Fried zucchini fritters are a timeless comfort food, loved for their crispy edges and soft, flavourful centres. This Spicy version adds bold flavours and extra texture by incorporating gram flour (besan), fresh aromatics, and colourful vegetables. The combination of grated zucchini, red pepper, optional chilli, garlic, and ginger creates fritters that are savoury, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying. Served with cool, creamy Greek yoghurt, these fritters strike the perfect balance between crunch and freshness.
This fried zucchini recipe is ideal for using up fresh zucchini and works beautifully as a snack, appetiser, or even a light meal. Thanks to gram flour, the fritters have a slightly nutty flavour and a crispier finish, making them irresistible straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium grated zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup gram flour (besan)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red pepper
- 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
For Serving
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: lemon wedges or fresh herbs
How to Make Fried Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Drain the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini; do not peel the skin, as it contains lots of nutrients. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Zucchini releases a lot of water, and removing this moisture is key to achieving crispy fritters. After resting, squeeze the zucchini firmly using your hands or a clean kitchen towel until most of the liquid is removed.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Place the drained, grated zucchini into a large mixing bowl. Add the gram flour (3 to 6 tablespoons), egg, chopped red pepper, green chilli, minced garlic, grated ginger, herbs, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix everything well until a thick batter forms. The gram flour helps bind the mixture while adding flavour and crunch. If the batter feels too loose, add a little more gram flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
For Pan-Fried Zucchini Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat fully before frying. A small drop of batter should sizzle immediately when added to the pan.
If you prefer them.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Add about two tablespoons of batter into the hot oil for each fritter, gently flattening them with the back of a spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce crispiness.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Remove the fritters and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them rest briefly so the crust sets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fritters hot with a generous side of Greek yoghurt, which provides a cooling contrast to the chilli and spices. You can enhance the yoghurt with a pinch of salt, grated garlic, or a drizzle of olive oil. A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds brightness and lifts the flavours.
Final Thoughts
These fried zucchini fritters with gram flour are crispy, flavourful, and packed with vegetables and aromatics. The addition of ginger, garlic, chilli, and red pepper gives them depth and warmth, while Greek yoghurt keeps the dish balanced and fresh. Simple to make and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a regular favourite in your kitchen.