These crispy zucchini corn fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! With sweet corn and tender zucchini mixed in a light batter, they’re perfect for a snack or side dish.
Who doesn’t love a good fritter? They get golden and crunchy, and you might just find them disappearing as fast as you can cook them! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is essential for this dish. If you need a substitute, try yellow squash. They have a similar texture and flavor that work well.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn are both great. If you want a twist, you can use canned corn—just make sure to drain it well!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can replace it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Green Onions: These add a nice mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, regular onions can work, but use less since they have a stronger taste.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Fritters?
Getting your fritters crispy is all about moisture control and frying technique. The first step is to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Squeeze it dry using a kitchen towel. This keeps them crispy while frying.
- Heat your oil until moderately hot—this is crucial. If it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan! Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Don’t flip them too early; wait until they’re golden brown to turn. This helps maintain their shape and crunch.
Try these tips for fantastic crispy zucchini corn fritters every time!
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Frying and Serving:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream or yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need around 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you can enjoy these delicious fritters in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This helps ensure that your fritters will be crispy instead of soggy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared zucchini, corn kernels, eggs, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, baking powder, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed and keep it simple!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in a generous amount of oil and heat it over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, which helps fry the fritters evenly.
4. Shape and Fry the Fritters:
Using a scoop or spoon, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter and gently flatten them into round shapes. Carefully place them in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan—this allows for even cooking!
5. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent them from burning.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. This keeps them nice and crisp!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm with a side of sour cream or yogurt for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, golden zucchini corn fritters—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. Just give it a good stir before cooking, as some ingredients may settle.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or grated cheddar for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy taste without dairy!
Can I Bake These Fritters Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the fritters! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the shaped fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown.
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm them in a skillet over low heat or use a microwave, but keep in mind they may lose some crispness when microwaved.
