Healthy Zucchini Fritters Side Dish Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Zucchini Fritters are a quick and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Light, crispy, and packed with fresh herbs, they make a great way to enjoy summer zucchini. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and use wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or almond flour for low-carb option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds richness and crispness)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray for pan-frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate the zucchinis and then squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with eggs, oat or almond flour, Parmesan cheese if using, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano or thyme, and fresh parsley or dill. Mix well until a batter forms.
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or spray with olive oil spray to coat the pan.
- Step 4: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter into the skillet for each fritter. Use the back of the spoon to flatten the batter into small rounds.
- Step 5: Cook the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the fritters from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini moisture thoroughly to ensure crispier fritters.
- Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version with a cheesy flavor.
- Add finely chopped scallions or chives for extra freshness.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- To make them gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of oat flour.
Storage
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to restore their crispiness, or microwave briefly if short on time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Cook the fritters just before serving for the best texture.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Place the fritters on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
Print
Healthy Zucchini Fritters Side Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and nutritious side dish, perfect for a quick snack or accompaniment to your meal. Made with grated zucchini, wholesome oat flour, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for added crispness, these fritters are pan-fried to golden perfection. They are lightly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and fresh parsley, creating a flavorful, low-carb option that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or almond flour for low-carb option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds richness and crispness)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Cooking Fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray for pan-frying
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchinis: Grate the zucchinis using a coarse grater and then place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible to prevent soggy fritters.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the eggs, oat flour (or almond flour), grated Parmesan cheese, plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano or thyme, and chopped fresh parsley or dill. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive batter forms.
- Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or lightly spray with olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form the fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop, drop the batter into the skillet and gently flatten each mound with the back of the scoop or a spatula to form round fritters about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the fritters: Fry the fritters for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm as a side dish or snack.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini to keep fritters crispy.
- You can substitute oat flour with almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free option.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice richness and helps create a crisp exterior.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to add other herbs or spices like chives or paprika for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: zucchini fritters, healthy side dish, low-carb snack, vegetarian fritters, oat flour fritters, pan-fried fritters
