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)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Anna
    August 30, 2022

    I have so much zucchini to use up so we made these fritters for 3 days in a row now! They are absolutely fantastic! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2022

      That’s perfect! Enjoy the recipes!

      Reply

  • Celeste
    August 30, 2022

    Delicious and so easy to make!
    Thank You for sharing always being entertaining, witty and loveable!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 30, 2022

      Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Celeste!

      Reply

  • Julia Lutsenko
    August 30, 2022

    These are so addicting!! Every time I make them, I have to physically stop myself from stuffing my face!! SO SO good!! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 30, 2022

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Julia! I’m so glad you loved them!

      Reply

  • Judy Funk
    August 2, 2022

    the recipe says 3/4 cup flour, but directions say 1 cup flour.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 2, 2022

      HI Judy, We recently updated the recipe to 3/4 cup. After making it for years, we found it doesn’t need the extra flour and turns out just as good (I think better!) I forgot to update the written instructions to 3/4 cup.

      Reply

  • Marilyn
    August 2, 2022

    These sound delicious. Wondering if you could airfry them instead of frying in oil?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 2, 2022

      Yes, see my recipe notes under “common questions” for instructions on how to. 🙂

      Reply

      • Herman Hale, RN
        August 30, 2022

        these are beyond good … simple to make and delicious to eat!!!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          August 30, 2022

          Thank you for the good review!

          Reply

  • Nelya
    July 28, 2022

    We love these, including all my kids! I like to grate some regular onion instead of using green 👌🏼.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 28, 2022

      So glad to hear they were enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply

  • Rachel
    September 25, 2021

    What’s a good substitute for onion? My husband doesn’t like onions. Usually I leave them out but with this meal I think a substitute would be best. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 25, 2021

      Hi Rachel, the green onion is hard to detect if you can sneak them in but it does add great flavor. A little onion powder might work to add some of the flavor.

      Reply

  • Connie MacGillivray
    September 13, 2021

    Yum. I loved these. A lot. I could have eaten them one by one as they came out of the skillet. The only thing I changed was white onion instead of green…I didn’t have any. I will make these again and again…because I have a bumper crop of zukes. Yay.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 14, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed these fritters, Connie!

      Reply

  • Sue
    September 12, 2021

    Daughter: but, mom- you know I don’t like zucchini.
    Guess what – she likes these!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 12, 2021

      That’s lovely to hear! At least she tried and loved it.

      Reply

  • Linda Bonner
    August 17, 2021

    I made them today but they didn’t turn out great. I think that by the time I squeezed the water out, I had too much flour for the amount of “Z” I had left. When I tried to flatten them, my ice cream scoop stuck to the fritters. I will try again because I did taste a couple and they were good… lol

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 18, 2021

      I hope you give it another try soon, Linda!

      Reply

  • Irene Guerin
    August 16, 2021

    Just made these tonight and they were delicious! I didn’t have green onions so used a regular onion and added some parmesan cheese. Thanks again for yet another wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 16, 2021

      Yum! I’m totally craving these today! I’m so happy you enjoyed these fritters, Irene!

      Reply

  • Gloria
    August 6, 2021

    Hi. Can you freeze these?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 7, 2021

      Hi Gloria, I haven’t tried freezing these, but I would only try to freeze them already 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 iit can get a little soft/ floppy when stacked, cooled, and refrigerated.

      Reply

  • Nick
    July 23, 2021

    These are really easy to make and great to eat. For anyone having trouble getting them crispy enough, try putting them in an air fryer for a few minutes if you have one. I do that if I have to put some leftovers in the fridge.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 23, 2021

      Thank you for sharing that feedback, Nick! I’m so glad you enjoyed these!

      Reply

  • Beryl Parfett
    July 14, 2021

    Just curious I don’t see self raising flour used in your recipes, is it not used in America as it is in Australia?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 15, 2021

      Hi Beryl, we have cake flour that can at times be used for cakes but in most recipes we use regular all-purpose flour.

      Reply

      • Laura
        July 16, 2021

        CAUTION FRITTER MAKERS! Cake flour and self-raising flour are NOT the same.

        Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt. It comes with leavening agents already in the flour. In the United States, self-rising flour is used throughout the south and is widely available for purchase, even in stores in my mid-Atlantic part of the country. You can find a recipe for self-rising flour on King Arthur’s website (1 c flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1.5 tsp baking powder).
        If using self-rising flour, try adjusting Natasha’s Kitchen’s Fritter recipe by removing 1/4 tsp salt and all of the baking powder and substituting the self-rising flour…

        Cake flour, in contrast, is a low protein flour, e.g., 7-9% protein. (Most AP flours here in the states contain 10-12% protein). Don’t know about Australia, but many European flours contain more protein than ours. Cake flour makes for a lighter, airier cake. You can also make your own, typically by adding corn starch to AP flour… Check KAF website…

        Hope this helps…

        Reply

        • Natasha
          July 19, 2021

          You are correct, this recipe is not intended for self-rising flour. Thank you for sharing that tip.

          Reply

  • Fran Correnti Mandile
    July 13, 2021

    Just loved these fritters, I just made cuz I had the zucchini. I added a little parmigiana cheese on top while still hot from the pan.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 13, 2021

      Yum! The perfect way to use up those garden-fresh zucchinis! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Dragana
    June 28, 2021

    This is one of my favourite summer recipes. Thank you so much Natasha! I would make this all year long if zucchini was in season 😉 Instead of adding chopped green onion, I grate a regular onion; it seems to blend better with the zucchini and results in a better texture, in my opinion. Tip for beginners – I think it’s important not to overmix this, because the fritters can end up tough. The less I mix, the better the texture.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 28, 2021

      Yum! That sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Duckie
    May 20, 2021

    These are absolutely delicious! I used my salad spinner to get the moisture out of the zucchini. Takes a few spins,but awesome! Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 20, 2021

      We love our salad spinner! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Ome
    February 7, 2021

    OMG, my children ate zucchini 🥳
    This zucchini paddy’s receipt is a must try 👌🏻

    Reply

  • Maria
    December 9, 2020

    I love these. I am observing Keto diet so I actually used Oat Fiber instead of regular flour and it worked out wonderful. I also added shredded carrots just to kind of increase the volume and have enough for the people i have in my house :-). Delicious!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2020

      Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Maria! I’m so glad that substation worked!

      Reply

  • Suzanne
    November 22, 2020

    Hi Natasha

    I read another recipe for zucchini fritters using bread crumbs. Your thoughts on using bread crumbs instead of flour.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 22, 2020

      Hi Suzanne, I have not really tried that yet to advise, but we already tried and tested this recipe and it works so we’ve only been using this.

      Reply

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