Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe
If you’re looking for a snack or side dish that’s bursting with fresh summer vibes, this Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe is an absolute winner. I first stumbled upon it during a weekend with friends, and the way those golden fritters crispy on the outside and tender on the inside paired with green onions blew me away. They’re light, flavorful, and come together quickly, making them perfect for casual dinners or impromptu gatherings.
What I love most about this Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe is just how versatile it is. Whether you want a satisfying appetizer or a crunchy side to jazz up your weeknight meal, these fritters fit the bill. Plus, zucchini is incredibly affordable and available almost year-round, so you can enjoy this anytime. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something cozy yet fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of these ingredients work beautifully together to create fritters with the perfect balance of texture and flavor. When shopping, look for firm zucchinis without soft spots and fresh green onions for that vibrant bite.
- Zucchini: Choose medium or large ones that are firm and fresh for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Fine sea salt: Essential for drawing water out of the zucchini to ensure crispiness.
- Eggs: Helps bind the fritters so they hold together while frying.
- Green onions: Adds a mild yet zesty onion flavor that complements the zucchini perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that keeps the fritters intact and provides structure.
- Baking powder: Gives a light lift so your fritters are tender inside.
- Ground black pepper: For just a touch of heat and depth.
- Olive oil: Use good-quality oil for sautéing to get that beautiful golden crust.
- Sour cream: Perfect for serving alongside as a cooling, tangy dip.
Variations
I love how flexible this Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe is—you can easily add your own twist. Feel free to swap ingredients or add flavors based on what you’re in the mood for or what’s in season.
- Cheesy twist: I sometimes stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or feta for a rich, savory boost that makes these fritters irresistible.
- Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley work wonderfully for extra freshness—you can mix them right into the zucchini batter.
- Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour blends; the texture changes slightly but remains delicious.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream for serving.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Zucchini
Start by grating your zucchinis using the larger holes of a box grater. Once grated, sprinkle the zucchini with half of your fine sea salt and let it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This step pulls out excess moisture, which is key to getting those fritters crispy instead of soggy. Afterward, gather the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Trust me, the more moisture you remove here, the better the final texture will be.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your well-drained zucchini with the lightly beaten eggs, chopped green onions, flour, baking powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until you have a cohesive batter. If the mixture feels too wet and isn’t holding together well, add a tablespoon or two more flour—go by feel here rather than strictly measuring. The batter should be thick enough to scoop but not dry.
Step 3: Fry Your Fritters
Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Scoop batter using a spoon or your hands and gently flatten it into rounds about 3 inches wide. Cook them for roughly 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Keep the heat moderate so they cook through without burning. Once done, transfer fritters to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe

Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with these fritters—just a dollop of sour cream right on top or on the side. It adds the perfect creamy tang that cuts through the golden crispiness. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped chives or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. It really wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These zucchini fritters pair wonderfully with light salads, grilled meats, or even a bowl of soup. One of my favorite combos is serving them alongside a simple tomato and cucumber salad drizzled with olive oil and a touch of vinegar. They also work great as a snack with a fresh herb yogurt dip or alongside eggs for a cozy brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, I like stacking the fritters with layers of fresh greens and a smear of herbed cream cheese in between. Another fun idea is turning them into mini sliders by adding smoked salmon, avocado slices, and a hint of dill. Presentation definitely amps up the wow factor and makes this humble dish feel fancy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and often I do), store your cooled zucchini fritters in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. I always line my container with a paper towel to soak up any residual moisture and keep them from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing zucchini fritters is totally doable! After cooking, let them cool completely, then arrange fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (about an hour), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to 2 months and are perfect for quick snacks or sides.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is a hot skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. This crisps them back up nicely. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the fritters soft and a bit soggy. If you’re in a rush, a toaster oven works well too!
FAQs
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Can I make Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe without green onions?
Absolutely! While green onions add a subtle fresh bite, you can omit them or replace with finely chopped regular onions or shallots. Just adjust the quantity to your taste since some onions are more pungent.
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How do I prevent the fritters from being soggy?
The key to crispy fritters is draining the zucchini very well after salting it to remove excess moisture. Also, frying them on medium heat without overcrowding the pan allows them to crisp up perfectly.
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Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
You can bake zucchini fritters in a 400°F (200°C) oven on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be less crispy than pan-fried but still tasty and a bit lighter.
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Is it necessary to use baking powder?
Baking powder helps give the fritters a lighter texture inside. You can skip it, but expect the fritters to be a bit denser.
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What’s the best dipping sauce for zucchini fritters?
Sour cream is classic and complements the fritters perfectly. You can also try a garlicky yogurt sauce, spicy aioli, or even a fresh herb dip to mix things up.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely think this Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe is one of those hidden gems that you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for welcoming fresh produce into your kitchen routine. The way the flavors and textures come together is just so comforting. I encourage you to give it a try—you might even find it becomes your go-to quick bite, especially in the warmer months when zucchini is at its best. Happy cooking!
PrintCrispy Zucchini Fritters with Green Onions Recipe
Delicious and crispy zucchini fritters made with fresh zucchini, green onions, and a simple batter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal served with sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 fritters (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Zucchini Mixture
- 2 lb zucchini (about 2 large or 5 medium), grated
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Batter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Cooking & Serving
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Sour cream, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of the sea salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture.
- Drain the zucchini: After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. This step is critical to ensure your fritters are crispy.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, eggs, chopped green onions, flour, baking powder, ground black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Stir until well mixed into a thick batter.
- Heat the skillet: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini batter into the hot skillet, flattening them gently with the back of the spoon to form small patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top or on the side.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the zucchini as possible to avoid soggy fritters.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- The baking powder helps create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- These fritters can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) while cooking batches.
- Leftover fritters can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture retention.
Keywords: zucchini fritters, zucchini recipe, vegetarian appetizer, crispy fritters, summer squash fritters