Ingredients
Zucchini Mixture
- 1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium)
- 1 small yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Dough & Seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon za'atar (optional)
For Frying & Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about ½ inch depth in skillet)
- Flaky salt, for serving
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini and onion: Set a strainer over a large bowl and line it with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a thin kitchen towel. Grate the zucchini and onion directly onto the cheesecloth. Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Then gather the cloth around the mixture and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the egg, whole milk, freshly cracked black pepper, ground cumin, and za'atar if using. Add the squeezed zucchini and onion mixture and combine well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Heat the oil: Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of a large, deep skillet and pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about ½ inch. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying to create a crispy crust.
- Fry the fritters: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully spoon ¼ cup portions of the batter into the hot oil. Using a fork, gently spread each mound into thin rounds about ¾ inch thick. Fry fritters until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and season: Transfer fried fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle them lightly with flaky salt to enhance flavor. Repeat frying with the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini fritters warm, accompanied by a bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy as a flavorful appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Notes
- After squeezing out the liquid from the zucchini and onion, ensure the mixture is as dry as possible to prevent soggy fritters.
- If za'atar is not available, you can omit it or substitute with dried oregano or thyme to keep the Mediterranean theme.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly crispy fritters.
- Fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for a short time while frying batches.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
