How to Make Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters:Step by Step Guide
You’re going to love these crispy zucchini corn fritters! I’ve been making them for years and finally jotted down all my notes and what I’ve learned to make them crispy. These are a summer staple for us when corn and zucchini are plentiful. We eat these fritters for lunch with a little tzatziki or for a light supper with a salad, you could also make mini versions and serve as an appetizer!
Also Read: Zucchini Ribbon Salad, Corn and Tomato Salad, Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients for Zucchini Fritters
You’ve got a few options my friend! My veggie mixture is a little bit different every time, depending on what I have on hand.
Consider swapping hot peppers, onions and herbs:
- sweet peppers
- in winter, swap fresh sweet corn with frozen corn
- add some feta, Parmesan or cheddar cheese – add about 1/4 cup in addition to everything else
- use a super hot, hot pepper for extra zing or omit the peppers and add a dash of cayenne pepper
- instead of dill use thyme or oregano
Tips for Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
To make zucchini fritters crispy, you need to follow a few important steps during the preparation and cooking process. Here are some tips to achieve that crispy texture:
1. Grate and Drain the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. After grating, sprinkle some salt (1/2 tsp/zucchini) over the grated zucchini and let it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture from the zucchini. After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fritters, so this step is crucial.
2. Use a Mix of Flour and Cornmeal or Breadcrumbs
For a crispy texture, use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal or breadcrumbs in the fritter batter. The cornmeal or bread crumbs add a nice crunch to the fritters, enhancing their crispiness.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the grated zucchini, flour and other ingredients to form the batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to gluten development in the flour, resulting in a dense and less crispy fritter. Mix the batter until everything is just combined.
4. Heat the Oil to the Right Temperature
Use canola oil or another high-temperature oil for frying. Heat the pan first, then heat the oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and starts to fry immediately, the oil is ready. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb more oil, making them greasy and less crispy.
5. Fry in Batches
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the fritters in batches, leaving enough space between each fritter so they cook evenly and get crispy. If the pan is overcrowded, the fritters may release more moisture, making them soft instead of crispy.
6. Use a Paper Towel to Absorb Excess Oil
Once the fritters are fried to a golden brown and crispy texture, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil, helping to maintain the fritters’ crispiness.
7. Serve Immediately
Zucchini fritters are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. As they cool down, they may lose some of their crispiness.
Psst! Don’t stress! If you don’t have the time, ingredients or patience to do this prep, don’t worry these fritters taste delicious no matter what!
What to Serve with Zucchini Corn Fritters
Zucchini corn fritters are versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some delicious options to serve with zucchini corn fritters:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces on the side. Popular choices include:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Salsa or pico de gallo for a zesty kick.
- Homemade tzatziki sauce made with cucumber, yogurt, and garlic.
- BBQ mayo or other suped up condiments.
- Sweet chili sauce for a touch of sweetness and heat.
- Hot sauce or sriracha for those who like things spicy
- Salads: Complement these fritters with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Or, a Mediterranean-style salad with salty feta, olives, and red onions could be a great match.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve the fritters with a side of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. The smoky flavors of the grilled veggies will complement the fritters nicely.
- Coconut Rice: Try serving zucchini corn fritters with coconut rice for a tropical twist. The creamy and slightly sweet coconut rice pairs well with the savory fritters.
- Pickles: Pickled vegetables, like pickled red onions or pickled cucumber, can add a tangy and crunchy element to your fritter platter.
- Soup: If you prefer a heartier meal, pair the fritters with a comforting soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup. The combination will make for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
- Bratwurst or Grilled Farmer Sausage: Get grilling and partner your fritter with your favourite grilled sausage or smokie.
Enjoy experimenting with different accompaniments and discovering your favorite combinations!
Recipe for Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup corn niblets
- 1 jalapeno pepper try sweet pepper or ghost pepper!
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup cornmeal or bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 egg
- 3 Tbsp canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Place grated zucchini in colander over bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, squeeze zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible.
- In large mixing bowl, combine drained zucchini, corn kernels, jalapeno, onion, garlic, parsley, and dill. Mix well.
- Add in flour, baking powder, cornmeal/breadcrumbs, black pepper and cumin. Stir just until mixed in.
- Stir in egg.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Then heat about 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium heat.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop a small amount of batter and carefully place in hot oil, flattening it slightly with back of spoon. Repeat, leaving space between each fritter.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and place on plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as tzatziki or BBQ mayo. (see article for ideas)
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Will you try zucchini corn fritters? If you do, take a photo, post it on Instagram and tag @getgettys so I can see it and like it! Let me know if you make any sauces on the side or how you like to eat them.
Made these for breakfast this morning. Wonderful recipe Getty. Served with my homeade chili sauce
Yahoo, so glad you enjoyed them. Homemade chili sauce sounds amazing!