Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Corn Zucchini Fritters are the ultimate savory treat that combines fresh, healthy ingredients with a crispy, golden crunch. The zucchini keeps the fritters light and moist, while the corn adds a natural sweetness that balances out the savory seasonings. These fritters are versatile, quick to prepare, and can be customized with your favorite spices or herbs. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or even in a sandwich, these fritters are a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your meals.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is important to prevent soggy fritters.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, corn kernels, flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), eggs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but slightly sticky.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You can add more oil as needed while frying.
- Form the Fritters: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the fritter mixture and form it into a patty. Place the patty into the hot skillet and gently flatten it with a spatula. Repeat the process for the remaining mixture, ensuring there’s enough space in the skillet to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the Fritters: Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them carefully to avoid breaking.
- Drain and Serve: Once the fritters are cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8-10 fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Herbs and Spices: Add other herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro for additional flavor. You can also spice them up with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Cheese: For a more decadent fritter, try adding crumbled feta or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Vegan: To make these fritters vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based cheese if desired.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Add Protein: To make these fritters more filling, add cooked quinoa, beans, or shredded chicken for an extra protein boost.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover corn zucchini fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
FAQs
1. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the fritters ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. To freeze, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container.
2. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the fritter mixture.
4. Can I use a food processor to make the fritter mixture?
Yes, a food processor works great for grating the zucchini and mixing the fritter ingredients together quickly. Just be sure not to over-process the mixture.
5. Can I make these fritters without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese entirely if you prefer, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute if you’re looking for a vegan version.
6. How do I prevent the fritters from being soggy?
The key to crispy fritters is removing as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. After grating the zucchini, be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the fritter mix?
Yes, you can add grated carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to the fritters for additional veggies and flavor.
8. What can I serve these fritters with?
Corn zucchini fritters are perfect served with a tangy dipping sauce like sour cream, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or salsa. They also pair well with a light salad or a side of grilled chicken.
9. Can I make these fritters spicy?
Yes, to add some heat, you can mix in finely chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes into the batter.
10. Can I use other flour options?
Yes, you can use chickpea flour, coconut flour, or oat flour for different flour alternatives if you need gluten-free or alternative flours.
Conclusion
Corn Zucchini Fritters are the perfect blend of fresh, savory flavors, and a crispy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of zucchini and corn makes them light yet satisfying, and the easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite herbs and toppings for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try these fritters today and enjoy a healthy, flavorful bite!
PrintCorn Zucchini Fritters
Corn Zucchini Fritters are a crispy and savory treat packed with fresh vegetables. Combining the natural sweetness of corn and the mild flavor of zucchini, these fritters are light, nutritious, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters
- Category: Snack
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, corn kernels, flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), eggs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add more oil as needed while frying.
- Form the Fritters: Scoop 2 tablespoons of the fritter mixture and form it into a patty. Place the patty in the hot skillet and flatten with a spatula. Repeat for the remaining mixture.
- Cook the Fritters: Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the fritters.
- Drain and Serve: Place cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg and use plant-based cheese.
- For gluten-free fritters, use gluten-free or chickpea flour.
- Add other vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg