These Zucchini Fritters are the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something absolutely delicious! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, these fritters are an easy and satisfying dish that works as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. And let’s not forget the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce—cool, creamy, and the perfect dipping companion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Golden – Pan-fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior.
- Great Way to Use Zucchini – Perfect for summer garden zucchini or when you just have a few extra in the fridge.
- Easy and Quick – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy-ish Comfort Food – Light, flavorful, and packed with veggies.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make these fritters (full list below):
- Fresh zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
- Eggs to help bind everything together
- Flour and breadcrumbs for texture
- Parmesan cheese for an extra savory bite
- Garlic and green onions for flavor
- Yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice for the dipping sauce
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this helps the fritters stay crispy instead of soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Scoop small portions of the zucchini mixture and flatten them slightly in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the warm zucchini fritters with a generous dollop of the garlic-dill yogurt sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy texture!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini! The more water you remove, the crispier the fritters will be.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs for an extra light and crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the fritters in batches so they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Add More Flavor – Mix in a little crumbled feta or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra depth.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make It Gluten-Free – Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Add a Kick – Stir in a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheesy Twist – Try adding shredded mozzarella or feta for a melty, cheesy bite.
- Baked Instead of Fried – Place fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These fritters pair well with:
- A Fresh Salad – Serve with a light cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Poached or Fried Eggs – Turn them into a brunch dish by adding eggs on top.
- Grilled Protein – Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
- Extra Dipping Sauces – Try with tzatziki, sour cream, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate – Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Re-crisp them in a pan over medium heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as they can turn soft.
- Freeze? Yes! Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a pan or oven.
FAQs
1. Why are my fritters soggy?
Most likely, the zucchini had too much moisture. Make sure to squeeze it well before mixing the batter.
2. Can I use another vegetable instead of zucchini?
Yes! Try shredded carrots, sweet potatoes, or a mix of different veggies.
3. How do I make these fritters vegan?
Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the fritters right away, but you can store the batter in the fridge for a couple of hours before frying.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Fritters with Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce are crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, a side, or a light meal, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy every crunchy, garlicky bite!
PrintZucchini Fritters with Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce – Crispy, Flavorful, and Irresistible
Zucchini Fritters with Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce are savory, crispy patties made from shredded zucchini, fresh herbs, and a hint of cheese, paired with a tangy yogurt sauce infused with garlic and dill. This delightful combination makes for a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Zucchini Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Garlic-Dill Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Notes
- Variations: For added flavor, consider incorporating crumbled feta cheese into the batter or adding a squeeze of lemon zest.
- Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter with sauce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg