Mediterranean Recipe