These crispy zucchini carrot fritters are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! Packed with fresh zucchini and sweet carrots, they make a great snack or side dish.
I’m always amazed at how something so crunchy can hide so many healthy ingredients. You won’t even notice you’re eating your veggies—until they’re all gone! 😂
Making these fritters is a breeze. Just mix, shape, and pan-fry them until golden. They’re perfect with a dip, or even on their own for a quick treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for these fritters. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. Just remember to squeeze out the moisture like you would with zucchini!
Carrots: Grated carrots add sweetness and color. You could use sweet potato or even parsnip for a different twist, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just note that this might change the texture a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness. Feel free to swap in a different herb like cilantro or chives, depending on your taste preferences!
How Do I Achieve Perfect Crispiness for My Fritters?
The secret to crispy fritters lies in removing excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating the zucchini, don’t skip the step of squeezing it in a kitchen towel. This is crucial for getting that crunch you want!
- Use a medium heat for frying; too hot and they might burn before cooking through.
- Form small, uniform patties. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it traps steam and makes them soggy. Fry in batches if needed!
Let the fritters rest on paper towels after frying; this will soak up any extra oil.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Carrot Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be making these delicious fritters in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to ensure your fritters turn out crispy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated carrots, flour, and Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it). Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Add the Eggs:
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Pour the beaten eggs into the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is combined and looking delicious.
4. Heat the Oil:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Allow the oil to heat up, but be careful not to let it get too hot—nobody likes burnt fritters!
5. Form the Patties:
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and shape them into patties. Carefully place each patty into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.
6. Fry the Fritters:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure they don’t burn.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once done, transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This keeps them from getting soggy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like sour cream, yogurt, or a tangy sauce. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful zucchini carrot fritters!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchini and carrots are featured here, you can try other grated vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or even summer squash. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture to keep them crispy!
How Do I Prevent My Fritters from Falling Apart?
To help keep the fritters together, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out moisture from the grated zucchini. Additionally, using just the right amount of flour and eggs will help bind the mixture. If they still seem too wet, you can add a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I Make These Fritters in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. Just be sure to stir well before forming the patties. Alternatively, you can fry the fritters in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or bake in the oven to restore their crispiness.
