Crispy Zucchini Fritters (Easy & Cheesy Recipe)

These Crispy Zucchini Fritters are packed with shredded veggies, melted mozzarella, and savory herbs. Golden on the outside and tender inside, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or appetizer.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a surplus of zucchinis in your fridge, wondering what to do with them, turn them into these crispy zucchini fritters! They come out perfectly golden on the outside with deliciously crispy edges, while the inside stays soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the veggies and herbs. It’s so tasty that you might be tempted to buy even more zucchini just to make these fritters!

I make these all the time when I want something quick but still satisfying. We love them on their own, hot out of the oven, but they’re even tastier with a side of tzatziki or sour cream on the side! And honestly, they never last long and I sometimes can’t help but sneak a few straight out of the pan to snack on. You’ll be tempted to do the same when you make them!

Why you’ll love these zucchini fritters

• Perfectly crispy texture – The outside gets beautifully crispy and golden, while the inside stays light and tender.
• Great way to use extra zucchini – As the weather starts to warm up and fresh produce begins to feel more appealing again, zucchini will start filling up your fridge in no time. If you end up with too much, turn them into fritters!
• Quick and easy – Comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Versatile for any occasion – These fritters can really do it all. Serve them as a light main dish, pair them with a salad for a quick dinner, or put them out as an appetizer with a dipping sauce when you have people over.

Ingredients needed

• 2 large zucchini: The base of the fritters, adding moisture and a mild, fresh flavor. Make sure to squeeze out as much of their juice so that the fritters don’t turn soggy.
• Shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color.
• Red onion: Brings a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the fritters.
• Eggs and all-purpose flour: Essential to bind the fritters together.
• Seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper): The Italian seasoning adds nice herby, savory flavor throughout, while salt and pepper make the flavors pop!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds richness and that irresistible ooey-gooey texture.

How to make zucchini fritters

Prep the zucchini

Shred the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. Then wrap it in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. If the zucchini is too moist, the fritters will be soggy. You should be left with about 3 cups of dried zucchini

Make the batter

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the shredded carrots, red onion, flour, all of the seasonings, eggs, and mozzarella cheese. Fold in everything together until combined.

Shape the fritters and cook

Form the mixture into balls and add to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use the back of a spoon to flatten out the tops slightly into small pancakes. Cook the fritters 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Finish in the oven

Transfer the cooked fritters on a wired rack placed over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then bake in the oven at 400°F for an additional 12 to 15 minutes.

Serve hot on their own or paired with tzatziki on the side. Enjoy!

FAQs for zucchini fritters

Why are my zucchini fritters soggy instead of crispy?

This usually means there’s too much remaining moisture in the zucchini. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing, as this makes all the difference for getting that crispy texture.

Can I make zucchini fritters ahead of time?

Yes! You can either prep the mixture a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge, or cook the fritters fully and reheat them in a skillet or oven to bring back their crispiness.

What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

Other mild cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend will work well. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses will slightly change the flavor.

How do I keep zucchini fritters crispy for serving?

After cooking, leave the fritters on the wire rack until you’re ready to serve, instead of stacking them immediately on a plate. This will prevent steam from softening the bottoms of the fritters. If you’re making a larger batch, you can also keep them warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet with a rack until ready to serve.

How to serve zucchini fritters

• Serve with tzatziki, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. A cool, creamy dip balances the crispiness of the fritters and adds a tangy contrast that makes each bite more satisfying.
• Pair with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and adds a refreshing element.
• Add to a brunch spread alongside eggs. These fritters fit right in with scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or breakfast potatoes for a savory brunch option.
• Serve with garlic aioli or spicy mayo. For extra flavor, pair the fritters with a bold dipping sauce that adds richness and a little kick.

More zucchini recipes

• Chickpea Zucchini Boats
• Easy Baked Eggplant, Zucchini, and Tomato
• Spaghetti Frittata with Zucchini, Peas, and Mozzarella

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