These crispy zucchini carrot fritters are a yummy way to enjoy veggies! They’re golden and crunchy on the outside while being soft and delicious inside.
I love whipping these up for a quick snack or side dish. Kids love them too, and they won’t even notice they’re eating their veggies! 🥕🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and flavor. If you’re short on zucchini, yellow squash works well too! Just make sure to squeeze out the moisture to keep the fritters crisp.
Carrots: Grated carrots provide sweetness and color. You could use grated sweet potatoes or even butternut squash as a fun alternative.
Onion: A small onion enhances the flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use green onions or shallots instead.
Chemical leavening: Baking powder is optional but helpful for a lighter texture! If you want to skip it, just ensure you mix the batter well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but to keep it gluten-free, chickpea flour is an excellent option! It adds extra protein too.
Parmesan cheese: Adding Parmesan boosts flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can mimic that cheesy taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Fritters Are Crispy?
The key to achieving a crispy texture lies in how you handle the zucchini. After grating, it’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess water. This step prevents soggy fritters!
- After squeezing out the zucchini, let it rest a few minutes to drain further.
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the fritters. You can test it by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
Following these tips should lead you to perfectly crispy fritters every time!
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Carrot Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetable Mixture:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
Binders and Seasoning:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier fritters)
For Frying:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make these fritters is about 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix the batter, followed by another 15-20 minutes to fry the fritters until golden brown.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
First, grate your zucchinis and carrots. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This is an important step for getting crispy fritters!
2. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, grated carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley. Make sure everything is evenly mixed together.
3. Prepare the Batter:
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and then add the flour, Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create a batter.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the grated veggies. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the batter.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, so the fritters can fry evenly.
6. Fry the Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter and carefully place it into the hot oil. Use a spatula to flatten the fritters slightly to help them cook evenly. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crisp!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy zucchini carrot fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this tasty treat as a snack or a side dish!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful zucchini carrot fritters!
FAQ for Crispy Zucchini Carrot Fritters
Can I Use Other Types of Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in shredded sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or even spinach for a different twist. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from any veggies used to ensure crispy fritters.
Can I Make These Fritters in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Alternatively, you can cook the fritters in advance, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven or a skillet before serving to crisp them up again!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Fritters?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked fritters! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven for best results!
