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Easy Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Yogurt

crispy zucchini fritters with garlic yogurt - featured image

These crispy zucchini fritters with garlic yogurt are quick, easy, and unbelievably crunchy. Perfect for using up summer zucchini, they come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), shredded
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for drawing out moisture
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (20g)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 for fritters, 1 for sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional, for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Shred the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the shredded zucchini and toss to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer the salted zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the corners and twist, squeezing firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, flour, egg, grated Parmesan, sliced green onions, minced garlic (1 clove), black pepper, and dill. Stir until just combined.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, remaining minced garlic (1 clove), lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in fresh dill or mint if using. Set aside.
  6. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom (about ¼ cup). Heat for 2-3 minutes until a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
  7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and gently shape into a patty about ½ inch thick. Place in the hot oil. Repeat without crowding the pan (4-5 fritters at a time).
  8. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully.
  9. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Add more oil if needed and repeat with remaining batter.
  10. Serve immediately with garlic yogurt sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it’s crucial for crispiness. Serve immediately for best texture. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use a thick coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, crispy zucchini, garlic yogurt, summer squash, easy appetizer, vegetarian, gluten-free option