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Crispy Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Fritters: Easy 15-Minute Recipe

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These crispy, cheesy garlic zucchini fritters are a quick and easy weeknight hero, made with simple ingredients like zucchini, cheddar, and pancake mix. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a light dinner, snack, or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total), grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup dry pancake mix
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and toss with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. After 5 minutes, transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel. Gather the corners of the towel and twist it tightly over the sink, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, beaten egg, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, pancake mix, minced garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs (if using). Stir until just combined.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, about 2-3 tablespoons. Let the oil get hot—a tiny piece of batter dropped in should sizzle immediately.
  5. Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, gently flattening each one with the back of the spoon to form a small patty. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt while they’re still hot. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

For the best texture, squeeze the zucchini very well to remove excess moisture. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure crispy fritters. A test fritter can help adjust seasoning or texture before cooking the whole batch.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, cheesy zucchini fritters, garlic zucchini fritters, easy zucchini recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian fritters, crispy fritters

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-cheesy-garlic-zucchini-fritters-easy-15-minute-recipe/