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Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters Recipe Easy Homemade with Garlic Aioli

crispy parmesan zucchini fritters - featured image

These crispy zucchini fritters are enhanced with Parmesan cheese and served with a creamy garlic aioli, perfect for a quick snack or side dish that’s both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis (about 500g/1 lb), grated and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (45g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying
  • For the garlic aioli:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, Parmesan, flour, eggs, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
  4. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the pan, flattening gently to form 3-inch rounds. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook another 3 minutes on the other side.
  5. Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven if needed while finishing the batch.
  6. While fritters cook, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  7. Serve the warm fritters with garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial to avoid soggy fritters. Use medium heat to prevent burning and do not overcrowd the pan. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before frying to hydrate the flour and improve texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour. Baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is a lighter alternative but less crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, Parmesan fritters, garlic aioli, crispy fritters, easy snack, vegetarian, homemade fritters