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These crispy veggie fritters are packed with fresh zucchini, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning. They’re an easy savory side dish, appetizer, or light meal addition that’s perfect for making the most of zucchini season.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 10 mins Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4 (Makes 8 fritters) 1x
Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded zucchini (~2 medium zucchini)
  • ¾ teaspoon fine salt, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs*
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese*
  • ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning 
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided 
  • Optional for topping: sliced green onion, sour cream, red pepper flakes, and/or fine salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a colander, place the shredded zucchini and sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over top. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to allow zucchini to “sweat” and release liquid into the sink or over a bowl. After 10 minutes, transfer the zucchini to a flour sack towel, paper towel, or cheesecloth. Squeeze as much liquid out as you possibly can. (NOTE: This step is important to remove as much moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. 
  3. Add the squeezed shredded zucchini to the bowl and stir to combine well.
  4. Place a medium skillet on the stove over medium-high heat or preheat a griddle to medium-high heat. Cook in two batches. Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once hot, drop ¼-cup portions of the zucchini mixture onto the pan, working in batches and cooking 4 fritters at a time. Press down gently as they cook so the fritters are about ½-inch thick.
  5. Cook until they are nice and golden brown, 3-5 minutes, on one side. Then flip each one carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. When golden brown on both sides and cooked through, transfer the fritters to a wire rack or plate. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the skillet and repeat with the second batch.
  6. Serve the fritters warm and, if desired, top with a dollop of sour cream, or add green onion and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick. 
  7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Notes

* For gluten free, use an equal amount of gluten-free bread crumbs. 

* For dairy free, substitute ¼ cup almond flour for the ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.  

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 2 fritters
  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 8 g
  • (Sat Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 639 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • (Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 4 g)
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 76 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians
Recipe By: Stacie Hassing