Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters are an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish, inspired by the expertise of a Turkish chef. This dish offers the perfect balance of crispy, savory goodness from the fried zucchini, combined with the nutty and rich flavors of Parmesan cheese. The zucchini slices are coated with a blend of breadcrumbs, paprika, and basil, giving them a delightful crunch, while the Parmesan elevates their taste. Serve these fritters with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a veggie-packed side, these zucchini fritters are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Zucchinis: 2 (medium-sized)
Salt: To taste

Black pepper: To taste
Breadcrumbs: 3 tbsp
Paprika: 1 teaspoon

Basil (chopped): A small handful
Parmesan cheese (grated): 70 g
Eggs: 2

Flour: 2 tbsp
Sour cream: For serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Start by washing and drying the zucchinis. Slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any water.

2. Season the Zucchini

Sprinkle the zucchini slices with black pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the fritters as they cook.

3. Set Up the Coating Station

In a shallow bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of paprika, chopped basil, and the 70 g of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

In another shallow bowl, lightly whisk 2 eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
In a third shallow bowl, place 2 tablespoons of flour. This will help the eggs adhere to the zucchini slices.

4. Coat the Zucchini

Take each zucchini slice and first dip it into the flour, making sure both sides are coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Next, dip the floured zucchini slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Finally, press the zucchini slice into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly. Repeat this process for all the zucchini slices.

5. Fry the Zucchini

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about 2-3 tablespoons).

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated zucchini slices in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Fry the zucchini for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the fried zucchini slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

6. Serve

Once all the zucchini slices are fried and crispy, serve them warm with a side of sour cream for dipping, if desired. Garnish with extra chopped basil or Parmesan cheese for an added touch.

Cooking Tips

Salting the Zucchini: Drawing out the excess moisture from the zucchini by salting it before frying helps achieve a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step if you want perfectly crisp fritters.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe as it melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated versions.

Pan Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot before frying the zucchini. If the oil is not hot enough, the zucchini may absorb too much oil and become soggy. A good way to check is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden within a few seconds.
Bake Instead of Fry: For a healthier option, you can bake the zucchini slices. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden.

Storage

In the Refrigerator: Store leftover zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven or skillet to restore their crispiness.

In the Freezer: You can freeze the zucchini fritters before frying. Simply coat them as per the instructions and then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry or bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 240 kcal
Protein: 9g

Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450 mg
Calcium: 150 mg

This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It’s also a great way to enjoy zucchini, which is low in calories but high in vitamins like vitamin C and potassium.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes! While Parmesan is recommended for its nutty flavor, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
- You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour or gluten-free flour mixes work well, and you can find gluten-free breadcrumbs in most stores.

Can I bake the zucchini instead of frying it?
- Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Simply bake the zucchini slices in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
What other herbs can I use?
- You can use a variety of fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or parsley, to change up the flavor. Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch to the dish.
How can I make the fritters extra crispy?
- To make the fritters even crispier, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko provides a lighter, airier texture that enhances the crunch.

Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters are a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings out the best of zucchini with the added punch of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. This quick, no-fuss recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and when you’re hosting guests. Whether you fry them for ultimate crispiness or bake them for a lighter option, these fritters will become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of tender zucchini and a crispy, cheesy crust makes for an irresistible bite every time. Don’t forget to serve with a generous dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for that extra indulgence!