These Zucchini Fritters with Creamy Yogurt Sauce are a perfect combination of crisp, golden fritters and cool, refreshing yogurt dip.
Packed with fiber from zucchini and onions, plant-based nutrients, and heart-healthy olive oil, they provide a nutritious yet indulgent bite.
Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill elevate the flavor profile while adding antioxidants, and Greek yogurt contributes protein and probiotics for digestive health.
Light, low in saturated fat, and full of vibrant taste, this recipe is ideal for everyday cooking, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
With a quick prep and a short cooking time, these fritters are both satisfying and versatile, serving well as a vegetarian main, side dish, or appetizer.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Box Grater
Shreds zucchini uniformly for even cooking. Also essential for grating cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Large Skillet
Provides an even cooking surface for crisping fritters to golden perfection. Perfect for sautéing, searing, or pan-frying various dishes.
Mixing Bowls
Ideal for combining wet and dry ingredients separately, then mixing them thoroughly. Multipurpose for salad, batter, or marinating.
Paper Towels or Cheesecloth
Essential for squeezing out excess zucchini moisture to prevent soggy fritters. Also useful for straining, patting dry, or wrapping ingredients.
Spatula
Gently flips fritters and flattens them for uniform cooking. Also versatile for mixing, scraping, and folding ingredients.
25-Minute Zucchini Fritters
Equipment
- 1 Box Grater
- 1 Large Skillet
- 2 mixing bowls
- Paper Towels or Cheesecloth
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
Creamy Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup 120g Plain Greek or Regular Yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Mint chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Dill chopped
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice fresh
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Zucchini Fritters:
- 3 cups about 360g Shredded Zucchini (2 medium, about 3/4–1 lb)
- 1/3 cup 45g Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt divided
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Mint chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Dill chopped
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1/3 cup 40g Fine Cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp 8g Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 Tbsp 45ml Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, parsley, mint, dill, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to three days. Preparing the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld and creates a refreshing accompaniment for the warm fritters.
- Shred and Drain the Zucchini: Use a box grater to shred the zucchini into fine strands. Place the shredded zucchini and finely chopped onion in a large bowl lined with a clean kitchen towel, paper towels, or cheesecloth. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the vegetables, gently mix, and then fold the towels over the top. Press down firmly to absorb excess moisture, then lift the bundle and wring out as much liquid as possible over the sink. Removing moisture is crucial to ensure the fritters become crisp rather than soggy.
- Combine Fritter Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, minced garlic, parsley, mint, dill, and black pepper until evenly combined. Fold in the drained zucchini and onion mixture, then gently stir in cornmeal, cornstarch, and baking powder until fully incorporated. The batter should be slightly thick but still moist, holding together when scooped for frying.
- Heat the Skillet: Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when the batter is added, which will help the fritters cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while maintaining a steady sizzle.
- Form and Cook the Fritters: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop or spoon, portion the zucchini mixture into the hot skillet. Gently flatten each mound with a spatula to form fritters about ½ inch thick. Cook without overcrowding the skillet for about 3 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side. Adjust spacing and heat as needed to maintain even browning and crisp edges.
- Serve and Store: Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with chilled yogurt sauce for a warm, crisp, and flavorful dish.Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and can be reheated in the microwave, air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes, or in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until crisp. Enjoy as a vegetarian meal, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded zucchini to prevent soggy fritters.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor; dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning and crisp edges.
- The fritters are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
- Yogurt sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a slightly lighter version, reduce oil for frying and pat fritters with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Chef’s Secrets For Crispy Fritters
The secret to perfectly crisp fritters is proper moisture control and even heat.
Squeezing out excess water from zucchini ensures a golden exterior and prevents soggy centers.
Using a combination of cornmeal and cornstarch adds structure while keeping the fritters tender.
Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill enhance both flavor and aroma.
Cooking in a preheated skillet with hot oil allows for even browning and a satisfying crunch.
Folding ingredients gently instead of overmixing preserves the delicate texture of the fritters.
Serving Suggestions And Pairing Ideas
Zucchini fritters pair beautifully with the creamy yogurt sauce, creating a balance of warm, savory bites and cool, refreshing tang.
Serve as a light vegetarian main course with a crisp green salad, or as an appetizer with roasted vegetable platters.
They also complement grain bowls, soups, or Mediterranean-inspired spreads.
For added texture, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top of the fritters, or drizzle a bit of olive oil before serving.
These fritters are versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
Storage Tips For Fritters And Sauce
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes, an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes, or briefly in the microwave for convenience.
Yogurt sauce should be kept in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Avoid stacking fritters when storing, as it may make them soggy.
For longer storage, freeze fritters individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these fritters vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt for the sauce.
2. Do I need a specific type of zucchini?
Medium zucchini works best as it is tender and has balanced moisture. Avoid oversized zucchini, which can be watery.
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Place fritters on a lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I prepare the fritters in advance?
Yes, the batter can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 1 hour. Cook just before serving for optimal crispness.
5. What can I serve instead of yogurt sauce?
Tzatziki, sour cream, or a light tahini drizzle works beautifully as alternative dips. Lemon aioli is also a tasty pairing.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by sallysbakingaddiction. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
