Crisp Greek Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Wide skillet
- Wire rack
INGREDIENTS
- 3 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup/95 grams self-rising flour
- 1 large egg
- 3½ ounces/100 grams feta cheese, grated
- 1¾ ounces/50 grams young provolone, grated
- 1 cup oil, for frying
Tzatziki:
- 2/3 cup/150 grams Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Grate the zucchini on the fine holes of a box grater or in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid.
- Combine the onion, dill, parsley, zucchini, garlic, salt, pepper, flour, and egg in a large bowl. Mix until just combined. Fold in the feta and provolone. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil, spacing evenly. Fry until deeply golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a rack to drain.
- Stir the yogurt, dill, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve fritters hot with tzatziki alongside.
FAQ
What is the best way to make the fritters crispy?
The most important step is removing excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing it into the batter. Grate the zucchini finely and then squeeze it thoroughly using your hands or a fine-mesh strainer to release water. Using self-rising flour helps give structure and a light texture, while frying in hot oil over medium-high heat ensures the exterior becomes golden and crunchy without overcooking the interior. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy fritters. Serve immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.
How can I make the Greek zucchini fritters vegan?
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. Use a plant-based cheese alternative for feta and provolone, such as almond or cashew-based cheeses, to maintain richness and creaminess. The tzatziki can be made with unsweetened soy, coconut, or almond yogurt. Frying and moisture-removal techniques remain the same. While the flavor will differ slightly from traditional Greek zucchini fritters, the dish will still deliver satisfying crispness and herbal notes.
Can these Greek zucchini fritters be made ahead of time?
The fritters can be partially prepared ahead of time, but for best results, it is recommended to refrigerate the batter for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape and reducing the chance of the fritters falling apart in the skillet. While the zucchini can be grated in advance and stored in the fridge for several hours, the fritters themselves should ideally be fried and served fresh. You can, however, reheat cooked fritters in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness if needed.
What is the ideal oil for frying?
Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is ideal for frying Greek zucchini fritters, such as sunflower, canola, or grapeseed oil. These oils allow the fritters to fry evenly without burning and provide a neutral flavor that complements the fresh herbs and cheeses. Olive oil can be used, but it has a lower smoke point and may darken too quickly, requiring careful temperature control. Heat the oil to medium-high, ensuring it is hot enough for frying but not smoking. Maintaining a consistent temperature prevents greasy, undercooked fritters and ensures a deep golden, crispy exterior.
How should Greek zucchini fritters be served?
The fritters are best served hot with tzatziki on the side, as the cool, garlicky yogurt sauce balances the warm, savory fritters. They pair well with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a simple Greek salad for a complete mezze-style meal. Using freshly grated cucumber and freshly chopped dill in the tzatziki enhances flavor and freshness. For a more authentic Greek presentation, you can also serve the fritters with grape leaves or a sprinkle of crumbled feta. Timing is important, as serving the fritters immediately after frying preserves their crispiness and makes the overall dish more enjoyable.
Can Greek zucchini fritters be made gluten-free?
Yes, the fritters can be adapted to a gluten-free diet by substituting self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a leavening agent. Rice flour, chickpea flour, or a pre-mixed gluten-free baking flour can provide similar texture and binding. Ensure the blend you choose can absorb the zucchini moisture adequately to prevent soggy fritters. Frying technique remains the same: medium-high oil, avoiding overcrowding, and serving immediately for crispiness. Although the flavor will remain very similar, the texture may be slightly less fluffy than with traditional self-rising flour, but still tender and flavorful when prepared correctly.
Can I freeze the fritters?
These zucchini fritters can be frozen, but they require careful preparation to maintain texture and flavor. To freeze, fully cook the fritters first and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat in a 350°F oven until crisp, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but the fritters will retain their flavor, and the accompanying tzatziki should always be made fresh or stored separately.
How can I make these Greek zucchini fritters healthier?
Consider reducing the oil used for frying or using an air fryer to achieve crispiness with less fat. Using low-fat feta or part-skim provolone can reduce calories while keeping the cheese flavor prominent. Baking instead of pan-frying is another option; shape the fritters on a parchment-lined sheet and lightly brush or spray with oil before baking at 400°F until golden. Incorporating extra herbs, such as parsley, dill, or chives, increases fiber and antioxidants without changing flavor. Serving with a yogurt-based tzatziki adds protein while avoiding heavy sauces.
