These zucchini fritters, or Buñuelos de Calabacín, are so light and fluffy that they’ll vanish before you know it! Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fritters are made with simple ingredients and are irresistibly soft on the inside with a crispy golden exterior. This recipe makes about 35 fritters, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini
(Grated, adds moisture and flavor to the fritters.) - 1 carrot
(Grated, adds a touch of sweetness and color.) - 1 small onion
(Finely chopped, for a subtle savory flavor.) - 150g flour (1 cup)
(Flour helps bind the ingredients together and gives structure to the fritters.) - 250ml water (1 cup)
(Used to make the batter light and smooth.) - 4 eggs
(Beaten, providing richness and helping to create the airy, fluffy texture.) - 50g butter
(Melted, for added flavor and softness.) - 5g salt (1 tsp)
(For seasoning and enhancing flavors.) - 10g baking powder (2 tsp)
(Use Royal or a similar type of baking powder to give the fritters a fluffy rise.) - 3/4 liter oil for frying
(Enough for deep frying; use a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Grate the Zucchini and Carrot:
- Grate the zucchini and carrot finely using a box grater. Place them in a bowl and set aside.
- Chop the Onion:
- Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the grated zucchini and carrot.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Make the Base for the Batter:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 250ml of water and 50g of butter to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the water is simmering, remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the Flour and Mix:
- Gradually add the 150g of flour to the hot butter and water mixture. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. The dough should pull away from the sides of the pan and form a smooth ball. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Incorporate the Eggs:
- Once the dough has cooled a bit, beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time. Stir until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. The batter will become soft and smooth.
- Add Baking Powder and Salt:
- Stir in the 10g of baking powder and 5g of salt into the batter. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Batter
- Fold in the Grated Vegetables:
- Add the grated zucchini, carrot, and chopped onion into the batter. Gently fold the vegetables into the batter until well combined.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, heat 3/4 liter of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of around 180°C (350°F). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats, the oil is hot enough.
- Shape and Fry the Fritters:
- Using two spoons, scoop small amounts of batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry Until Golden Brown:
- Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on the outside. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain the Fritters:
- Once the fritters are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the zucchini fritters hot, straight out of the fryer. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, sour cream, or a yogurt-based dip.
Optional Garnishes:
- For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over the fritters. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top while they’re still hot for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters:
- Fluffy Texture:
The combination of eggs and baking powder creates fritters that are light and airy, almost like little clouds! - Crispy Exterior:
Fried to perfection, these fritters have a wonderfully crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, vegetable-filled interior. - Easy to Make:
Despite their impressive appearance and taste, these fritters are easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. - Versatile:
You can enjoy these fritters as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course paired with a salad.
FAQs:
1. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add grated potatoes, spinach, or even corn to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly by squeezing out excess liquid from watery vegetables like zucchini.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on a stovetop to regain their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes! After frying, let the fritters cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen until crispy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Fritter):
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion:
These fluffy zucchini fritters are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or even a light main course, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today and watch these golden bites disappear in no time!
Bon Appétit! 😊