Zucchini patties are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. They’re light, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making them perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Packed with fresh zucchini, herbs, cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning, these patties are an ideal choice for those who want a healthy yet satisfying dish.
Whether you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your meals or looking for a new vegetarian favorite, zucchini patties deliver both flavor and texture that everyone will love. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. These golden brown fritters are also a great make-ahead option for meal prepping or quick snacks. You can serve them with yogurt dip, garlic sauce, or a fresh salad. They are also kid-friendly and a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini during summer.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Oil for shallow frying (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater and place it in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over it, mix well, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- After resting, squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or your hands. This step is essential to ensure the patties hold together and turn crispy.
- Transfer the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Add the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley or cilantro, black pepper, remaining salt, red chili flakes (if using), baking powder, and green onions.
- Mix everything thoroughly until you get a thick and sticky batter. The consistency should be such that you can easily form patties without them falling apart.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of oil for shallow frying.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty using your hands or a spoon. Gently place it into the hot pan.
- Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking.
- Remove the patties and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.
- Serve the zucchini patties hot with your favorite dip such as tzatziki, sour cream, garlic yogurt sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice.
- These zucchini patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back their crispiness.
- You can also make a large batch and freeze the uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper for future use. Just thaw and fry whenever needed.
- These zucchini patties are a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a fun, crispy, and healthy form. They are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they’re bound to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.