These Easy Zucchini Corn Fritters are a tasty treat! With fresh zucchini and sweet corn mixed into a crispy batter, they’re hard to resist. Perfect as a snack or a side dish!
Every time I make these, the family gathers around, ready to munch! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream—it’s an easy way to brighten any meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis bring a lot of moisture and flavor to these fritters. If you want a firmer texture, try using yellow squash instead. Both options work great!
Corn: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn kernels are a perfect substitute and save you time in prep!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a savory note. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for a gluten-free version, use almond flour or chickpea flour. They’ll change the texture a bit but still be delicious!
Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together. If you need an egg substitute, try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 mins).
How Do I Squeeze Out Moisture from Zucchini?
Squeezing out the moisture from zucchini is crucial to avoid soggy fritters. Here’s how to do it:
- After grating the zucchini, place it into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Gather the towel’s edges to create a pouch, then twist it to wring out the excess moisture. Do this over the sink to avoid a mess.
- Ensure you get as much moisture out as possible for crispy fritters!
This step is key for texture, so don’t skip it!
Tips for Perfectly Frying Fritters
Frying can sometimes be tricky, so here are some tips to help you get those golden, crispy fritters:
- Heat your oil properly before adding the fritters. It should shimmer but not smoke. A medium heat is often ideal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! It’s better to cook in batches to ensure the fritters fry evenly.
- Use a spatula to gently flip them to avoid breaking. Be patient; let them cook until golden before trying to turn.
These tips make all the difference in achieving that perfect crunch!
Easy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream or yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll need roughly 30 minutes to whip up these delicious fritters, and they’re ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Squeeze Out the Zucchini:
First, you want to get rid of excess moisture in the grated zucchini. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, gather the edges, and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This will help your fritters be crispy!
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini, corn kernels, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and baking powder. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and you have a nice batter.
3. Heat the Oil:
Next, pour a generous amount of olive oil or vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet for frying.
4. Make and Cook the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, use a scoop or spoon to drop about 2 tablespoons of the batter per fritter into the skillet. Carefully place them in the hot oil, and flatten them slightly with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough!
5. Drain and Serve:
When the fritters are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious zucchini corn fritters!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini Instead of Fresh?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini tends to hold more water, making it challenging to achieve that crisp texture. If you only have frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it.
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free zucchini corn fritters, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Both options should work well while keeping the fritters delicious!
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 preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crunch.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding grated carrots, bell peppers, or green onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from any additional vegetables as you did with the zucchini!
