Enjoy your next batch of zucchini in the form of a fritter! Made with simple ingredients, spicy zucchini fritters come together in 25 minutes. Perfect for a light lunch main dish, dinner side or even an appetizer.
Original post: July 2019 | Updated: August 2024
Why This Recipe Works
Zucchinis are magical little veggies, aren’t they? They lack glory when they’re hanging out by themselves, but when they’re paired with other ingredients? Delicious!
Here are a few reasons why I absolutely adore these spicy zucchini fritters:
- Great side dish, snack, lunch or dinner. They are versatile!
- Cheesy zucchini fritters are my personal favorite way to enjoy this green veggie.
- This recipe does not contain baking powder or bread crumbs.
- Done in 25 minutes from start to finish.
- The simplest of seasonings (salt and black pepper!) are the most delicious.
- Getting excess zucchini from your garden or the farmers market? This is the perfect way to use it up!
What Is A Fritter
It is funny to me that the word fritter can mean “to divide into pieces” and it’s only funny because I didn’t realize that until I decided to make a fritter recipe for you!
A fritter is typically a batter mixed with a meat or vegetable (or even fruit) and fried into a patty shape. They can be both sweet and savory.
Fritter Ingredients
Zucchini – Shred the zucchini for best results (vs grating). Use the shredder on your food processor to get the shredding done quickly
Since zucchini can vary greatly in size, measure in cups for this recipe. Aim for approximately 2 cups of zucchini.
Eggs – Use fresh eggs for best results.
Flour – Make this recipe gluten free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free variety such as almond flour.
Cayenne pepper & sriracha – These ingredients create that delicious spicy flavor. Cater to your liking!
Cheese – Replace Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with varieties of your choice, not exceeding 1 cup total. Cheddar cheese is another great option!
Extra virgin olive oil – Add an extra drizzle of oil if the mixture seems dry.
How To Make Spicy Zucchini Fritters
Step 1
Place 2 cups of shredded zucchini in a large mixing bowl and toss with a pinch of salt. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
Pat the zucchini dry using paper towels to gently press as much excess liquid out as you can out before adding the next ingredients.
Add the eggs, flour, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese to the zucchini and mix well.
Step 2
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and add to the hot oil, pressing down gently with a spatula to create a patty shape.
Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned on both sides. Remove them from the pan when they are a nice golden brown color.
Step 3
Transfer the zucchini cakes to a serving plate and allow them to cool for a few minutes, then serve. Drizzle sriracha over the top of the fritters for delicious flavor and spice!
Recipe Notes
- Fry 3 slices of bacon, chop it finely and add it to the zucchini batter for a more substantial meal.
- A teaspoon of dill weed with the batter adds a delicious flavor that complements the cheese.
- Aioli sauce, tzatziki sauce or ranch dressing are delicious dipping sauce options.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs to the fritter batter for extra flavor.
- Add even more spice by adding a few cloves garlic, green onions, red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- A squirt or two of lemon juice will give the fritters an extra fresh flavor.
- Toss Feta cheese crumbles over the top, just before serving, for an extra punch of deliciousness.
- Replace half of the grated zucchini with grated carrots, sweet potatoes, grated summer squash or corn kernels to change up the flavors!
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to create consistently sized batch of zucchini fritters.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy topping.
How To Shred Zucchini
The easiest way to shred zucchini is to use a food processor with the shredding attachment. A blender will also work in a pinch. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t liquify.
Or using the large holes of a box grater works great, if you’re ok with a little elbow grease.
Why Salt Zucchini Before Cooking
Salting the zucchini helps to pull moisture out of it, so don’t skip this step in the beginning. Let the zucchini sit with the salt will prevent the fritters from being too watery or mushy.
How To Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters
In order to achieve perfectly crispy fritters, make sure the oil in your pan gets nice and hot. Set to medium high heat and listen for the sizzle before you add the batter.
Be sure to press down slightly on the top using the back of a spatula, as well.
How To Store Zucchini Fritters
Store the fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Fritters are just as delicious the second time around!
How To Freeze Zucchini Fritters
Place fritters airtight containers or in a heavy duty freezer bag in a single layer. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months for best results.
Remove from the freezer and allow them to thaw completely, preferably in the fridge overnight. Reheat for a few minutes in the microwave or heat in a skillet on the stove top.
Is It Safe To Eat Bitter Zucchini
Zucchini that tastes bitter can cause severe stomach cramps and an upset stomach when eaten. Consume with caution!
Best Zucchini Recipes
If you love zucchini in a variety of recipes, we know you’ll love some of our favorites – check these out!
- Sauteed Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) and Mushrooms
- Zucchini Brownies
- Zucchini Fries
- Easy Baked Spaghetti
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Zucchini Chips
Easy Summer Sides
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Spicy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini shredded and patted dry
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Sriracha for topping
Instructions
- Place grated zucchini in a bowl and toss with the salt. Let sit 5 minutes. Add eggs, flour, cayenne peppers and cheeses. Mix well.2 cups zucchini, 1 tsp sea salt, 2 eggs, beaten, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and add to the pan, pressing down with a spatula. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.3 tbsp olive oil
- Serve immediately. Drizzle with sriracha!2 tbsp Sriracha
Video
Notes
- Because bacon makes everything yummy, fry 3 slices of bacon, chop it finely and add it to the zucchini batter prior to frying.
- A teaspoon of dill weed with the batter adds a delicious flavor that complements the cheese.
- Aioli sauce is a delicious dipping sauce for these zucchini fritters.
- Salting the zucchini helps to pull moisture out of it, so don’t skip this step in the beginning. Let the zucchini sit with the salt will prevent the fritters from being too watery or mushy.
- Make these gluten-free by replacing the flour with almond flour!
- Toss Feta cheese crumbles over the top, just before serving, for an extra punch of deliciousness.
- Replace half of the grated zucchini with grated carrots, sweet potatoes or corn kernels to change up the flavors!
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