This homemade Zucchini Fritters Recipe is oh-so-easy to make and you’ll get perfectly crispy fritters every time. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is. 

We love zucchini recipes from Crispy Fried Zucchini to Zucchini Casserole. If you are a fan of zucchini recipes, this Zucchini Fritter recipe is a must-try.

Stack of zucchini fritters topped with sour cream and scallions

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Zucchini Fritters Recipe

We love growing squash in the garden, from Yellow Squash to Zucchini and Spaghetti Squash. If you grow your own zucchini, you know they mass produce. We love them fried, baked, grilled, and even in Vegetable Stir Fry. We are always on the lookout for creative zucchini recipes like this one; fun, simple and so tasty!

Zucchini Fritters have been a family favorite for years and a staple in our home all summer long. As soon as our zucchini are ripe, there is a batch of fritters sizzling on the stove. Here’s why you will love this recipe:

  • Kid-friendly – Our children love zucchini fritters which makes me feel so good knowing they are getting a healthy portion of veggies.
  • Great texture – Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and never soggy.
  • Versatile – We enjoy them for breakfast as an alternative to hash browns, for lunch, and even as a snack when the craving strikes.

Zucchini Fritters Video Tutorial

Watch Natasha make this easy zucchini fritters recipe. It’s such a simple recipe but worth discovering.

Ingredients

Zucchini fritters have simple ingredients. If you have the zucchini and green onions, everything else is just pantry and refrigerator staples. Scroll down to the print-friendly recipe card for ingredient quantities.

  • Zucchini – While you can use large or medium, I find that medium zucchini is best because the seeds aren’t as big and the skin is a little more tender. This makes a difference if you’re grating by hand.
  • Salt – I prefer cooking with sea salt, but table salt will do.
  • Eggs – Lightly beat these in a small bowl.
  • Green onions – Also known as scallions. You can substitute chives for a milder flavor if you’d like.
  • All-purpose flour – Just enough to hold the fritters together.
  • Baking powder – Key to a nice, light texture.
  • Ground black pepper – For a bolder flavor, you can use fresh, coarsely ground peppercorns.
  • Olive oil – As much as you need for sautéing.
Overhead view of ingredients for zucchini fritters

Pro Tip: The trick to getting these crisp around the edges is to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You can do this with your hands over a colander or using a cheesecloth. Homegrown zucchini tend to hold even more water, so you may need to toss in an extra zucchini just in case it shrinks down too much after draining.

Shredded zucchini in food processor

How to Make Zucchini Fritters

  1. Prepare the zucchini – Grate zucchini on a box grater or in your food processor, transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss it with a teaspoon of salt.
  2. Drain – After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini over the sink or through a cheesecloth to release the excess liquid. You’ll need to measure 3 1/2 to 4 cups of zucchini once it’s drained.
  3. Add egg and green onion – Stir the green onions and eggs into the bowl
  4. Finish the batter – Whisk together the dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir into the zucchini.
  5. Cook the fritters – Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add a heaping tablespoon of batter to the hot pan for each zucchini fritter. Flatten slightly, then cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, reducing the heat if needed.
  6. Serve – Plate the fritters and serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream.
6 photos showing process of making zucchini fritters

Pro Tip: I like to use a trigger-release ice cream scoop to easily scoop the mixture and create equal-sized fritters.

Common Questions

What are zucchini fritters?

Zucchini fritters combine shredded zucchini with flour, seasonings, and other ingredients to create crispy little cakes. In American cuisine, zucchini fritters rank up there with corn fritters and apple fritters as the most popular fritter recipes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this zucchini fritter recipe is easily made gluten-free by using a measure-for-measure all-purpose flour substitute.

Can I substitute yellow squash?

Yes, yellow squash is interchangeable with zucchini in most recipes, and it works here, too.

Can I make this in the oven?

While you can make zucchini fritters in the oven, they won’t be as crispy, so I don’t recommend it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled. To make cooking faster, you can use two skillets for cooking instead of one.

Crispy zucchini fritters in cast iron skillet

To Serve

Our favorite way to serve Zucchini fritters is for breakfast or brunch, paired with:

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt – dolloped over the fritters
  • Chives – a tasty and pretty garnish
  • Tzatziki Sauce – a great dip or topping
  • Marinara – warmed and served as a dipping sauce
  • Aioli dip – one of our favorite dips
Zucchini fritters on platter with cup of sour cream

Make-Ahead

Here are some tips to help you get a head start on your fritters.

  • To Refrigerate: You can grate the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. The finished zucchini fritters can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze zucchini fritters in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Reheat your fritters in a 350ºF oven until they’re warmed through, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave.
Closeup of zucchini fritters in skillet

These zucchini fritters are a great way to use up a bumper crop of zucchini from your garden. They are easy to make, perfectly crispy, and even kids love them.

More Zucchini Recipes to try

If you love this zucchini fritters recipe, then you won’t want to miss these zucchini recipes.

Zucchini Fritters Recipe

4.96 from 301 votes
zucchini fritters served with sour cream
Zucchini Fritters have been a family favorite for years and are a staple in our home all summer long. We love the crisp edges, tender centers and how easy they are to make.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people (makes 24 fritters)
  • 2 lb zucchini, about 2 large or 5 medium
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, divided
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • olive oil for sautéing
  • sour cream, to serve

Instructions

  • Wash zucchini and trim off ends. Grate on the large holes of a box grater or use the grater attachment for the food processor. Place zucchini in a large mixing bowl, stir in 1 tsp salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, squeeze handfuls of zucchini tightly over the sink to remove extra water. It helps to wring it out in a cheesecloth if you have one. It is impressive how much water comes out! You should end up with 3 1/2 to 4 cups of squeezed dry zucchini. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add 1/2 cups chopped green onion and 2 lightly beaten eggs.
  • In a small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup flour with 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or season to taste. Add flour mixture into zucchini mixture and stir until well combined.
  • Place a large heavy-bottomed cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat* and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini mixture a heaping tablespoon at a time** and flatten out the tops slightly to make them pancake-shaped. Sauté for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

*Cooking the fritters in 2 separate skillets will cut the cooking time in half.
**Use a trigger-release ice cream scoop to easily scoop the mixture and create equal-sized fritters.

Nutrition Per Serving

107kcal Calories18g Carbs5g Protein2g Fat1g Saturated Fat0.5g Polyunsaturated Fat1g Monounsaturated Fat0.01g Trans Fat55mg Cholesterol617mg Sodium524mg Potassium2g Fiber4g Sugar466IU Vitamin A29mg Vitamin C71mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
107
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
55
mg
18
%
Sodium
 
617
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
524
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
18
g
6
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
466
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
29
mg
35
%
Calcium
 
71
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Zucchini Fritters, zucchini pancakes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 107
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.96 from 301 votes (135 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Rebecca
    November 14, 2017

    Hello! How would I be able to cut this recipe in half? And make 1.25 pounds of zucchini instead?

    Reply

  • Linda
    October 18, 2017

    I just made these. Mine don’t look as good as yours do. I may have made them too big.. but they are sooooo good!! Thanks for this recipe.
    Linda

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 18, 2017

      You’re welcome Linda! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

      • Linda
        October 19, 2017

        My fritters were not crispy. Does that probably mean that I didn’t squeeze enough water out? Thanks

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          October 19, 2017

          Hi Linda, yes that is correct. The more water you are able to squeeze out, the better since zucchini’s are loaded with water and they juice out once they are salted. To get even more out, you could also squeeze it dry with a cheesecloth.

          Reply

      • Tatjana
        July 13, 2020

        These are absolutely delicious! I did add shredded carrots, and pressed garlic(because my family likes that) but even without it they would have been scrumptious! Very easy to make and they did not fall apart, like they do when I followed another recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          July 13, 2020

          I am so glad you loved this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us, Tatjana!

          Reply

  • Cristina Sanchez
    September 20, 2017

    Hi Natasha, I want to try this recipe, I love zucchinis!! Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 20, 2017

      Hi Cristina, I haven’t tried that but I think it would be a good experiment and healthier substitution!

      Reply

  • Murphy
    September 13, 2017

    Can you make this in advance at any step and chill/freeze?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 13, 2017

      Hi Murphy, If freezing, I would suggest only doing so after they are sauteed.

      Reply

  • Marion
    September 4, 2017

    The recipe looks amazing but is a bit large for my family, I know I can adjust to cut down the size but I am wondering how they freeze and reheat? Do you think they would be ok to put in the toaster to get the crispiness back?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 4, 2017

      Hi Marion, I haven’t tried freezing these but I would only try to freeze them allready cooked (never raw batter). We usually reheat and re-crisp on a dry skillet but I think a toaster could work unless. A skillet works better because they can get a little soft/ floppy when they are stacked, cooled and refrigerated.

      Reply

  • Oksana Karpov
    August 21, 2017

    Made these tonight and I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised! I didn’t really know what to expect from them. I figured they would be good, but not this good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 22, 2017

      I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Oksana! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    August 16, 2017

    Can’t wait to try these! Do you think I could sub gluten free flour?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 16, 2017

      Hi Lisa, one of my readers reported using gluten free flour with great results. I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

  • Yuliya
    August 16, 2017

    Ahhh I remember my mom would always make these and they’re so good! We always ate ate them so fast. She would put minced garlic in the sour cream. Amazing. I’ll have to make these for my husband!! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 16, 2017

      These are popular for good reason! Please let me know what you think when you decide to make them!

      Reply

  • Emily
    August 14, 2017

    Yum! I love how quick these were! I used Greek Yogurt to top them, for extra protein 😀

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 15, 2017

      Smart!! I love that healthy idea 🙂

      Reply

  • Christina
    August 11, 2017

    Wonderful!!!!!!
    Thank you for all the zucchini recipes! This one was SO good we made it, in multiple batches, for 2 days!! My 3 year old, 6 year old, and 8 year old all Inhailed them.
    Christina

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 12, 2017

      I’m glad to hear the whole family enjoys the recipe! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review Christina!

      Reply

  • Joyce
    August 11, 2017

    We have a garden that is producing a lot of zucchini and I made this recipe the other night. It was very good. The flavor was good. I did add a chopped up jalapeno (which are also growing in our garden) and it added a nice kick to them. Thanks again for the recipe. It’s a keeper.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 11, 2017

      My pleasure Joyce! I’mg glad to hear you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Irina
    August 9, 2017

    Thank you for the recepie. We love to add those to our burgers. You should try it Natasha)))

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 10, 2017

      My pleasure Irina! What a great suggestion! 🙂

      Reply

  • Pam
    August 9, 2017

    it’s impossible to follow along (for me) as the video is at warp speed. yikes.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 9, 2017

      Hi Pam, my social videos have to be that way since we have to keep them to 1 minute but the full length video can be found on my blog for every recipe where I talk through the steps so it is much easier to follow for actual cooking. Scroll to the top of this post and you will find the full length video. The full videos are also on our YouTube Channel.

      Reply

  • Iris Kraubner
    August 8, 2017

    Hi Natasha, Is it possible to use grated frozen well squeezed Zucchini! I have far to much zucchini and want to freeze them!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 8, 2017

      Hi Iris, I have never tried frozen zucchini on this to be honest so I’m not sure if they would be too juicy or not. I think it’s worth an experiment! Has anyone else tried frozen? Thanks in advance! 🙂

      Reply

  • LOUISE WINDER
    August 6, 2017

    Made these with Chia egg substitute (1 T. Ground chia seeds T. water/ egg) Very yummy. a little bland, but put home made tomatillo salsa on it and it was super yummy… would make some great veggie burgers.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 7, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Louise! Thanks for sharing your tips with other readers!

      Reply

  • Kaitlyn Proctor
    August 5, 2017

    Hi I tried these tonight for dinner and I have to say they were super yummy I added some bacon and cheese to mine. I was just wondering since these use eggs in the mixture when you fry it how do you know the middle part is cooked through and the egg is cooked through? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 6, 2017

      Hi Kaitlyn, if you make them the same way and cook them for the time specified, they will be fully cooked. If they are browning too quickly, definitely turn the heat down since you want to give them the full amount of time on the stove. Safe temp for eggs is 160 and these go well above that so that isn’t a concern. If you are worried about it, you can double check with an instant read thermometer.

      Reply

  • Lizzi
    August 2, 2017

    So I just made these, but subbed in Bob’s Paleo baking mix for the regular flour. Wow! Amazing! I’ve been on the hunt for a while this summer to find more zuke recipes. This will be a staple for the rest of the season for sure. Thanks so much for this super easy recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 2, 2017

      You’re welcome Lizzi! I’m so glad to hear you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Rita
    July 31, 2017

    I was wondering if I could make the batter in the evening and fry them the next day? Do you think they will taste the same? Are the freezer friendly?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 31, 2017

      Hi Rita, that won’t work well since the zucchini will slowly continue juicing out as the batter sits. We always make the batter and cook them right away.

      Reply

  • Nicole Niculas
    July 25, 2017

    Natasha,

    I have recently found your blog and may I say… I love it! My family is from Romania so our recipes are pretty similar. I just made these today and they are amazing!! Thank you so much for the recipe. You put in a lot of detail and very easy-to-follow instructions. Your website is great and God bless you and your family! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 25, 2017

      I’m so glad you found my site Nicole! Thanks so much for following and sharing your thoughtful comments! 😀

      Reply

  • Amelia
    July 25, 2017

    Just made these. I had a yellow squash and a zucchini. When I grated the yellow I avoided the larger seeds and just kept the pulp. It was a hit, even with the picky eater. I will make these again, and again and again. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 25, 2017

      My pleasure Amelia! I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

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