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These zucchini patties (also known as zucchini fritters) are an easy way to use up fresh zucchini. They’re pan-fried to golden perfection and go great with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt dip, or tzatziki. Ready in under 30 minutes and picky-eater approved!
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Box grater or food processor
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
- Large bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
🧾 Ingredients (makes about 10 small patties)
- 2 medium zucchini (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Add grated carrot for extra color and sweetness.
- For gluten-free: use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can add feta cheese or shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Grate the zucchini:
Use a box grater to shred zucchini. Place in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. - Squeeze out water:
Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy patties! - Mix the batter:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. - Form patties:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and shape into small patties (like thick cookies). - Pan-fry:
Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan. - Drain & serve:
Place cooked patties on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon.
🧮 Nutrition (per patty – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~70 kcal |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Carbs | ~5 g |
| Fat | ~4 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Bake instead of fry: Place on a lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Add spice: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or a little cumin for extra flavor.
- Freeze & reheat: Let cooked patties cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
