These crispy zucchini corn fritters are a tasty treat! Made with fresh zucchini and sweet corn, they are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
They are great as a snack or a side dish. I love to dip them in yogurt or salsa—so good! It’s a fun way to get in some veggies without even trying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are best for this recipe. If you can’t find any, yellow squash can be a good alternative. Make sure to always squeeze out excess moisture to keep the fritters crispy!
Corn: Fresh corn kernels bring sweetness and texture, but frozen corn works just as well. If you’re looking to cut calories, you could reduce the amount of corn, but it will change the flavor balance.
Eggs: The eggs act as a binder to hold the fritters together. For a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
Flour: All-purpose flour is typical, but you can use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option. It adds a lovely taste and helps with binding!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a great depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with cheddar or omit it altogether for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Ensure My Fritters are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about moisture control and frying technique. Here are some tips:
- **Squeeze the Zucchini:** Before mixing, it’s crucial to remove as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. This keeps the fritters from becoming soggy.
- **Proper Oil Temperature:** Heat the oil until shimmering, but not smoking. This ensures the fritters cook quickly and don’t absorb too much oil.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Fry in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the fritters greasy instead of crispy.
- **Drain on Paper Towels:** After frying, put fritters on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crisp longer.
Enjoy making these tasty fritters—they’re a hit every time!
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing the batter. Then, allow about 15-20 minutes for frying, depending on how many batches you’re making. Overall, this delicious dish can be ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, then squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture in your fritters!
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, corn kernels, eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat until it’s shimmering. You want the oil hot enough to fry the fritters quickly, creating that perfect golden crust!
4. Fry the Fritters:
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, carefully remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This will help keep them nice and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm fritters with a sprinkle of extra herbs on top, if you’d like, and pair them with a dipping sauce like sour cream or tzatziki. Enjoy these crispy zucchini corn fritters as an appetizer or a side dish!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Can I Use Different Herbs in the Fritters?
Absolutely! While parsley and dill are great choices, you can also experiment with cilantro, basil, or even chives for a unique flavor. Fresh or dried herbs work well, so feel free to get creative!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’d like to omit cheese or don’t have Parmesan on hand, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can use any other grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up, or microwave them for a quick warm-up!
Can I Bake These Fritters Instead of Frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Enjoy making and customizing your crispy zucchini corn fritters!
