Description
Delicious and crispy zucchini fritters made with fresh grated zucchini, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant dill. These savory pancakes are pan-fried to golden perfection and make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light meal. Served with a squeeze of lemon, they offer a bright and fresh flavor that complements the cheesy and herbal notes.
Ingredients
Zucchini Fritter Mixture
- 2 medium zucchini, grated to make 3 cups
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
For Frying
- 1/2 cup canola or grapeseed oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
For Serving
- Sliced lemon
- Additional crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Additional chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Mixture: Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl and add the chopped red onion, flour, baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and whisked eggs. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined to create the fritter batter. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Heat the Pan and Oil: Heat 1/4 cup of the canola or grapeseed oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter and oil to become hot but not smoking to ensure even frying and a crispy exterior.
- Cook the Fritters: Using a spoon, scoop about 1/4 cup of the zucchini batter for each fritter into the skillet, carefully shaping it into a round pancake. Depending on pan size, cook 2-3 fritters at a time without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Flip gently and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and golden.
- Continue Frying in Batches: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Add the remaining oil and butter to the skillet and repeat the frying process with the remaining batter until all fritters are cooked.
- Serve Warm: Serve the zucchini fritters warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill if desired, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and balance the flavors.
Notes
- You can use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini for convenience.
- For crispier fritters, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for added creaminess.
- These fritters can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
