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Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Homemade Garlic Aioli Dip

crispy parmesan zucchini fritters - featured image

These crispy zucchini fritters combine grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and simple pantry staples for a quick, flavorful snack or appetizer, paired perfectly with a creamy homemade garlic aioli.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 pounds / 700g), grated and squeezed dry
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying (extra virgin recommended)
  • For the garlic aioli:
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor into a large bowl (about 3 cups or 350g).
  2. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist tightly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible.
  3. Transfer the dried zucchini back into the bowl. Add grated Parmesan, flour, eggs, minced garlic, chopped herbs (if using), salt (about ½ teaspoon), and pepper (about ¼ teaspoon). Stir gently to combine into a thick but moist batter.
  4. Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3-5 minutes).
  5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter and gently flatten into rounds in the pan. Fry in batches without overcrowding, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula.
  6. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) if frying multiple batches.
  7. While fritters cook, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust garlic or lemon to taste.
  8. Serve fritters warm with garlic aioli on the side. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy fritters. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor. Fry over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let batter rest 5-10 minutes before frying for better binding. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese and dairy-free mayo. Air fryer option: spray fritters with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, Parmesan fritters, garlic aioli, crispy fritters, easy appetizer, vegetarian snack