Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli are the perfect way to use up summer zucchini. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the crispiest fritters is to squeeze out excess moisture. The result? Golden, crispy fritters that are better than takeout. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Fluffy Jumbo Blueberry Muffins Recipe and Moist Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe.

What You'll Need for Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Additional chopped parsley and basil for garnish
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

1. Prepare zucchini: Grate zucchini, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix ingredients: Combine grated zucchini, Parmesan, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Form fritters: Form zucchini mixture into 1/4-cup portions, then flatten slightly to form patties.
4. Cook fritters: Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fritters and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Make aioli: While fritters are cooking, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve: Serve fritters hot with lemon aioli for dipping. Garnish with additional chopped herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Storing & Reheating Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare fritters up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to cook until ready to serve.

Freezing Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

Freeze uncooked fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat fritters in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat fritters in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through. This may make them soggy, so the oven method is recommended.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the zucchini mixture.
• Best substitution: Substitute grated carrots or sweet potatoes for zucchini to make different flavorful fritters.
• Make-ahead: Prepare fritters up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to cook until ready to serve.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If fritters are not crispy, try cooking them at a slightly higher temperature or for a longer time. If they are falling apart, add more grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli

⏱

Prep

20 minutes

🍳

Cook

15 minutes

⏳

Total

35 minutes

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Additional chopped parsley and basil for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare zucchini: Grate zucchini, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix ingredients: Combine grated zucchini, Parmesan, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Form fritters: Form zucchini mixture into 1/4-cup portions, then flatten slightly to form patties.
4. Cook fritters: Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fritters and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Make aioli: While fritters are cooking, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve: Serve fritters hot with lemon aioli for dipping. Garnish with additional chopped herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the zucchini mixture.
• Best substitution: Substitute grated carrots or sweet potatoes for zucchini to make different flavorful fritters.
• Make-ahead: Prepare fritters up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to cook until ready to serve.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If fritters are not crispy, try cooking them at a slightly higher temperature or for a longer time. If they are falling apart, add more grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
• Oven reheat: Reheat fritters in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat fritters in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through. This may make them soggy, so the oven method is recommended.
• Make ahead: Prepare fritters up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to cook until ready to serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sat. Fat: 4.5g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fritters with Easy Tangy Lemon Aioli and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!