These crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters are a tasty way to enjoy summer squash. They’re golden and crunchy with a cheesy kick that makes veggies fun!
When I make these, I often sneak a few bites before serving—oops! Try them with a dip or on top of a salad for a delightful crunch that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for medium-sized, firm squash. If you don’t have yellow squash, zucchini works just as well. They both have a similar moisture content and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste for a dairy-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for binding. If you need a gluten-free version, you can swap it with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep the texture in mind as it might change slightly.
Eggs: Eggs help hold the fritters together. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for binding.
How Do I Squeeze Out the Moisture from Squash?
Squeezing out the moisture from the grated squash is important for crispy fritters. Here’s how to do it:
- After salting the grated squash, let it sit in a colander for 10 minutes.
- Then, transfer the squash to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges to form a pouch.
- Twist the pouch over a sink to give a good squeeze and remove excess liquid. This step ensures your fritters won’t turn soggy when frying.
Doing this will make a big difference in the texture of your fritters—trust me!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 3 medium yellow squash, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 35 minutes. You’ll have crispy, delicious fritters ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by placing the grated yellow squash in a colander and sprinkling it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out any excess moisture, ensuring that your fritters are nice and crispy.
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After the squash has rested, take a clean kitchen towel or piece of cheesecloth and gather the squash inside. Squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as you can. The drier the squash, the better your fritters will turn out!
3. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed squash with grated Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, parsley (if you’re using it), black pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything well until it forms a consistent batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact.
5. Fry the Fritters:
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening each one slightly with the back of the spoon to form small patties. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
7. Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, and feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crunchy goodness of your crispy Parmesan yellow squash fritters!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a perfect substitute. They both have similar textures and flavors, ensuring you’ll still get delicious fritters.
What Should I Do If My Batter Is Too Wet?
If your batter seems too wet, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick but spoonable consistency. This ensures the fritters will hold together while frying.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before frying, as the ingredients may settle. Cooking them fresh is best for the crispiest texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help regain their crispiness.
