Light, crispy, flavorful & the best way to use fresh zucchini

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of garden zucchini wondering what to do with it, these Golden Zucchini Fritters are about to become your new favorite recipe. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of fresh, summery flavor. What makes them extra special is the cool and tangy lemon yogurt dip—it’s bright, refreshing, and balances the warm fritters perfectly.

#Jumptorecipecard

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a light meal with a salad, these fritters always disappear fast. And the best part? They’re simple, budget-friendly, and surprisingly quick to make.

Why These Zucchini Fritters Are So Good

They’re crispy—not soggy.
By removing the extra moisture from the zucchini, you get fritters that actually crunch when you bite in.

Fresh summer flavor.
Garlic, zucchini, lemon, and yogurt… the combination is simple but so delicious.

Easy to customize.
Add herbs, feta, scallions, or even a little heat if you like.

Great as a starter or a meal.
Serve with dip for appetizers or pair with eggs or salad for lunch.

Ready in about 30 minutes.
A fast, satisfying recipe you can make any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini Fritters

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for sweating the zucchini)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (breadcrumbs or gluten-free flour also work)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for batter)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

Lemon Yogurt Dip

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters

Before You Begin:
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare bowls and cookware as needed. Cooking times and browning levels may vary depending on your stove, pan thickness, and zucchini moisture levels.

1. Prep the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Squeeze out excess liquid using a clean towel. The mixture should feel fairly dry so the fritters crisp properly.

2. Mix the Batter

Combine the drained zucchini, egg, flour, garlic, remaining salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix until just combined. The batter should hold together when pressed—add a small amount of flour if needed.

3. Fry the Fritters

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten gently.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the edges look golden and the center firms up.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

4. Prepare the Dip

Stir together yogurt, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and salt.
Taste and adjust lemon or seasoning depending on preference.

5. Serve

Serve the fritters warm with the dip.
Cooling for 1–2 minutes helps the texture set.

Serving Ideas

These zucchini fritters are incredibly versatile. Try them:

• As an appetizer with dip
• Alongside a crisp green salad
• Topped with a poached egg for a brunch dish
• With roasted vegetables
• In a pita wrap with lettuce and the lemon yogurt dip

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

• In the air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
• In the oven: 400°F for 5–7 minutes
• Avoid microwaving—they lose crispiness

Helpful Tips for Perfect Fritters

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each fritter space so it can fry, not steam.
• Use medium heat. Too low = soggy; too high = burnt outside/raw inside.
• Flip only once. Let the bottom get deep golden before turning.
• Add herbs if you want more flavor: dill, parsley, basil, or chives work great.

Variations You’ll Love

• Gluten-free: Use almond flour or GF breadcrumbs.
• With cheese: Add crumbled feta or shredded parmesan.
• Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Extra veggies: Try adding grated carrot, yellow squash, or scallions.
• Baked version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

FAQ

Can I make the batter ahead?

The zucchini will release water over time, so it’s best to mix the batter right before frying.

Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?

Yes! They won’t be quite as crispy, but baking works well for a lighter version.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Only if it’s thawed and squeezed extremely well. Frozen zucchini holds more moisture.

Can I make the dip dairy-free?

Yes—use your favorite dairy-free yogurt.

Conclusion

These Golden Zucchini Fritters prove that simple ingredients can turn into something truly irresistible. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for making the most of fresh summer zucchini. Paired with a quick lemon yogurt dip, they come together beautifully for a snack, appetizer, or easy meal you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Recipe Card Golden Zucchini Fritters with a Zesty Lemon Yogurt Dip

Author: Isaac Blogger

Course: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch

Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Category: Vegetarian Recipes, Summer Recipes

Method: Pan-Fried

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Fritters

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for sweating the zucchini)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs or gluten-free flour)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for the batter)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

For the Lemon Yogurt Dip

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Before You Begin:
Prepare cookware and ingredients as needed. Cooking results and browning times may vary depending on pan type, heat level, and zucchini moisture.

Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini
   Grate zucchini, toss with ¼ tsp salt, let rest 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid using a towel.
2. Make the Batter
   Combine drained zucchini, egg, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until it holds together.
3. Fry the Fritters
   Heat 1–2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Scoop batter and flatten lightly.
   Cook about 2–3 minutes per side, until the edges turn golden and the centers feel firm. Cooking times may vary based on heat and moisture.
4. Make the Lemon Yogurt Dip
   Stir yogurt, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and salt until smooth.
5. Serve
   Serve warm with dip. Allow to cool slightly before eating.

Notes

• Remove moisture thoroughly for best crispiness.
• Medium heat helps prevent burning.
• Add herbs for extra flavor.
• Baking option available (400°F for 20–25 min).

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat in air fryer or oven.
• Storage times may vary depending on moisture and container type.

Nutrition (per serving – 4 servings) approximately

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Description

Crispy zucchini fritters made from fresh grated zucchini, garlic, and simple pantry ingredients. Pan-fried to a golden finish and served with a refreshing lemon yogurt dip, these fritters make a perfect summer appetizer, brunch addition, or light vegetarian meal.