Golden, crispy on the outside and tender inside, these zucchini fritters are packed with zucchini, cheese, herbs, and garlic. The cool creamy herb dip makes them even better!

Yield: 10–12 fritters
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

 Ingredients

Zucchini Fritters

• 2 medium zucchini, about 500 g
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

 Creamy Herb Dip

• ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise, optional
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp water, if needed

 Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini

Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater.

Place it in a bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt.

Let it sit for 10 minutes. Zucchini releases a lot of water, so this step is important.

2. Squeeze out the water

Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel.

Squeeze firmly until as much liquid as possible is removed.

Don’t skip this step—wet zucchini will make the fritters soft instead of crispy.

3. Make the mixture

Place the squeezed zucchini in a large bowl.

Add:

• Eggs
• Parmesan
• Mozzarella
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Dill
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Mix until everything is well combined.

Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. If it seems too wet to shape, add another 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs.

4. Shape the fritters

Scoop about 2 tbsp of mixture for each fritter.

Shape into small patties about ½ inch thick.

5. Pan-fry

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Place the fritters in the pan without overcrowding.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Make the dip

Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Add a little water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

7. Serve

Arrange the crispy zucchini fritters on a serving plate.

Place the creamy herb dip in the center.

Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve warm.

 Oven-Baked Method

For a less-oil version:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place shaped fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Lightly brush or spray both sides with olive oil.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Cook until golden and crisp.

🌬️ Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket.
3. Place fritters in a single layer.
4. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
5. Air fry for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Cook until golden and firm.

💡 Tips for Extra-Crispy Fritters

• Squeeze the zucchini very thoroughly.
• Finely grated Parmesan helps create a crisp crust.
• Don’t make the patties too thick.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Allow the oil to heat before adding the fritters.
• For even more crunch, replace 2 tbsp of breadcrumbs with panko.

Variations

 Feta Zucchini Fritters

Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta.

 Spicy

Add chopped jalapeño or ¼ tsp chili flakes.

 Zucchini & Carrot

Replace about ½ cup of zucchini with grated carrot. Squeeze out excess moisture.

 Mediterranean

Add oregano, feta, parsley, dill, and a little lemon zest.

 Nut & Allergy Information

The recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts as written.

Contains: eggs, dairy, and gluten if regular breadcrumbs are used.

Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and dairy-free yogurt for the dip.

For serious allergies, check packaged ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information.

 Recipe Q&A

Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart?

The zucchini probably contains too much moisture. Squeeze it very well and add enough breadcrumbs to create a mixture that holds together.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini is recommended. Frozen zucchini contains more water and can make the fritters difficult to crisp.

Can I make these without Parmesan?

Yes. Add a little extra breadcrumbs and mozzarella, or substitute feta.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate the mixture for up to about 24 hours in a covered container.

Can I freeze cooked fritters?

Yes. Cool them completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

How do I reheat them?

Air fry or bake until hot and crisp. This works better than microwaving if you want to keep the outside crispy.

How long do leftovers last?

Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

 Approximate Nutrition

Per fritter, assuming 12 fritters:

• Calories: ~100 kcal
• Protein: ~5 g
• Carbohydrates: ~6 g
• Fat: ~6 g
• Fiber: ~1 g

Nutrition is approximate and depends on the amount of oil and cheese used.

 Social Media Caption

CRISPY ZUCCHINI FRITTERS!

Golden, cheesy, crispy zucchini fritters served with a cool creamy garlic-herb dip! 🌿✨

Perfect as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or light meal. 😍

Save this recipe and give it a try! ❤️