Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Fritters with Herbed Garlic Yogurt Dip
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside — these zucchini fritters are the perfect savory snack, appetizer, or light meal. Packed with fresh herbs, parmesan, and tender zucchini, they pair beautifully with a cool and creamy garlic yogurt dip. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and a delicious way to use extra zucchini.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters
- 3 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Herbed Garlic Yogurt Dip
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step helps make the fritters crispy.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- squeezed zucchini
- eggs
- parmesan
- mozzarella
- breadcrumbs
- garlic
- parsley
- green onions
- black pepper
- paprika
Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and gently flatten into patties.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- mayonnaise
- garlic
- lemon juice
- herbs
- salt and pepper
Serve chilled alongside warm fritters.
Serving Suggestions
These fritters pair wonderfully with:
- fresh salad
- grilled chicken
- roasted vegetables
- poached eggs
- pita bread
- tomato cucumber salad
They also make a fantastic party appetizer.
Tips for the Best Fritters
- Always squeeze the zucchini well to prevent soggy fritters.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor.
- Chill the mixture for 15 minutes if it feels too soft.
- For extra crispiness, add a spoonful of cornstarch.
- Bake or air fry for a lighter version.
Air Fryer Option
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray fritters with oil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.
- Freeze cooked fritters for up to 2 months.
Q & A
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Why are my fritters falling apart?
Usually the zucchini still contains too much water. Squeeze thoroughly and add extra breadcrumbs if needed.
Q: Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Feta, cheddar, or pecorino work well.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: What sauce goes best with zucchini fritters?
Garlic yogurt dip, tzatziki, spicy mayo, or sour cream all pair perfectly.
